Is this destiny?

Later that afternoon, several Jeff's men arrived to take four prisoners to a safe house.

Sarah knocked out prisoners with JoAnna's anesthetic, and Aiden, Felix and Jesse moved them to the underground garage from where Jeff's men took over. With that, four unconscious people were gone from the Cliffside Villa property.

Sarah looked at the departing cars and tried to imagine faces of those four people when they wake up in a 'normal room'. They will probably be relieved that they got out of the dungeon. Sarah frowned at the word 'relieved' which popped in her head… she needs to scrub that VR room well to make sure all the stench after those four is gone. The rain shower helped a bit, but just a bit… the situation in there is dire. She is NOT looking forward to that cleanup. Sarah was focused on getting rid of those four people, but now that she thinks about the mess they left behind, she feels like rushing after them to give them a good bashing!

JoAnna arrived with Bridgette before dinner, and less than ten minutes later Jeff and Steve arrived as well.

Sarah and Aiden told Bridgette and Steve to enjoy in the entertainment area on the first level underground while they take care of few things. Steve and Bridgette didn't object. They lit up at the sight of all the games that are available, and that sofa in front of a huge TV screen looks perfect for snuggling. Snacks and beverages are provided, so they didn't have any complaints at all.

"Take your time!", Bridgette cheekily said while getting cozy on the sofa.

Seeing Bridgette's excited expression while looking at Steve, Felix told himself not to overthink things.

Our team of six went to a meeting room on the sixth level underground.

"Before I forget…" Jeff pulled out of his briefcase a thick folder and placed it on the large oval table in front of Sarah and Aiden. The folder is filled with freshly-minted IDs and other documentation which provides background for the latest batch of kids (and Jesse) which Sarah and Aiden brought from Sierra Leone.

"Thank you, brother-in-law!", Sarah grinned while looking at the IDs.

Jeff listened to updates related to what they found out from four members of the Volkov family, and it didn't take long for all six of them to share an understanding of the incident and the events related to it.

"In the upcoming period, we will be digging out information on Lebedev and Volkov families.", Sarah told everyone.

"Where are our parents?", Jeff asked. He noticed their absence and that no one mentioned them so far.

Sarah explained that she had a confrontation with Stella, and they all agreed with a conclusion that is the reason why their parents left: they are not willing to disclose what they know, so in order to avoid further conflicts, they left.

"I have one update from my side." JoAnna chimed in while glancing at Felix nervously. "I spoke with Bridgette, and we agreed that she will continue to be my assistant."

JoAnna is aware that Felix is protective of his sister, and she is not sure how he will react to this.

"How much does she know?", Felix asked JoAnna.

"I told her that going forward, there is a risk of me being in more danger, and that she might be implicated as well. Also, that there will be more sensitive information to handle, and discretion will be expected. I didn't want to tell her the details, not before six of us discuss it first."

Jeff approved JoAnna's approach. He has an update related to his assistant as well: "I also had a talk with Steve. He will continue being my right hand."

"Oh! That is great!", JoAnna exclaimed. "Now that both of them are onboard, it will be so much easier for everyone."

Seeing that Felix does not object to Bridgette continuing to work close to her, JoAnna turned to Sophia. "Talking about assistants. How are you with Leah?"

Sophia understood that JoAnna is asking if she will explain to Leah about all this extra security and what it means, and also their move to Los Angeles. "I'm thinking of letting her go. For a while now she is distracted, and I have a strong feeling that she wants to leave as well, probably because of Isabella. But she is reluctant to speak out considering our history together. Leah will come for the wedding and I will talk to her then and see what works out. But I don't think she will be my assistant for much longer."

"I can help you get in touch with several qualified individuals so you can see if any of them work for you.", Jeff offered.

Sophia was grateful. "That would be great. Thank you. Can you find some candidates for Felix as well?"

Felix frowned, and Sophia didn't miss that.

"You need an assistant… it will help you handle menial tasks so that you can focus on what matters. I know you have bad experiences with David, but keep in mind that you didn't pick him. I kind of forced him on you, remember?" Sophia feels guilty for picking David for Felix without asking for his opinion. But she knows better now. Felix should pick, and she needs to stay out of it. "There are many other candidates out there. Jeff can help you find few with good qualifications and references, and you need to pick the one who will work for you."

Felix sighed in resignation and looked at Jeff. "I will be grateful if you find some suitable candidates for me as well." He confirmed Sophia's words, but he could not make himself sound enthusiastic about it.

"How about you two?" Jeff looked at Sarah and Aiden. "Need assistants?"

Both Sarah and Aiden shook their heads vigorously while trying to be as polite as possible during rejection of Jeff's offer. They do NOT need assistants. Everyone is forcing them to have bodyguards (which they still didn't get, if we exclude Jesse), and now they want them to have assistants as well? All those extra people are a burden… extras.

…

After enjoyable dinner, eight of them spent some time on the rooftop terrace. It was a pleasant atmosphere despite stressful events from previous day.

Sophia and Felix confirmed that they will stay at the Cliffside Villa for next few days (or until Sarah and Aiden kick them out).

"For now, I can work from anywhere, and Felix fell in love with Sarah's workshop.", Sophia explained.

Besides that, there is also the thing of Felix training with Aiden.

Sarah and Aiden assured them that it's not a problem, and they can stay as long as they wish.

Bridgette was happy to spend some time with Sarah and she was praising the house very much. Bridgette promised to come during daytime soon, so that she can see the landscape, and the birds.

Jeff and JoAnna went to their home, and Bridgette and Steve tagged along. It's faster with a helicopter.

Once guests left, Sophia and Felix went to their room and wished good night to Sarah and Aiden.

Sarah checked her phone. No missed calls or messages. "Do you think that old man and Charlie will come here?"

Aiden shrugged. "Probably not tonight. It's late."

Sarah agreed with him.

Aiden hugged her. "Are you ready?"

Sarah looked at Aiden and understood the meaning behind his question: is she ready to find out more about Lebedev and Volkov families?

She gazed at his deep dark eyes which reflected her image and she could see herself smiling. "With you by my side, I'm ready for whatever is coming."

Aiden liked her answer. His eyes narrowed due to his wide smile.

Two of them went to their computer room on the seventh level underground and they didn't come out until late into the night.