The Traps of Black Swan

At Luxe A Salon,

Eliza Lane and Sara Dawson had walked out of the reception area but Dylan's eyes were glued on the girl in front of him.

The one who he thought was a smart but innocent naive girl was a confident and beautiful lady. She wasn't just pretty, she had a charm that either makes you delighted and calm forgetting the troubles or be more attracted to her mysteriousness.

One could waste time weighing if she was faking her expression or showing her real self. Nonetheless, you will fail to stop the arousing admiration.

For no particular reason, a thought appeared in his head, 'Right one for Aeon.' Of course, he wasn't an idiot to propose it or force them. 

He liked the new her, using her fortes to advantage without forcing herself to look what is not or change her appearance. 

After investigating so much about her, he could say she wasn't a simple Ava Kelly of the Kelly family but modern, stylish Ava Kelly of the golden trio, one who lived to her heart's expectation.

She had that attitude, the men will be attracted to her and have their eyes on her but wouldn't dare to make a move.

Seeing her nonchalantly without a hint of anxiety in his appearance, he realized she is also ready to face Leon too. She was playing hide and seek to let Leon look for her yet she will slip by his hand right in front of him.

He had just taken two steps towards Aarvi when he heard quick boots steps before a man stood behind her like a sword ready to pierce him at one wrong move.

Glancing at the man, Dylan looked at Aarvi again, she had the same expression, maybe when he was going towards her or when that man stood behind her. 

She didn't even bother to look who he was or what if he was Leon's man. Her confidence was unbreakable and her stubbornness hadn't changed a bit.

His eyes landed on the security camera before stopping her calm gaze. It was next to impossible for him to read her how much ever he tried. "Long time." He finally uttered.

He anticipated her response and she purposefully delayed. When he almost thought her voice box was destroyed in the Shipyard warehouse and she can't talk anymore, "Indeed." Her tone was euphonious.

His gaze which had unknowingly moved to her lips shifted back to her whole face. 'Blessing in disguise.' He thought hearing her more pleasant-sounding voice and vibrant appearance.

He noticed her lips curl up and realized she was playing him and he was unknowingly following it. He forced himself to stay focused, "I am sure you clear the proof of your appearance."

Aarvi understood the underlying meaning behind it. 'Is he really not going to tell Leon about her presence in the salon?' She thought.

Aarvi glanced at one camera before asking Dylan, "Is it working? I doubt."

Dylan was now curious about her identity. Controlling such a high-end salon was not a simple job. Anyway, if the camera isn't working, he doesn't have to bother about Leon finding out his talk with her.

He had very little time to talk as Eliza and Sara were in the car. So he wanted to choose the right lines and get the response he wanted, "How about a small chat with me? Tomorrow, 4:30 at Cafe Minato."

Aarvi's expression still didn't change a bit. If he was thinking he is testing her, he was extremely wrong. He wasn't serious about having a chat but he wants to know if she will collaborate with anybody to bring Leon down. 

Whereas Aarvi's aim was to know how he would react after stepping out of the salon. Till then she will know how smart Dylan Harmon is.

"Do you really think you have control over my game?" She asked, her eyes twinkled with unfathomable amusement.

Dylan's brow slightly moved up and his lips arced up in glee. The lady in front of him isn't smart but shrewd and quick-witted.

Aarvi continued when she noticed he had to leave, "I will decide when to chat and when to dispose of."

Aarvi felt like the smart one who is keeping Leon safe is Dylan where Leon always created problems. She had seen their working style, Leon barks while Dylan weighs down the plan before he takes action.

Dylan added with a hint of anticipation, "Then I will wait." Then he took a step back before turning and walked away.

…

Aarvi was about to turn and go to the private room reserved for her and Esme when the Shadow team captain asked, "Ms. Evans, your location is revealed." He meant to say she is in danger by Leon Harmon.

Aarvi paused. He was watching her while her brain worked before she gazed at him, "If you trust me, no need to be extra careful. If you doubt my judgment, double the security and keep an escape route ready."

She turned and left after giving the toughest puzzle to him. 

Does he trust her judgment? Yes, but in the mind game, anything can go wrong anytime so he wanted to increase security.

Won't that mean they don't trust her?

He trusts her but not Dylan Harmon. He convinced himself and upgraded the security protocol for Aarvi. All were eagles around the salon and about half a mile perimeter waiting for somebody who wasn't going to come.

---

Inside the private room,

Aarvi didn't have much to do while Esme, the queen of the entertainment industry, needed time as the duo spoke.

Aarvi turned down going for any facial treatment, closing her eyes to let somebody touch her? Probably she could do that only with Aaron.

Most of the time, Esme narrated how she annoys her husband yet he tends to her with all the patience. Milo Wen wanted to delay their wedding due to her career and she proved she still can have a career with the wedding. It's just that she has to play mature female lead roles.

Due to Esme's unspecified and varied time of shoots, the couple hardly gets the time and Milo Wen always made sure to drop a visit to her if she was on a night shoot.

Aarvi felt the couple too mature and very understanding. Esme was like her, mischievous but Milo Wen wasn't playful but never stopped Esme. The latter wants to have a baby but Milo Wen was again concerned with her career so they were delaying it.

After her change of identity and she got busy with work and Leon, Aarvi hardly cared about anybody, now hearing Esme, she felt like she was going back to normal life and could have friends too other than her two dumbos.

Aarvi suggested if Esme could go with her on the date and Milo can come with Aaron but they had different plans so both bid each other after spending four hours in the salon.

The Shadow team captain breathed a sigh seeing her safe and sound before he sent the excess security men away.

---

In the Mall of Mocon,

Aarvi got to know Aaron was in the mall before her. Naively giggling to herself. she was getting happy for a good evening with Aaron until she got to know there wasn't Aaron but Leon Harmon in his place holding a big tub of popcorn with a cup of mojito and coke.

Her heart wrenched when she couldn't reach Aaron and Leon stood there indifferently.