The Traps of Black Swan

Shawn drove Aarvi to the Mocon mall. He didn't miss to notice Aarvi's excited joyous mood in the florist shop wasn't real, she was acting due to… Tia?

He was able to read her mood because she was letting him know instead of putting on a mask. He thought to let her focus on the problem after the lunch so he didn't probe her about it yet while Aarvi was zoning out repeatedly between their general talks. 

Both went to the private room of a restaurant in the mall. Shawn ordered for both before he looked at Aarvi whose worry was elevating. 

"Little Heart, what's wrong?" He tried to know what could worry her so much other than Leon, "You and Bro aren't the type to quarrel." He mumbled to himself. 

Aarvi didn't bother hiding it from Shawn who was concerned about her. She summarised everything in a line, "Tia isn't Tia."

The jovial mood of Shawn instantly dropped. He heard Aarvi briefing everything. Aarvi was afraid he was going to slit Tia's throat looking at his murderous gaze at the salad bowl so she had to calm Shawn quickly.

Aarvi, Shawn, and Dax were always protective of each other so it wasn't out of her expectation that Shawn lost his cool. Aarvi was level-headed, she wanted to be aware of fake Tia's intention before deciding how to make 'Tia' pay for her audacity.

Shawn could guess the reason behind Aarvi's patience so he tried his best to keep his cool. 

"This idiot really has bad luck in relationships," Shawn remarked in frustration thinking of Dax. He doesn't have tolerance like Aarvi so it was difficult for him to wait.

Both of their styles were different, Aarvi hunts her prey until the prey kneels down while he just squishes them like a bug. He gives trouble-free retribution whereas she makes them regret and die every day. It was worse than death.

Aarvi's well-manicured nails rhythmically tapped on the dining table forming a mysterious tone. Her voice sounded sinister while her lips' were in a lopsided smirk that looked vile on her petite face.

"I can send her behind the bar with just a call. Ruining her life is that easy for me."

'Tia' was an employee who signed employment papers submitting fake identity documents. So it was a piece of cake for Aarvi to handle Tia. 

So where did Tia get that courage to stick up with the shop for so long?

Nevertheless, the retribution of Tia won't be that easy. Probably Aarvi would have thought to let her off painlessly if Dax wasn't involved.

Two years! One should really commend Tia's patience. After such a long time, she got to visit Avron mansion, Skyarc penthouse, and know each of Aarvi's important connections excluding Zain Kelly. 

Anyway, Tia didn't know the most important thing yet. That's what Aarvi does in her private office. Entering Aarvi's office wasn't easy without leaving a clue or alerting Aarvi.

Is 'Tia' really smart?

Who is supporting her from behind?

Shawn knew Aarvi's wrath was going to be merciless on 'Tia' solely because of Dax. If Tia had any kind of games in her mind, Aarvi was going to make her repent without an ounce of pity.

Looking at her planning something without eating, "Don't blame yourself." He didn't want Aarvi to blame herself for not going through Tia's identity and background.

Thinking of which, he and Aaron had run a background check on Tia but they hadn't got anything special. The reports on Tia were very simple without any major events or hint of suspicions.  Tia lives with her mother and grandfather. She had lost her father and brother a long time ago.

Shawn decided to be on high alert as Aarvi was soon going to meet and face Leon and the latter would do anything to get rid of her. Her life was really at risk. 

With that, what really mattered during this time was everyone's safety. Leon Harmon was a man who steeps low to have control over his opponents. He often keeps his hand on the family members and friends as it would be the weakness of a person. 

Hence, as much as they focused on Aarvi's safety, Shawn and Dax had to keep themselves away from the problem. So that they don't weigh down Aarvi at crucial times. 

It was also his promise when Aarvi had accepted to speak with him and others. So at any cost, neither he nor Aaron or Dax could break it. 

They had expected Leon might kidnap Tia to get Dax and that would definitely make Aarvi submit to Leon's request. But who would have thought Tia Spencer would become a mystery and the chances of her being somebody's pawn was high.

Aarvi saw Shawn seriously thinking. She was enough to worry about all that as he already had lots on his plate. She petted his head purposefully to ruin his hairstyle, "You weren't responsible for their choices, Little Prince." She knew his friend well too. 

If not now, he would definitely chide himself for inviting Tia to his birthday and becoming her brother from another mother. Even though Shawn had thought Tia could change Dax, it was Dax's choice to date Tia hence she didn't want Shawn to feel sorry for it. It wasn't the time to be apologetic but to take care of Dax.

Shawn slapped her hand away and snorted. "Little Heart," He brushed his hair glaring at her. 

"I like messy hair." The spoiled voice of Aarvi sounded as she jutted her lips into a cute pout to curb the negligible anger of the Prince. She always loved how Aaron leaves his hair styled messily when he would be at home with her. "But Aaron looks best in this hairstyle."

She tried to lighten up the air for their lunch else both wouldn't have an appetite thinking about Dax and his reaction.

Shawn: "..."

The messy hair to Aaron softens his look so Aaron looks stunning. But the same messy hair look would make Shawn really look like the little prince Aarvi teases. He didn't want to look like a sweet chocolate boy. 

Hearing her remembering Aaron out of nowhere, he was kind of happy for his brother. Shawn looked right and swept his eyes around the corner. Then he turned left and repeated. Next, he peeked under the table and let out a shriek, "I lost my Little Heart. She was right here." She pointed to the chair where Aarvi was sitting.

Aarvi burst into laughter looking at his overacting. She really misses how Shawn, Dax, and she used to have fun in the country S. Even though there wasn't much difference from past to present, their responsibilities undoubtedly brought some changes.

Both started their lunch pulling each other's legs. Not too late, both heard knocks on the door. Instinctively turning to the door, they saw a grim man squinting his eyes at them.

Aarvi and Shawn's back stiffed as soon as their gaze landed on Dax. They weren't prepared to speak about Tia with Dax. 

After looking at Dax, the duo unknowingly blamed themselves for their negligence.

This wasn't the welcome Dax had looked forward to. He instantly felt something amiss looking at his two friends.