By the time the final property inspection concluded, the sun had already begun its slow descent toward the horizon.
It had been a surprisingly productive day.
West now had a much clearer vision of what he wanted to do with the various properties he had acquired. Some would become future Shadow Reapers facilities, others would remain long-term investments, while a few would eventually be developed into commercial projects that would generate steady income for the gang.
As the SUV merged back onto one of Misty High City’s main roads, Liz glanced toward West.
"You’ve been going non-stop since this morning."
West stretched his shoulders. "So have you."
She smiled. "Occupational hazard."
A few moments later, she pointed toward a warmly lit restaurant just ahead.
"We’ve both earned dinner."
West looked outside. "I was about to suggest exactly that."
"Great minds think alike."
The driver pulled into the parking lot, and the two entered the restaurant together.
---
The restaurant wasn’t overly luxurious, nor was it particularly cheap.
It struck a comfortable balance with warm wooden interiors and soft jazz playing in the background.
The aroma of grilled meat and fresh bread filled the air.
A hostess quickly escorted them toward a quieter corner booth.
After placing their orders, the atmosphere naturally became far more relaxed.
West leaned comfortably against the backrest. "I have to admit..."
"I underestimated how exhausting buying property is."
Liz laughed. "And that’s without handling the paperwork yourself."
"I’ll happily leave that to you."
"Smart decision."
Their drinks arrived a few moments later.
West raised his glass. "To productive days."
Liz gently clinked hers against his. "To productive days."
They both took sips and simply talked for several minutes.
The conversation drifted effortlessly between business and lighter topics.
West recounted how Jax had somehow convinced three recruits that becoming his roommate would improve their luck.
Liz nearly laughed into her drink. "He actually said that?"
"He even charged them for ’good fortune.’"
"No."
"Yes."
"What happened?"
"They eventually realized he’d been making everything up."
"And?"
"He refunded them."
Liz blinked. "Really?"
"...Minus what he called an ’administrative fee.’"
She burst into laughter. "I need to meet him again."
"You’ll regret saying that."
"He sounds entertaining."
"He absolutely is."
Their meals soon arrived and the conversation continued naturally.
Liz crossed one leg over the other. "You’re looking at me again."
West nodded without the slightest shame. "I am."
"Most men at least try to hide it."
"Why would I?"
"Because it’s rude."
West smiled. "No."
"What’s rude would be lying and pretending you aren’t one of the most beautiful women in this restaurant."
Liz opened her mouth... and closed it again... unable to find the words.
West chuckled. "See?"
"You’ve suddenly forgotten how to argue."
[ +10 Cuckpoints Acquired ]
She silently shook her head, trying to redirect her attention back to dinner.
For reasons she couldn’t quite explain, her fiancé’s words from several days ago resurfaced.
"You’re only human."
"I wouldn’t blame you... if you fucked someone else..."
She quietly tightened her grip around her fork.
’No...’ She thought. ’I’m not thinking about this here.’
Still... her thoughts drifted... to the man before her.
Because of ow easy it felt being around him... he made her laugh... he respected her and he was very smooth with his words...
The temptation was building and she wasn’t sure how long she could keep holding back... perhaps her fiancée would forgive her.
Liz was just about to break the silence but before she could say anything, three excited voices suddenly approached from behind.
"Excuse me!"
West turned around and spotted three young women stood there, each looking somewhere between twenty and twenty-three years old.
One clutched her phone tightly, qnother looked moments away from squealing while third finally gathered enough courage to speak.
"...Are you West Einstein?"
"The leader of Shadow Reapers?"
West smiled politely. "That would be me."
The three immediately erupted into excited chatter.
"I told you it was him!"
"You owe me lunch!"
"I knew I’d recognize him!"
One clasped both hands together. "We’re huge fans!"
Another nodded enthusiastically. "Seriously!"
"What you’ve accomplished is incredible!"
"You’re so young!"
"And you actually defeated Iron Vultures!"
"I still can’t believe it!"
The third looked at him with sparkling eyes.
"And..."
"...you’re way more handsome in person."
West laughed awkwardly. "I appreciate that."
"We’ve been following Shadow Reapers ever since the news!"
"Could we..." the first girl hesitated. "...take a picture with you?"
West glanced toward Liz who smiled at him. "Go ahead."
"They’ll never forgive themselves otherwise."
West stood. "Sure."
One by one... the three excited fans took photographs with him.
One insisted on a peace sign while aanother requested a thumbs up.
The third one nearly forgot how to operate her camera because she was too excited.
Before leaving, they all thanked him repeatedly.
"We’ll be cheering for Shadow Reapers!"
"Good luck!"
"Please don’t stop being awesome!"
West chuckled. "I’ll do my best."
Eventually... they finally left.
He returned to his seat with an exaggerated sigh. "...Phew."
Liz smiled knowingly. "What?"
"I never really considered what would happen after becoming popular."
She laughed. "It was inevitable."
"It’ll probably become even more common."
West groaned dramatically. "Aww..."
"Give me a break."
She smiled. "I’m serious."
"People admire success."
"You’ve become one of the city’s youngest and fastest-rising gang leaders."
"People are naturally curious."
West rested his chin on one hand. "Then I suppose I’d better enjoy ordinary life while I still can."
Liz raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I mean..." he gestured toward the restaurant. "Being able to sit quietly in places like this."
"I have a feeling that’s going to become increasingly difficult."
She nodded. "You might be right."
Both of them laughed and a comfortable silence settled between them as they resumed eating.
Liz slowly looked up, wanting to say something related to her fiancée words.
She opened her mouth. "West..."
But before she could continue, his phone vibrated.
West glanced at the screen and noticed that the caller was Yelena.
He answered immediately. "Hello?"
The moment the call connected... a soft sobbing voice drifted through the speaker.
West’s expression changed at once. "What happened?"
"Are you alright?"
Yelena struggled to compose herself. "I..."
"I don’t know."
"Can you come over...?"
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