Ray knew exactly what she was thinking. Noah hadn’t been there last night. Maya continued, confirming Ray’s thoughts, “Keep your eyes on those who weren’t present last night, and fish out the responsible.”
Ray didn’t grit her teeth. Didn’t dare let her eyes cut to Angel’s as she continued,
“Take him with you,” she said, nudging her chin in Angel’s direction, and Ray finally looked at him. His eyes were trained on hers, his face expressionless as he heeded Maya’s words as well. Ray sighed but saw the smallest dip of his chin.This was their way to Sorin Ardelean.
“Your second task would be to find someone who can replace the Krafts.”
Ray’s eyes widened in surprise. Maya didn’t flinch at her expression, just looked at her husband. Alessandro spoke up for her, placing a hand on hers as his gravelly voice filled the air.
“An important pillar of our business has fallen.” He said and Ray’s eyes widened further. Even Kyle seemed to hesitate at Alessandro’s submission. As if noticing their reaction, Alessandro’s eyes cut to Angel’s. Not Martin, Ray noticed with slight intrigue and half pride as Angel straightened,
“Consider this a test of your loyalty to us.” He said, not a hint of hesitation in his voice, “There is no alliance without trust.”
How hypocritical,Ray thought as Angel nodded in response, tugging at the cuffs of his shirt before crossing his arms. Maya’s eyes turned to Ray’s then and she turned in response. Maya didn’t say a word, but Ray felt the touch of Kyle’s hand against hers. She breathed out, understanding the hidden intent in Maya’s stance.
Use this opportunity,she seemed to say and when Ray turned to face Kyle, he nodded, a small gesture even as his eyes remained cold,use it to understand them better.
So we can destroy them later.
It was then Ray knew that the Larsens never did suspect the Ravens killing June Kincaid. Instead, they were turning her death, using it to their advantage so they could emerge victorious and on top of the entire world after it all ended. Ray couldn’t tell if this was true cunning or just plain sick.
So, she just nodded.
Satisfied, Maya leaned back in her seat and looked at Angel,
“I apologize, I haven’t had the chance to meet your…” she paused, her brows scrunching as she looked at the people sitting at her table, “Friends?”
Angel didn’t seem offended. He just leaned back and turned to look at his group. They didn’t return his gaze. Just turned to face Maya and began, not a hint of smiles on their faces.
“You know me,” Luke Hawthorne’s tone was soft, borderline polite when he straightened. Maya nodded and he inclined his head in Angel’s direction, “I’m Luke Hawthorne. I’m his right hand.”
Maya’s eyes shifted to the boy seated beside him. He stared back at her with his unique eyes. They were colored brown with obvious green flecks shining through them as he tugged at his cuff links.
While Luke was wearing a stylish brown suit with a white shirt, Jack Davis wore a cotton white shirt topped off with suspenders. He tilted his head, his eyes shining with slight apology as he spoke,
“I’m Jack Davis.” He said and Ray blinked at the British accent that seeped through his words. Maya nodded but chose not to respond verbally, instead turning to look at the girl sitting beside Jack,
“Christina Morris.” She said, her voice louder than Ray had expected it to be. She had short, shoulder-length hair that was dark except for the first strands which were bleached white. They curved around her face beautifully, giving Ray a chance to see those hazel eyes glint under the sunlight as she leaned forward,
“Looking forward to my stay here.” She said, her voice polite.
Maya hummed then, and Ray had to stop the smirk that rose up her lips at the reaction Christina had caused.
She ducked her head, her eyes catching sight of the cold food before she snapped her gaze upwards. It was weird how Verana hadn’t said a word up until now, so Ray turned to her.
Found her glaring at Luke Hawthorne.
Ray raised her brows and turned to look at Luke. He was looking at Maya who had turned her head away to say something to Alessandro softly. Her gaze narrowed when she saw his serious expression crack just barely with a small smile.
Well,she sighed,this was great.
“Angel.” Maya began, turning to face him. Angel perked up, the ever-loving picture of the perfect “son” as she continued, “What about your mother?”
Only Ray saw him flinch, the barest of all reactions before he caught himself and reared back. His hands disappeared under the table as Kyle leaned in to whisper something in Maya’s ears.
“Ah,” Maya said, sounding apologetic as she looked back at him, “Your stepmother.”
Ray’s gaze narrowed, a slight rush of annoyance washing over her at Maya’s calculated move. Everyone knew about the Raven’s tragedy. It was no secret. And Maya was no fool. She grit her teeth as Angel’s eyes softened barely,
