Peter and his men had set out for New York. The news of his departure startled the whole of San Francisco. Though the news wasn’t stated trust the media to get whatever information they wanted without even having to lift a limb. Some of them would actually have to go through all the troubles for some peace of information that wasn’t even worth one’s time.


    Peter, this time was clear of his ns. He recalled his discussion with Elvis.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    “Do you think she would just open her arms to you? Are you ready for your imminent rejection?” Elvis asked, his brow challenging his friend and an amused smirk on his face.


    Peter straightened his gait, staring at his hardened reflection in the mirror. His eye held a certain determination that killed any ounce of fear or weakness. He had sumbed to that way and it onlynded him into his failed and broken rtionship. And this time, he was going to set the wrongs right.


    “When did I ever I am not ready for a challenge?”


    “Really?” Elvis crossed his hands, ready to push further. “What if there is another man?”


    “That’s where my charmes in. Besides, I am not expecting her to open her arms to me again. I am going to win her back ”


    “I hope you do.” Elvis patted his back. “I’ll arrive a weekter, still have to get my things straight here.”


    Peter understood. Elvis couldn’t follow him immediately, despite how badly Peter wanted him to. If not for anything, for support. A support that he was currently relying on, even though he wasn’t real to himself.


    ——


    Peter sat in his seat on the airne, excitement and determination bubbling within him. This trip to New York was his chance to make things right, to mend the broken pieces of his past, and win back the love of his life, Lotus. As the ne touched down on the tarmac, a sleek ck car pulled up beside it, waiting to whisk him away to his destination.


    Stepping out of the car, Peter gazed up at the grand hotel that stood before him. It exuded luxury and sophistication, a fitting ce for a man of his stature. He checked in, his mind swirling with thoughts of the days ahead. He had already instructed his men to keep a close eye on Lotus, to keep track of her movements in case she resurfaced in New York.


    Exhausted from his journey, Peter sank into the plush bed in his hotel room. Unable to sleep, he reached for his phone and dialed a number, his voice filled with anticipation. “Make sure you let me know immediately if you spot her, no matter where she is,” hemanded his men before hanging up. With that, he drifted off into an uneasy sleep, his dreams filled with images of Lotus and the promises he hoped to keep.


    The following morning, Peter awoke to the bright cityscape of New York outside his window. Today was a new day, a fresh start for him. He smoothed his suit, reminding himself that sess was within reach.


    That evening, Peter found himself at a billionaire’s party, the room buzzing with the whispers of the elite. He sipped his drink, scanning the crowd for familiar faces. Amidst the sea of strangers, his eyes fell upon a man who seemed to be making his way towards him. The man introduced himself as Caleb, a fellow billionaire. For some inexplicable reason, Peter felt an immediate dislike for him. However, he knew better than to let his emotions cloud his judgment.


    Caleb, a cunning man with a hidden agenda, had spotted Peter from across the room. He approached him, a smile stered on his face, and extended his hand. “Peter, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard so much about your sess,” Caleb said, his voice dripping with false sincerity.


    Peter forced a smile, shaking Caleb’s hand. “Likewise, Caleb. It’s always nice to meet fellow business magnates.”


    As they engaged in idle chitchat, Peter couldn’t shake the feeling that Caleb had an ulterior motive. His instincts had rarely been wrong, and they were telling him that there was more to this encounter than met the eye.


    But thest thing he wanted was to be involved in any social ruckus, his major aim was to get Lotus back and Caleb wasn’t part of the list.


    —-


    George had been standing outside the party. Seeing Peter in New York made his blood boil.


    “What do you think of Peter?” Caleb asked George in hushed tones, leading him to a secluded veranda overlooking the city skyline.


    “He’s a formidable opponent, one that I wouldn’t think twice before I kill,” George replied, a malicious glint in his eyes. “His rise to power has been swift and relentless. He loves to take what’s mine.”.


    Caleb nodded in agreement, his mind buzzing with vengeful thoughts. “We must find a way to take him down, George. He stands in the way of our sess and also your way of getting Lotus back.”


    “That’s true, I need to get back to my room. there are some things I need to show you.”


    On getting to George’s room, the two men sat behind their desks.


    Together, they hatched a n, their voices barely above a whisper. The details wereid out, and the pieces of the chessboard carefully maneuvered to ensure Peter’s downfall and George’s chances of getting back with Lotus. The stakes were high, and the duo knew that failure was not an option. George had lost to Peter in the past and he didn’t want to lose to him again.


    “What would you do when you first get her?”


    “Keep her to myself,” George said, his voice thick.


    “Lotus isn’t a weakling and you know that. Well, she doesn’t have underground men that protect her all the time. I’ll make her mine even though I use force. I don’t care, but she would remain mine!”