Eric and Sierra continued talking for a while, the atmosphere between them unexpectedly relaxed.
Just as their conversation began to settle into a comfortable rhythm, the sharp sound of a phone ringing cut through the air.
Eric glanced at his phone and frowned slightly before answering.
"Yes?"
An urgent voice came from the other end.
"Young Master Eric, your mother is asking for you. She said it's important."
"What is it this time…" he muttered under his breath.
He stood up, grabbing his coat in one smooth motion.
"I'll be there soon," he said before hanging up.
His gaze shifted back to Sierra.
"I'm really sorry. My mom is calling me," he said. "Should I call a car to pick you up?"
Sierra stood as well and shook her head.
"No need. But I need to know… can I trust you on this?"
Eric raised a brow, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"Of course. Not many people could get an offer from you.I guess I'm just lucky."
She scoffed.
"Stop flattering me and go home. Otherwise, your mom might drag you back herself."
Eric let out a small laugh before hurriedly leaving the room.
A few moments later, Sierra followed, stepping out of the restaurant.
A few minutes later, Sierra stepped out of the restaurant as well.
The evening had already begun to settle in, the sky dimming into nightfall.
She got into a cab and gave brief directions.
Throughout the ride, she leaned her head on the car window giving herself a time to think.
By the time the cab stopped, the surroundings had grown noticeably quieter.
"This is as far as I can go," the driver said.
Sierra glanced ahead.
Infront of her was a dark and long alley.
"Alright," she replied calmly, paying before stepping out.
The cab drove off, leaving her alone in the night.
She stepped forward slowly, the faint streetlight casting a dim glow over her face. The place was quiet… a little too quiet.
As she walked deeper inside, the sound of footsteps behind her made her pause.
She turned.
A burly man stood there, a dagger in his hand. His eyes carried a dangerous, almost excited look.
"Little girl," he sneered, "didn't anyone tell you it's not safe to walk alone at night?"
Sierra didn't panic. She didn't even think about running.
Instead, a small smile appeared on her lips.
Trouble?
It looked like he didn't understand who he was dealing with.
The man started walking toward her, and Sierra let him.
The moment he got close—
She moved.
Her leg shot up in a clean motion, sending a sharp kick straight into him. The force threw him off balance and onto the ground.
Sierra stepped forward slowly, her gaze cold.
"You really should've walked away," she said calmly as she walked towards him.
The man struggled, clearly suprised, but not completely out. His eyes filled with anger as he forced himself to move.
Before Sierra could react, he suddenly lunged forward.
His hand shot out, grabbing her leg and pulling hard.
Caught off balance, Sierra fell to the ground.
The man quickly pinned her down, a maniac laugh escaping him.
"Do you think that was enough?" he said, his voice rough. "I'll show you who you shouldn't mess with."
Sierra's expression didn't change.
Calmly, she moved her fingers, pressing lightly against a few points on his body.
He didn't notice.
He was too focused on himself.
Ten seconds.
That was all it would take.
The man suddenly grew more aggressive, tearing the top part of her dress.
Still, she didn't react.
Five…
Four…
Three…
In her mind, the countdown continued.
A gunshot suddenly rang through the air.
The man froze.
Then his body collapsed to the side.
Silence followed.
Sierra slowly sat up, her gaze landing on the lifeless body beside her.
"…What a waste," she murmured under her breath.
He would've been completely helpless in a few seconds anyway.
She stood up, brushing off her clothes before looking ahead.
A man in a black suit walked toward her, a gun still in his hand. From his posture and outfit alone, it was obvious he was a bodyguard.
"Miss, are you alright?" he asked.
"I'm fine," Sierra replied. "Thank you. I appreciate the help."
The bodyguard shook his head slightly.
"You should thank my boss.He is the one who gave the order.He is currently waiting for you in the car."
Sierra raised a brow and her eyes followed the direction he was gesturing to.
At the end of the alley, a black Rolls-Royce Phantom was parked looking out of place with it's surroundings.
For a moment, she considered refusing.
But curiosity got the better of her.
"Alright," she said. "I'll thank him."
The bodyguard led her to the car.
The windows were tinted, hiding whoever was inside. A soft click sounded as the door unlocked.
He stepped aside.
"I think he wants you to get in."
Sierra paused briefly, then opened the door and stepped inside.
The moment she sat down, she felt a cold and heavy presence in the car.
The man beside her leaned back lazily, yet there was nothing relaxed about him.
His suit was perfectly tailored, outlining his strong build. His features were sharp, almost flawless.
Without realizing it, she stared for a second too long.
"Enjoying the view?"
His voice was calm, but there was a hint of impatience in it.
Sierra snapped out of her reverie.
"Thank you," she said simply.
He glanced at her, clearly unimpressed.
"That's it?" he asked. "You think those words mean anything to me?"
Sierra met his gaze directly this time.
"Then that's unfortunate," she replied evenly. "Because that's all I have to offer for now."
"Then we'll consider it a debt," he said. "One you can repay it the next time we meet."
Sierra raised a brow slightly.
"That's if we meet again."
She opened the door and stepped out.
"For now, I'll take my leave."
She walked away without looking back, but she could feel his gaze following my her.
Her instincts told her one thing clearly.
That man… was not simple.
Still, she didn't stop walking or look back.
We won't meet again, she thought.
Behind her, the bodyguard glanced at his boss, a slight chill running down his spine.
Something felt different.
"Should I investigate her?" he asked carefully.
The man's gaze remained fixed on Sierra's fading figure.
"Yes."
His eyes removed from the direction she had left.
"Everything."