After dropping Ivy ho, Roderick returned to the bar with the intention to confront Elliot. He stepped inside and quickly scanned the lounge. There, among a lively group of people he recognized Elliot, laughing and enjoying drinks as if he had no care in the world.
Without hesitation, Roderick approached the group. "Can we talk?" he asked, his bringing the group’s attention to him while locking eyes with Elliot.
Elliot froze for a mont, clearly surprised to see him. After a brief pause, he nodded, excusing himself from the group. The two n made their way to the rooftop of the bar.
"What do you want to talk about? Is everything going well with you?" Elliot asked as he leaned casually against the railing.
"Are you seeing soone?" Roderick asked bluntly, cutting straight to the point.
Elliot raised an amused eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Why do you want to know?" he inquired, his tone laced with curiosity and a hint of suspicion.
Roderick held his gaze firmly. "Well, I saw you with a girl earlier," he explained. "The Elliot I knew always avoided dating. It just seed... out of character."
Elliot let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "You never struck as soone who cared about other people’s personal lives," he murmured, his expression turning thoughtful. "Why the sudden interest?"
Roderick didn’t reply imdiately, his eyes scanning Elliot’s face as if searching for answers. Sighing, he just rested his arms over the railing and leaned forward, watching the city lights before him.
"I was just surprised, that’s all," Roderick replied casually, brushing off the topic.
Elliot pulled out a pack of premium cigarettes from the inner pocket of his coat and offered one to Roderick. He accepted, and Elliot lit it for him. The faint glow of the cigarette illuminated their faces against the dim rooftop lighting.
"You didn’t beco the chairman. Honestly, I was shocked your grandfather didn’t choose you and instead gave the position to his daughter-in-law," Elliot remarked, exhaling a puff of smoke.
Roderick smirked faintly, placing the cigarette between his lips. "In his eyes, Layla is more capable than I’ll ever be," he replied evenly.
Elliot let out a low chuckle. "Seems like your young aunt managed to make quite an impression on him. I rember Layla from our university days. The Rosenzweig family always had rumors swirling around them back then and even a few months ago. And then it turned out Layla was actually their legitimate daughter. Did Orabela know any of this?"
Roderick’s expression shifted, his jaw tightening slightly as he glanced away. "Orabela didn’t know. Her real mother was the only one who knew the truth." He straightened his posture, tucking one hand into his trouser pocket. "But let’s not talk about her. I’m not seeing her anymore," he added, his tone firm, signaling the end of that particular conversation.
Elliot studied him for a mont, then nodded, understanding there was more to the story than Roderick was willing to share.
"Well, I used to date soone, but I can’t marry her," Elliot began, his tone calm but thoughtful.
"Why not?" Roderick asked, his brows knitting together in curiosity.
Elliot sighed, leaning back against the railing. "I didn’t feel truly happy when I was with her. Don’t get wrong—she’s a wonderful person. But I think we weren’t compatible enough to spend a lifeti together. I know I hurt her by backing out so suddenly, but I felt it was better to end things sooner rather than later."
He paused to take another puff of his cigarette before adding, "And as for the woman you saw with earlier, she’s my cousin. She just turned eighteen and wanted to co to the bar for the first ti. I couldn’t refuse her."
He realized how close he’d co to making a fool of himself. He was grateful he hadn’t confronted Elliot directly about his assumptions.
Roderick masked his reaction, keeping his expression neutral as he exhaled a slow puff of smoke. "I see," he said simply.
"You look quite different to . Has this transformation co from the recent incident?" Elliot queried, tilting his head slightly as he observed Roderick.
"Kind of," Roderick replied with a slow, subtle smile, his expression unreadable.
"It’s good to see you’re not the old Roderick anymore—the one who used to be carefree about everything," Elliot muttered thoughtfully, glancing toward the bar entrance. "Well, I should get back inside. My cousin... I need to keep an eye on her."
"You should go," Roderick said, his tone calm as he turned his gaze toward the city skyline. "I’ll stay here for a while."
Elliot humd in response, sensing Roderick’s desire for solitude. Without pressing further, he nodded and walked away, leaving Roderick alone on the rooftop, lost in his thoughts.
The phone in his pocket buzzed, interrupting his mont and he checked a ssage from his uncle.
"Rick, let’s do the project together. et tomorrow morning."
A smile ford on Roderick’s lips as he suddenly felt better.
~~~~
"Lucius refused to know about Tsar," Verona reported, her voice steady as she updated Carlo, the man who had orchestrated the earlier call.
Carlo chuckled darkly, the sound filled with amusent and nace. "How could I even think he would fall into this trap?" he muttered, shaking his head. He leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes fixed on Verona. "Verona, I have an important task for you. Do you think you can handle it?"
She straightened her posture, her tone unwavering. "I can do anything for you, Boss," she replied with confidence.
"Good," Carlo said, a sly smile curling his lips. "I want you to infiltrate Lucius’s base. Do whatever it takes to gain access and gather information. Be creative, be resourceful, and make sure he doesn’t suspect a thing."
Verona nodded, determination gleaming in her eyes. "Consider it done, Boss," she said with a confident gaze.
Carlo’s smile deepened. "I knew I could count on you," he said, his voice laced with both trust and expectation. "Don’t disappoint , Verona."
"I won’t, Boss," Verona replied and bowed to him before walking out of Carlo’s office.
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