CHAPTER 73: Double Life

Philip

[The other night]

An encrypted message from Mariano blinked on my screen, summoning me to meet at the secluded Neon River location. Despite still fuming from a heated argument with Sarah during our last encounter, I knew better than to defy Mariano's call. I rearranged my entire afternoon schedule to make it happen.

From Ethan's mansion, I drove to Neon River. Usually, I met with Mariano alone, without bodyguards, to maintain a low profile. Most people in Highland Hills know me, and drawing unwanted attention to Neon River could implicate me in unpleasant speculation.

Mariano's jet-black Aston Martin emerged from the shadows as I approached in a sleek silhouette. His assistant approached me and demanded, "Give me your keys."

I didn't get along with this lowlife; he was probably jealous of Mariano's trust in me.

Initially hesitant to relinquish control of my vehicle, my gaze shifted to Mariano seated inside, casually exhaling plumes of aromatic smoke through the partiall