Camila woke up around 7 o'clock. The weather was cold and snow had already fallen for some minutes. She took a hot bath and changed into jeans trousers and a round neck with a winter jacket. She healed her newly bought Chanel bag with pride as she descended the stairs. Where is Lincoln? She asked the nanny. Mrs. Pieces, he went for an appointment and would be back tomorrow night. The nanny answered with suspicious smiles. Camila ignored the smile because she knew the nanny was like a mother to Lincoln and has always taken care of him. Even though he was rough to women and monstrous with men, he was gentle and meek with this nanny. And the nanny had always wanted him to find a young and beautiful lady to settle down with. Mrs. Pieces, we are sorry but the boss has strict commands. You can't leave the house. One of the guards said, blocking Camila's path. Camila removed her phone and called Lincoln but he didn't pick so she texted him. I have to leave the house. There was no response for some time. Why? It's risky. Lincoln texted back. Lincoln, I have to leave. Just once. Lincoln didn't answer again but the guards received the message so they allowed Kamila to go. Why are you following me, Mrs. Pieces? You can only leave the house if we follow you. They started opening the SUV for her. One took the wheels while the other took the front seat. Kamila needed them to trust her so she asked for their names. Oswald and Allen, they responded. Oswald was masculine than Allen but Allen was more disciplined than Oswald. And they acted like siblings. Camila struck a conversation with them. They were reluctant at speaking but they opened up over time.
[ Camila's POV]
The cold air greeted me as soon as I stepped out, sharp against my cheeks despite the jacket hugging my body. Snowflakes fell lazily, melting the instant they kissed my skin. I clutched my Chanel bag closer, as if it carried more than just the things I needed—it carried a piece of my independence.
Oswald and Allen flanked me like shadows, silent at first, their eyes scanning every corner as though danger hid in the falling snow. Their presence was suffocating, but strangely comforting too. I couldn't help but study them—Oswald's broad shoulders made him look like a wall built to shield or cage me, while Allen's calm posture reminded me of a soldier who had vowed never to falter.
"So, how long have you both worked for Lincoln?" I asked, my voice softer than I intended, almost as if I was testing the limits of my leash.
They exchanged a glance, as though weighing how much to tell me. Oswald finally broke the silence, his voice low and coarse. "Long enough to know he doesn't like people disobeying him."
Allen, however, was gentler. "But long enough to know he doesn't let just anyone into his world either." His eyes flickered to me briefly, a spark of curiosity hiding behind his disciplined mask.
Their words made my chest tighten. I didn't know if I was someone Lincoln had truly let in… or someone he had simply locked inside.
I turned my gaze to the snowy streets rushing by outside the tinted window. Freedom was so close, yet it felt as though the SUV itself was another prison, and Oswald and Allen were my keepers.
Still, I smiled faintly, masking the unease boiling within me. "Then I suppose I should be honored," I murmured, though in my heart, I wasn't sure if it was an honor ,or if it was a curse .
We spent the first three hours of the journey shopping and visiting interesting sites in the city. Let's prank someone, I finally exclaimed. Halfway to the Shy Hills Studio. They were reluctant, but I gave them no option. So they joined me in pranking people by the streets and shops until linking called. Camela, according to my source, you are having fun. Linking said, straight ahead. Yes, I responded, sending a questioning gaze to Alan. He looked a bit ashamed, but I ignored his expression and continued to talk to linking with a cold voice. Why did you call me? Naxon, he responded and hung up. Oswald had a notification before smiling at me. I knew linking had done something. I curiously asked, what did he say? Let's continue to have fun until you want to go home, and we should. Oswald stopped in his words and replied, Naxon, that's all. That's your greatest mistake, linking. I said to myself before returning to my nonchalant expression. Guys, gather around. Let's pull one last trick. I said, clapping my hands. Let's pull the biggest and baddest prank for the day. I said in a vigorous tone. What's the plan? Alan asked. Alan, you'll be my driver. Oswald, I want you and some men of yours to attack the Echoes resource team. What? I can't do that. I have to inform boss immediately. You would do no such thing. I'm now your boss. I said in a very authoritative tone, which made it easy for me and difficult for them to transgress.