Chapter 101 Silver-Tongued
"The Lumina Vitae Foundation?" Carlos scratched his head. The name rang a bell.
Chase chimed in, "Remember the massage place we hit up before?"
Adeline raised an eyebrow. "Small world. You guys were our customers."
Carlos blinked in surprise. "Wait, wasn't it an old lady who did the foot massage?"
Adeline nodded calmly. "Yep, that was my grandma. It used to be a foot massage joint. But starting tomorrow, it's the Lumina Vitae Foundation. Funny how you tried to shake us down without even checking the client list."
Carlos felt a bit sheepish. "We're just trying to get by, but don't worry. We won't do it again."
Adeline grabbed the black bag next to her and raised an eyebrow. "Call me boss."
Carlos looked confused.
Luis, who had bad eyesight but quick reflexes, jumped in, "Boss."
"Report on time tomorrow," Adeline said, waving them off. "Now scram before the folks in Chrysanthemum Alley spot you."
However, Adeline spoke too late.
Vanessa, riding her electric scooter and heading to her night shift, saw the group and got spooked.
"Adeline, why are you out so late?" Vanessa approached, eyeing Carlos nervously. "If Summer doesn't see you soon, she might call the cops!"
She was clearly trying to scare them off.
Adeline just smiled. "Vanessa, it's cool. Just chatting with some friends."
Vanessa looked puzzled. "Friends?"
Adeline's recent company had been getting weirder and weirder.
Adeline patted Carlos on the back. "This is Carlos. Don't let his tough look fool you; he's actually a big-hearted guy and a well-known philanthropist around here."
The thugs were baffled.
"A philanthropist." Vanessa relaxed. "I thought he was here to collect on some high-interest loans. My heart was racing. We've had some shady folks around lately. You should come home earlier."
Adeline's smile didn't falter. "Yeah, I heard. That's why I called Carlos over to be our bodyguard for a few days."
"That's awesome!" Vanessa beamed at Carlos. "Great idea!"
Carlos thought, 'What can I say? Admit we are the shady folks? No way!'
"We'll definitely keep Chrysanthemum Alley safe from now on!" Carlos promised, thumping his chest.
Vanessa couldn't wait to spread the news to everyone in Chrysanthemum Alley.
The thugs, overwhelmed by her enthusiasm, were at a loss.
They ended up escorting Vanessa on her scooter as they left together.
Adeline stayed cool and collected.
But Charles, who had been watching the whole scene, couldn't help but chuckle. His deep, mesmerizing eyes sparkled, making him look even more handsome.
Once, only Adeline and Charles stayed here, he finally spoke, his voice smooth, "You really know how to spin a tale, calling them philanthropists?"
Adeline shrugged. "Desperate times call for creative words. Didn't want to scare Vanessa."
Charles's fingers played with his bracelet. "Do you know Luis?"
Adeline's gaze drifted, as if lost in thought. She replied vaguely, "He used to hang out with Robert in the same dump."
Charles's eyes darkened a bit. What did she mean by the same dump?
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