bChapter /bb16 /b

Aria switched to voice mode, slouching back with a sly grin. “Hey, what’s the vibe?”

“Boss!” a guy’s voice sted through, loud enough to wake the dead. “Two damn years, and I finally tracked you down!”

Thankfully, Aria knew his deal. She propped the phone on the table, letting him ramble like a kid hyped up on energy drinks.

This was White Fox, the go–to fixer for Solemnity Guild–juggling jobs, sniffing out dirt, and tying up loose ends.

70%

He said, “Ever since you ghosted us, Team Six has been a straight–up dumpster fire. Our perfect record? Donezo. Team One’s acting like they own us, calling us fleas–sayin‘ we’re all sh and no brains. The crew’s dying to throw down, but we’ve barely knocked out any missions.”

Aria kicked back, tearing into a bag of chips with a loud crunch. “Y’all are that useless nowi? /iGetting smoked and roasted?”

White Fox’s voice wobbled, practically in tears. “When you were calling the shots, we were untouchable. Anyone messed with us, we’d hit back harder. Now? Temm One’s got some new badass–guy’s a freaking beast. We’re toast.”

“Come on, boss,” he begged, voice dripping with desperation. “Bet civilian life’s dull as dishwater. Two years married, your wallet’s gotta be hurting, right? Come back, and we’ll split the cash 50-50. Bring your man, too–we’ll treat him like royalty.”

Aria’s voice went colder than a winter night. “I’m divorced.”

“No shot!” White Fox’s squeal could’ve cracked a windshield, torn between shock and trying not to cheer. “What kinda clown fumbled you?”

The guild had always danced on the edge of shady, but to keep Aria from walking, the bigwigs swore they’d clean up.

She didn’t bite. She bailed, and a monthter, dropped the mic: she was out. Why? To get hitched.

White Fox was grinning so hard one could practically see it through the phone. ‘Divorced? Hell yes, screw that loser!‘

He barely held back augh. “Boss, ditch that nobody. Come back. I’ll handle him–slice him up, easy peasy.”

“We just scored a job with a 150–million payday,” he dangled, voice smooth as silk. “Without you, it’s a coin flip. With you? We’re golden.”

Aria sipped her water, sauntering to the window to take in the city’s twinkling skyline. “I’m done for good,” she said, firm as steel.

No more blood–soaked brawls, no more life–or–death scraps, bno /bconstant paranoia about who’d get taken out next.

This chill, easy life? She was hooked. Even if it was ba /blittle… tame.

White Fox wasn’t giving up. “Boss, if you don’te back, I’m rolling into Mandino City. I’ll hunt down that ex and make him regret ever breathing. Cops’ll think I’m your new fling.”

“Then I’ll just drop you to clear my name,” Aria fired back, dry as dust.

“I’m begging, boss. On my knees, for realb!/b”

“Call me ‘queenb, /band it’s still ba /bbig fat no.”

Aria lounged in her chair, her voice smooth. “Oh, and one more thing–I need you to poke around for me. Three hundred grand, cash in hand.”

White Fox tensed, itching to brush her off but knowing she’d vanish if he pushed too hard. With a heavy sigh, he grumbled, “What’s bthe /bbdeal/bb?/bb” /b

“Blood Association’s got a price on my head Dig bup /bwho’s bankrolling the hit,

b“/bbNo /bbway/b!b” /bWhite Fox’s jaw dropped, his brows shooting up. “A hit on you? Those psychos at Blood Association must’ve lost itb!/bb” /b

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15:08 Mon, 26 May MT b· /b

i金/i70%全

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Still reeling, he scrubbed a hand through his hair. “Boss, you’ve beenying low for two years. Might be a little rusty. Let me watch your six–free of charge.”

Aria’s lips curved into a sly smirk, her tone cool as ever. “I’m good, thanks.”

She hadn’t missed a single day of training. Her current apartment, though, was a bust for setting up a proper gym.

She’d need to snag a new ce soon. The Cole family had her custom equipment tucked away, along with a few paintings.

Once she found the right spot, she’d move it all over.

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