Revenge is Best Served After Reborn (James)

"It's from Kiran," Colby said, handing an invitation to Sophie.

The card was sleek in black and gold, simply listing a time and a place. Sophie had seen Angelo's handwriting before, and she was surprised to find that Kiran, sharing the same body with Angelo, had such a completely different style. "Are we supposed to meet at this estate tonight?" Sophie wondered, hesitating. "Do you think it could be a trap?"

"Don't worry," Colby reassured her. "Even if it is, we've got it covered."

Kiran wasn't Angelo, and that meant they couldn't trust him entirely. They had to be ready for anything. Sophie nodded. "Good thing. I've got plenty to discuss with Mr. Angelo."

That evening, a sleek black Maybach rolled up outside the White family estate. It was clearly sent by Kiran. From the invitation to the transportation, Kiran had been steps ahead, fully aware of their recent activities abroad.

Sophie and Colby stepped into the car, one after the other. Kiran wasn't trying to hide anything, even acting as if the entourage Colby brought along didn't matter. Behind them, a convoy of more than a dozen stretch Lincolns followed. Just in case, Colby had brought over a hundred people with him.

Upon arriving at Kiran's new estate, a butler was already waiting to greet them as they stepped out of the car. "Mr. Angelo mentioned that today's meeting might take a while, so Mr. Colby's team is welcome to rest inside," the butler said politely.

Colby shrugged, "I've got more people than he might expect."

"No problem," the butler replied smoothly. "Mr. Angelo said the Pollard family can handle any number."

With that, Colby accepted the offer, and the car doors swung open. The Costello family's team, disciplined and well-trained, filed out and lined up behind Colby.

"We've come with quite a crew, so thanks to Mr. Angelo for accommodating us," Sophie said as she and Colby entered the estate, hand in hand.

In the back garden, Kiran's staff had

prepared a table, with guards on- duty around the clock. Both sides were cautious, each plotting their own defenses.

When Sophie and Colby arrived, Kiran welcomed them with open arms. "Please, make yourselves at home," he said.

Sophie and Colby exchanged a look before sitting across from Kiran, keeping a respectful distance. This was Sophie's first close encounter with Kiran, Angelo had always been loud and boisterous, his attractive features not quite matching his presence. But Kiran was different. Dressed in a sharp black suit and gold-rimmed glasses, his eyes hinted at calculation, and his every move was graceful and elegant, like a true gentleman.

To Sophie, he was a smiling predator, exuding danger with every breath.

"Ms. Sophie?" Kiran's voice broke her train of thought. He waved a hand to bring her back from her observations.

With a playful lift of his eyebrow, Kiran teased, "Ms. Sophie, if you keep looking at me like that, Mr. Colby might get the wrong idea."

"I was just thinking," Sophie replied smoothly, "Mr. Angelo is quite accomplished for his age, exactly as I imagined him to be."

In her mind, Kiran was just as she had pictured.