Is this destiny?

Sarah agreed that letting Mia and Hunter handling Albert could be risky, but… "How else you test someone's sincerity? They obviously want an alliance. There is nothing we can do to make them owe us, and in a similar way, they are not necessary for us either. In order to develop mutual trust, we need to face a challenge together and confirm that the other side has the integrity to stick to the agreement."

"Together.", Aiden pointed out. "As long as some of our people are involved, I will be fine."

"If we involve our people to work with theirs, they will be more cautious and not show us their true colors."

Aiden exhaled helplessly when he heard that Sarah wants to allow Mia and Hunter to deal with Albert without their supervision. What if they are not successful? What if they betray them?

"You trust people easily, Sarah. Have some failsafe, will you?"

"I have a feeling about them. An instinct."

Aiden frowned in disapproval. "That instinct of yours can get us in trouble if your readings are off. Are you ready to bear the consequences?"

Sarah stopped walking, faced Aiden, and gently pressed her index finger between his eyebrows. His expression relaxed in an instant.

In his mind, Aiden heard Sarah's voice, 'You should not frown so much. You will end up with wrinkles, and then I will not think of you as handsome…'

That memory from his White Mercedes that happened four years ago, always puts a smile on his face.

"I remember a few years back a handsome young man approaching me, and my instincts told me to trust him. I showed him who I am and introduced him to my family and Eve, and I knew it will be alright."

As Sarah spoke, Aiden's lips lifted into a bright smile. He knew that she was talking about him.

"I am not saying that we should jump on this ship and hand them all our secrets and keys to the vault. But I want us to have an open mind.", Sarah said and before Aiden could respond, her eyes flashed when she remembered. "The vault! Mia said that they have their hands on a vast amount of secrets. Do you think they can help us locate the vaults that belong to the Council?"

Aiden stifled a laugh. His wonderfully pregnant wife was thinking about swiping things again!

…

~ Los Angeles, the Cliffside Villa ~

Later that evening…

The Cliffside Villa was livelier than usual due to the excitement which came with guests from Seattle.

Mia, Hunter, Max, and Liz gladly accepted the dinner invitation.

Of course, the kids from the Cliffside Villa were present as well. Everyone loves barbeque with bonfire.

They all introduced themselves to the guests from Seattle before proceeding with their activities as usual. The kids knew that if Sarah and Aiden need them, they will be summoned. Otherwise, they will give them privacy.

The kids were hanging out in groups, chatting in a lively atmosphere while waiting for the barbecue (aka dinner) to be ready. It was Francisca's and Azra's turn to help Matias (the cook) around the grill, and things were progressing smoothly.

JoAnna and Liz announced that everything will be ready for Vasily's surgery to happen on Friday (in two days). Until then, the two MDs will spend most of their time discussing the procedure and various fallback options, in case things don't go as planned.

Emma and Charlie also came, because Emma wanted to assist during the surgery. This was a good chance to meet with the neurosurgeon in charge (aka Liz), and to get some baby-free time.

Three weeks old Holly was fed and put to sleep, and her nanny was watching her at home so that Emma and Charlie can attend this dinner.

Emma, JoAnna, and Liz went to the study room so that they can discuss business away from the commotion.

"Are you sure you are fine?", JoAnna reluctantly asked Emma.

Emma confirmed. "I don't want to miss this. I will not be a burden."

JoAnna shook her head. "I never thought of you as a burden, Emma. You are an amazing friend and a stellar medical professional. My concern was if your body can take it. You had a baby and are still bleeding."

"My bleeding is like a light period. Since Holly was born, I'm not doing much and I am familiar with Vasily's condition, so… let me help."

JoAnna gave up. "Sure. Welcome aboard."

Liz approved. "The procedure will last at least three hours, and probably more. It will be good to have extra helpers so that they can take turns and rest when needed. My assistants will arrive tomorrow morning, so you can meet them in person."

As the three medical women started discussing the procedure again in the study room, Mia was with Sarah and Sophia next to the area where toddlers played in the garden.

Mia was hoping to play with leopards, but Kitty, Atlas, and Vega were perched up in the trees. They were aware that if they come down, toddlers will want to play with them, and three big cats were not willing.

"They are cute…", Mia said while watching Lia and Adam running after Alice and Jayden in a game of team-tag. Hero, Bella, and Luna were part of the commotion as well.

Valentin was too small to run. The five-months old was sitting and chewing on plastic toys that his nanny arranged around him.

Sarah smiled warmly while looking at the kids and rubbing her stomach. "Yeah. Soon, they will get reinforcements."

"Liz has a daughter…", Sophia said to Mia. "So, your baby will also have company."

Mia agreed. "Actually, in our circle of friends, Hunter and I are the only ones without a baby. There is a bunch of kids under three years old."

"That's good.", Sophia bobbed her head. "Your baby will learn from them and it will not get bored easily."

Sophia's happy mood fell when she saw that guys came out after changing clothes. Sweatpants and t-shirts. It was obvious they were ready to fight because they gathered around the fighting ring.

Max and Jeff entered the ring first. They were stretching while Michael (aka the referee) was explaining the rules.

Aiden and Hunter were eager to compare skills, and Charlie and Felix were next in line.

"I will never get used to this.", Sophia grumbled.

Sarah stifled a laugh. "It's good to steam out and it helps them stay in shape. There is no better motivation than a healthy competition."

Sophia exhaled dejectedly. "I can't watch. I will go and check on Anna, Liz, and Emma. Anything is better than watching this childish display of strength."

"They are in the study.", Sarah told Sophia who was already on her way into the villa.

Mia's gaze moved away from the fighting ring and she eyed Sarah. "I heard about your skills."

Sarah smiled smugly as she recognized the challenge in Mia's gaze. "Once we pop these babies out, I will be happy to give you some pointers."

Mia burst into a laugh. "Deal. Let's go closer to watch our guys. Hunter is a good fighter. I am curious to see how Aiden will fare against him."

Sarah got an idea. "Hunter is a good fighter? How about a bet?"

Mia was never the one to stand down from the challenge. "I am listening..."

---

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