Page 163 of Cruel Devotion

For a brief moment, I imagined them coming to life, breaking free from their stone perches to soar high above the East.

I shook my head. “They really are incredible.”

We flew over the gates.

“Oh wow.” I inched closer to the window, completely awestruck by the scale and beauty of it all.

The buildings within the district were a cascade of different shades of blue, ranging from the palest teal to the deepest navy. It was as if the entire section of the city had been dipped in a spectrum of azure, each hue blending seamlessly into the next.

The sheer size of the area took my breath away. “This is. . .massive. I had no idea that it was bigger than all the other parts of Paradise.”

We descended further, and Lei reached over and held my hand. “I'm loving your reactions.”

“This is insanely cool.”

Below us, the streets were bustling with activity. Even from our lofty vantage point, I could see tiny figures in blue moving about.

There were several markets with colorful turquoise awnings and blueberry stalls. Further away, I spied winding coral alleyways with small houses that had ornate teal rooftops.

Lei gently squeezed my hand. “One day, we'll stroll the streets. There's so much to see and experience.”

“I bet.”

Lei's hand remained firm in mine as we continued to glide over the East.

Nestled amidst the sapphire, cobalt, and teal hues of the city stood a particularly striking building.

It was a marvel of indigo that seemed to capture the very essence of the sky at dusk. These odd lions stood on the roof, while these massive windows stood in the front, revealing the happenings on the inside.

Lei pointed to it. “So as far as the government is concerned, this is one of my family's main businesses.”

I read the huge title on the front.

Zhang's Fortune Cookie Company.

I grinned. “Really?”

“Yep. This was the first business my father used to launder money from weapon sales.”

I could almost make out the busy workers through the large windows.

Lei continued, “They make traditional fortune cookies there, but also special ones—chocolate-covered, with nuts, some even formed from candy.”

“That sounds amazing. Can anyone go there and purchase some?”

“Of course.”

“I'll have to grab some for my little sister, T.T. She would love that.”

“We can do better than that.”

I gazed over my shoulder. “What do you mean?”

“After everything is done, we can take you, your sisters, and especially T.T. on a tour of the company. She can sample anything she wants as much as she wants to.”

“Oh my God. She'll go crazy in there. Chloe too.” I returned to the window. “And thanks. That sounds like fun.”

“I'll make sure Chen sets it up for us.”

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