Page 32 of Powerful Deception

The voice fades out and just like it said, a beep rings and the gates open.

Stepping through the gate is like stepping into a whole different world. The grounds that surround the house are endless. There is green everywhere and it's breathtaking.

It reminds me of a castle that could be owned by the royal family. My mind is blown that a place like this, a home like this, can actually be found in Chicago.

I’ve read a lot about Rosetti and his business this last week or so, but never did I think he would live in a place like this.

I want to take my time and explore it.

But that will have to wait, since a black SUV pulls up next to the now closed gate.

A bodyguard steps out and opens the back door for me. I hesitate for a second but get in nonetheless and just as quickly as it showed up, we are making our way to the house. Or the main house as the guard called it when speaking into a phone.

The main house can’t be seen from the gate so when it comes into view, I see that it’s breathtaking. Instantly, I love everything about it, and I haven’t even stepped foot inside yet.

I have to stand on the front steps for a minute just marveling at it.

If it looks like this at dawn, I wonder what it looks like when the sun is brightly shining.

How can someone that goes by the devil live here?

This French chateau style house, it’s beautiful and definitely made for royalty.

I guess in a way that is what my new boss is. Chicago royalty, but of the evil kind.

The front glass paneled door opens, taking my attention away from the exterior of the house. I look up and see Evelyn standing in the doorway.

She gives me a bright smile that tells me that her day started hours ago.

“Arianna. Welcome. I’m glad that you are here.” Evelyn holds out a hand for me to shake and I do.

“Ari. You can call me Ari and I’m happy to be here.”

Evelyn’s smile brightens up even more. “Ari. Why don’t you come in and we can go ahead and get started?”

With a nod, I follow her into the house and just like with the outside, I fall in love. It’s like a damn dream and I have to keep my gasps contained as I walk deeper into the house behind Evelyn.

I try to take in where everything is but the more I see the more I know it’s going to take me a few days to get the lay of the land.

“Do you plan to wear heels all day?” Evelyn asks, looking over her shoulder at me.

I stop and look down at my clothes, then look over at what she’s wearing. It’s almost identical.

A nervous chuckle escapes my lips. “No. Sorry. I didn’t know what else to wear and I didn’t want to come off as unprofessional.”

Even though I’m lying about who I am and why I’m here, I still want to be taken seriously.

I have to treat this just like any other job.

Evelyn gives me a small smile. “I’ll send someone out for some clothes. That way you’re more comfortable.”

“Oh, it’s fine. I can totally work like this.” I profusely shake my head, not wanting to take any handouts.

“I insist, you deserve to be comfortable on your first day.”

I want to argue but after a reassuring squeeze to my hand, I concede and take her offer.

We head into a room that turns out to be an office, her office and she has me sit down to fill out all the appropriate paperwork.

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