Chapter 14 Other identities?

"Alright, I'll give it to you—Nathaniel's got a pretty impressive profile. He's totally dad material for my future goddaughter," Sophia said, her mind racing with possibilities. "You can teach her all the self-defense moves, and I'll show her how to crunch data and hack like a pro..." "Hold up," Celeste cut in, massaging her temples as Sophia's enthusiasm bubbled over. "While we're on that topic, did you find any dirt on Nathaniel? Like, any other identities or something?" "Other identities?" "Yeah, like, isn't he the wealthiest guy in Sea City? Top ten globally? The youngest hotshot on the Forbes list, keeps a low profile but has a sharp business sense. His empire's grown exponentially over the last decade. Not much of a ladies' man, hardly any scandal." "Anything else?" "That's all! He's a straight-up businessman with high-level connections. I can't just go snooping around," Sophia replied, a hint of suspicion in her voice. "Why, you think something's off with him?" "I don’t know..." She just couldn't shake the feeling he wasn't just any ordinary businessman. Shaking her head, Celeste quickly wrapped up the call. She decided to put her suspicions about Nathaniel on hold; she could always investigate more discreetly later. Right now, finding the gang leader was the immediate concern. Based on Molly's intel, tonight was when the gang leader was supposed to meet his investors. He'd definitely send a trusted lieutenant to wait at the villa on the south shore. It was about time. Celeste made up an excuse to leave the villa, changed into her motorcycle gear, and roared off on her bike. …… Meanwhile... At the top floor of the Ford Group building, a man sat behind his desk, tapping his fingers slowly as he looked over at Felix. "The Black Bear gang's boss is on the run. Heard he was last seen around Sea City. Now, there's talk he's meeting someone at the south shore villa tonight, though the details are sketchy." "I'll handle it myself. We need to meet this guy," Nathaniel decided on the spot. The girl tied to the truth behind his parents' deaths was apparently the bridesmaid at the Black Bear gang boss's wedding, obviously holding a significant position in the gang. The boss might know more about her. To avoid tipping anyone off, Nathaniel had Felix drive a nondescript Mercedes toward the South Shore villa. As night began to fall, something occurred to him, and he sent a text. "Honey got tied up with something. I'll be late home tonight, don't wait up." Celeste glanced at her phone, the chewing gum in her mouth suddenly tasting sweeter. She texted back a simple "Okay" emoji, then briefed her headset, "Let's make it quick, I need to head home." "Don't worry, whoever shows up, we've got it covered." "I've just taken out the tires on one car... hold on, another one's getting away. Damn, that driver can really handle a wheel, dodged every obstacle. Celeste, you're up!" "OK, I get it." Celeste said as she snapped her helmet into place and fired up her motorcycle, charging straight toward the car up ahead. Anyone trying to access the South Shore villa might be linked to the boss. With his cronies trying to take control inside, Celeste wasn't about to let these sleazy businessmen disrupt their operations. Lacking a sniper rifle to shoot out the tires from a distance, she throttled up and smashed into the car with breakneck speed. Crash! The impact was loud. The black Mercedes swerved to the left, its tires screeching in protest as the driver struggled to regain control, finally coming to a halt only after crashing into the guardrail. The bumper was torn off, and the car was practically a wreck. The two men inside were visibly shaken. Felix looked over at the injured man. "Sir, you alright?" "I'm fine," Nathaniel replied, his hand bleeding. Looking up, he saw the motorcycle lying ahead and its rider, now limping toward them. "Hey! Learn to drive! You were in my lane! You hit me; that's gonna cost you—" Celeste walked over, feigning outrage to stall for time. "Why are they still hassling us?" Felix muttered as he hurriedly helped Nathaniel out of the car, ignoring the confrontation with her. It was too dark for Celeste to clearly see who was inside the car. She banged her hand on the car's roof, glaring menacingly. "You owe me money!" Then the car door swung open, and a tall figure stepped out. His usually impeccable hairstyle was a mess, a fresh cut on his forehead dripping blood down his chiseled features, his presence exuding danger. As he turned to face Celeste, their eyes locked— Damn it! Nathaniel?! Celeste's expression shifted quickly, grateful her helmet concealed her shock. Nathaniel, pressing on his injuries, slowly straightened up, his gaze sharp and cold as he eyed the female biker. "No, you did that intentionally." Celeste was dumbfounded. How could it be Nathaniel? Why was he in that car? Could he be backing the boss?! Her mind raced with countless thoughts, yet under his intense scrutiny, she felt completely exposed. "What are you trying to pull?!" Nathaniel's voice was icy, his tone full of suspicion, as Felix approached, clearly believing the crash was no mere accident. Celeste's heart skipped a beat! Regardless of Nathaniel's ties to the boss, her immediate concern was to get out of there without being recognized by him!