WebNovels

Chapter 36 - 36

Elara stood amidst a pile of clothes, trying to decide what to pack, while Daniel watched with an amused smile. The luxurious leather suitcase she had pulled from the closet seemed dwarfed by the magnitude of the trip.closet, a sanctuary ofdesignwith mirrored walls and lighted closets, it smelled of fine leather and expensive fabrics, and the morning light streamed in softly through the tall windows.

"But Daniel, what do you mean 'for what suitcase'?" Elara exclaimed, her expression one of confusion and a touch of frustration. She held a summer dress in her hand, hesitating whether to fold it. "We need clothes! And toiletries, makeup... I can't go without anything!"

Daniel approached her, a soft laugh on his lips, and with a gentle gesture, he took the dress from her hand.My love, in Dubai, we have the best boutiques in the world at our disposal. We don't need to lug suitcases full of clothes from here. We'll buy everything new there. Why carry unnecessary weight? Besides, you deserve a wardrobe that reflects the new phase of your life. Something... more suitable for a woman who travels the world with me."

Elara frowned, her green eyes analyzing the seriousness and amusement in his eyes.Buying everything new? Daniel, that's... extravagant! And my favorite things? My comfortable clothes for lounging around the house? I can't just throw it all away."

"It's not discarding, Elara. It's optimizing," Daniel argued, his voice soft but firm, like someone who is used to having his word as law. "And if you have a 'favorite' item you really can't live without, Henry can arrange for it to be shipped. But for travel essentials, think practical. No luggage to worry about, no suitcases to wait on conveyor belts. We'll get you in and out of places with maximum efficiency."

He caught her around the waist, pulling her close, his gaze meeting hers with an intensity that always disarmed her.Think of this as a fresh start, Elara. An opportunity to refresh everything, free from the weight of the past. Your favorite toiletries will already be waiting for you in Dubai, and any makeup you desire, just ask. My housekeeping team, which has increased from five to ten to take care of us all on the trip, will have everything ready."

Elara sighed, still not entirely convinced, but already sensing the impeccable logic behind the "extravagance." He wasn't just being indulgent; he was being practical in his own way, eliminating any potential friction or delay.

"But... my privacy?" she asked, a new concern arising. "Ten chambermaids? How will I have space?"

Daniel smiled, a reassuring smile.Elara, they are professionals trained in discretion. They won't invade your privacy. They'll be there to ensure you have everything you need, that every detail is impeccable. My family who works with me, from Henry to each housekeeper, is loyal and efficient. You won't even notice them unless you need to. And the suite...masteron the plane and the coverage in Dubai is vast. You'll have all the space in the world."He kissed her forehead."Trust me, my love. I'll take care of everything."

Elara surrendered, a small smile forming on her lips. He always had an answer, a solution that seemed complex to her but simple to him.Okay, Daniel. No bags, then. But you're taking me shopping, and I wantallwhatever I want."

"Combined," he said, squeezing her into a hug. "Now, let's get ready. Henry must have already sent for his parents and Kenji."

Arrival at the Airport

Shortly thereafter, a convoy of discreet, armored vehicles glided smoothly along the restricted-access runway of the executive airport. The day was sunny, the blue sky stretching endlessly. They didn't stop at the regular terminals; instead, they proceeded to a private area, away from prying eyes and the hustle and bustle of commercial flights.

When the cars stopped, an impeccable security team was already in place. There were about ten men and women, all dressed in tailored dark suits, with discreet headsets and watchful eyes. They were the "ghosts of ghosts" Daniel had requested from Erik Prince, the Level One team, now real and tangible. Their postures were one of absolute readiness, their movements coordinated and efficient.

Henry, Daniel's inseparable right-hand man, was the first to approach Daniel's car, opening the door for him and Elara. Elara's parents, Thomas and Akemi, and her brother Kenji, exited the vehicle close behind, their eyes fixed on the unfolding scene.

Daniel and Elara got out of the car, and the security team gave them a barely perceptible but respectful salute. Daniel, with his imposing posture, nodded to each of them.

"Welcome," Daniel said, his voice a tone lower than usual, but audible. He looked at each member of the team. "You know the mission. Maximum protection. Total discretion. We'll be in a high-profile environment, but her safety is priority number one." He gestured to Elara, who was watching the scene with a mixture of curiosity and a hint of apprehension.

Henry approached Daniel, handing him a thin leather folder. Daniel opened it, revealing a series of neatly printed documents.

"Here are the new documents for each of you," Daniel said, addressing his team. "New identities, passports with the necessary visas for the next phases of the mission, and authorizations for the heavy weapons already on board."He handed a sealed envelope to each of them, the action quick and fluid."Keep us safe and discreet. Any questions?"

No one responded. The team nodded in unison, the understanding in their eyes confirming they had absorbed every word. They were professionals who understood the gravity and nature of their work.

Thomas and Kenji, a few steps behind Elara, watched with fascination. Thomas, a businessman, appreciated the efficiency and control. Kenji, for his part, was clearly impressed by the covert-ops atmosphere Daniel exuded. Akemi, with her sensitivity, sensed the underlying tension but trusted the security Daniel provided.

"Daniel... new identities?" Thomas asked, his voice a little lower, a hint of surprise in his question.

Daniel turned to him, a calm smile.Just a standard precaution for high-profile international travel, Mr. Reed. To ensure maximum discretion and safety for everyone. It's standard procedure in my business circle." He winked at Elara, who smiled, reinforcing the narrative.

The Black A380 and the Mysterious Compartment

Suddenly, everyone's attention was captured by an imposing sight. Rolling slowly down the runway, at a controlled distance, appeared the aircraft. It was no ordinary plane. It was aAirbus A380, the giant of the skies, but with a completely different painting than usual. He wastotally black, a deep, matte hue that absorbed the sunlight, making it appear even more massive and mysterious. No airline logos, no vibrant colors, just monolithic black, with dark gray accents on the wings and stabilizers. It resembled a flying fortress, an elegant shadow against the blue sky.

Thomas and Kenji's mouths dropped open. Akemi placed her hand on her chest, visibly shocked.

"Wow... yeah... yeahall therefore!" Kenji exclaimed, his eyes wide, his voice full of wonder. "This is... insane!"

Elara's father, Thomas, who had seen many private jets, had never seen anything like this.Daniel, my God... this is..." He shook his head, speechless.

Daniel smiled, a glint of pride in his eyes.Our transport, gentlemen. Designed for maximum discretion and efficiency."

As the plane approached the private boarding area, a special access ramp began to extend from the body of the aircraft. It wasn't the usual staircase, but a covered ramp that led directly to a lower deck of the plane. And to everyone's amazement, next to this ramp, a large door in the lower hull of the A380 slowly opened, revealing a sort of...indoor garage.

Inside the garage, one glimpsed not just cars, but a veritable fleet of luxury and power, all in matte black with crisp white interiors:

Bugatti The Black Car, Daniel's personal car, a masterpiece of design and engineering, with aerodynamic lines and an unmistakable presence.

Lamborghini SC20 with 770 hp V12, a unique piece without a windshield, displaying a personalized nameplateELARAengraved, glowing against the matte black finish.

Kawasaki Ninja H2R, black and fierce, awaited moments of pure adrenaline.

Lamborghini Revuelto, also black with a white interior, waited imposingly, ready for any journey.

Ferrari SF90, both black with white interiors, stood out with their elegance and speed.

Ferrari F80, also black and with a white interior, completed the collection of super sports cars.And for the most robust security and travel needs,

Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.75 V12 SUV 5dr, black with a white interior, was parked, its imposing appearance suggesting a fortress on wheels.

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