Marked By The Alpha's Cursed Blue Moon-Chapter 56. Chaotic Plan

Maria, Cassandra, and Laura remained seated near the basketball court, still deep in discussion about retrieving the missing documents and reclaiming her parents’ apartment that had been mysteriously sold off.

"So what exactly do you want me to do now?" Cassandra asked, her voice laced with determination as she faced Maria.

"You’ll accept Bernard’s date proposal and go out with him tonight," Maria said, giving her friend a knowing look.

"Bernard’s a lightweight when it comes to alcohol, so that might give us an edge... but don’t suggest any drinks. If he doesn’t order it himself, please don’t push it."

Laura frowned thoughtfully. "I’d advise we don’t force or rush anything. Bernard’s too smart, and if he senses something’s off, the plan’s done for."

"So, what do you suggest, Laura?" Cassandra asked curiously.

"Just go with the flow," Laura replied gently. "Let the date feel natural. Don’t ask him any suspicious questions. He needs to trust you, not get suspicious."

"I agree with Laura," Maria nodded. "No rushing. But always keep us updated, alright?"

"Understood," Cassandra said, a firm nod following her words. "I’ll do my best to make this mission successful."

Their discussion wrapped up just as the college basketball team started arriving for their training session.

As expected, James was leading them, walking in front with that warm, familiar smile, chatting with his teammates as they made their way to the dressing room beside the court.

Maria’s eyes lit up the moment she saw him. There was something about James that brought a sense of joy she couldn’t quite explain.

Just watching him gave her a reason to keep going—he was her light in all the darkness.

After about ten minutes, the team returned to the court to warm up. James, already in motion, spotted Maria from across the court and waved, flashing that charming smile that made her heart race.

She smiled back, feeling like the world paused just for a moment.

As she watched him, completely absorbed, her thoughts wandered. James wasn’t just someone she loved... he was her motivation.

Everything she was doing, including finding those documents, felt more purposeful because she wanted a future where she could be free, where she could be with him without fear. frёewebηovel.cѳm

Her daydream was cut short when Laura nudged her arm gently.

"When you visited your parents’ apartment, did you get to meet the new owner?" Laura asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

Maria shook her head slightly, still focused on James. "No. I met the guard on duty. He told me everything. Said the man’s name is Mr. Frederick. He owns a stock market company."

"I think I’ve seen him on TV a couple of times," Cassandra said, recalling something. "He’s really good at what he does—always talking about stocks and investments."

"Do you have any plans to meet him?" Laura asked.

Maria sighed and finally looked away from James. "The guard said the only way to see him is by scheduling a business appointment through his secretary or personal assistant. Strictly business grounds."

"So how do we make that happen without using your parents’ name?" Cassandra sounded both confused and a bit anxious.

"I honestly haven’t figured that part out yet," Maria admitted, folding her arms over her chest. "I’ve been thinking, but nothing concrete has come to mind."

"I think I can help," Laura said suddenly, a hopeful tone in her voice. "I’ll ask my dad to help me book an appointment. If he asks why, I’ll say I need guidance on the stock market and possible business ideas in Scotland after graduation. My dad loves business—he’ll do it and probably even pay the consultation fee."

Maria’s eyes widened, her face lighting up. "Laura... you’re an angel! I don’t know what I’d do without either of you!"

They all leaned in for a heartfelt group hug, but the sweet moment was interrupted by a familiar voice behind them. They turned and there stood James, shirt soaked in sweat, smiling down at them.

Maria froze for a second, heart fluttering. Just seeing him made her want to run into his arms, but with her friends present, she restrained herself.

"Hey James," she said, beaming. "How are you?"

"I’m doing great," he replied, flashing that heart-melting smile. "Didn’t mean to interrupt your girl time. Just wanted to say hi—I’ll be back after training."

Before she could respond, he jogged back to join his teammates.

Cassandra and Laura decided to leave. "Come with us," Laura urged.

Maria shook her head. "I want to talk to James once he’s done."

"Alright," Laura said with a smile. "But don’t stay too long, and stay alert."

After about fifteen minutes, the players wrapped up their session. James ran over to Maria.

"I’ll just clean up real quick and be right back," he said, jogging past with a wink.

Maria nodded, watching him disappear into the dressing room. But then, something unexpected happened.

She felt a presence behind her. When she turned, she saw a figure in a black mask, silently signaling her to keep quiet.

"I’m not here to hurt you," the man whispered in a bold, masculine voice. "Please read this, and when you’re done, call the number inside. Make sure you read it alone."

He handed her a small white envelope and walked away before she could say a word. Heart pounding, Maria quickly slipped the envelope into her bag just as voices rose from the dressing room.

Moments later, James emerged, freshly cleaned and looking as handsome as ever.

"Sorry for making a queen wait," he teased, bowing playfully.

Maria laughed, her nervousness fading at the sound of his voice. Every moment with him felt magical.

She almost told him about the envelope but stopped herself, remembering the warning. It was meant for her eyes only.

"So... how are you doing? Any progress with the document search?" James asked casually.

Maria chose her words carefully. "I’ve decided to slow down a bit. I don’t want to raise suspicion with Bernard or his family. They’ve already increased their security—now’s not the right time."

James nodded. "You’re smart. That’s why I love you."

The way he said it sent a jolt through her heart. She wanted to kiss him right there but held back. It wasn’t safe—not out in the open.

"Let’s talk about us instead. I don’t want my issues to overshadow our time together," she said softly.

"What do you want to talk about?" he asked, holding her hands gently, his thumb brushing over hers.

"When do we see each other again outside campus? Like last time?" she asked with a grin.

"You choose," he said warmly. "I’ll always make time for you."

"I think we should stick to the same place. It’s safe and close to my place."

"Perfect," he agreed.

After a few more minutes of sweet conversation, they agreed Maria would head back to class first, and James would follow later.

***

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit office, Elijah Simons was on a call.

"What’s the progress on the attack?" he asked coldly.

"Everything’s ready," the voice on the other end replied. "But we’ll make it look like a robbery. There’ll be gunfire—your target will go down, but it’ll seem like random violence."

"Good. Keep me posted. Launch it as soon as possible," Elijah said before ending the call.

He leaned back in his chair, a sinister smile creeping onto his face.

"Let the chaos begin," he muttered, laughing to himself in the darkness...

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