Chapter 36 - Let the Evening End

Ludovica turned to Matteo with an expression of a mix of concern and uncertainty.

"What should we do now?" she asked whispering "Do you have a plan?"

Matteo met Ludovica's gaze. He was surprisingly calm despite the chaos unfolding all around them. "We'll just go through the security check like everyone else," he replied matter-of-factly. "Once we're cleared, we'll leave. Leandro isn't a VIP guest, so he'll exit later. We'll be waiting outside for him."

Ludovica nodded but a flicker of doubt quickly crossed her features. "But….. what about your weapons? The guards will catch you if they find them."

At Ludovica's question, Matteo's demeanor shifted slightly, he faked a sense of betrayal "Do I look like that much of an idiot and incompetent in your eyes?" he retorted his tone edged with mocked offense. "I know what I'm doing, Ludovica. Trust me." he smiled mischievously.

Matteo waved it off but Ludovica's mind wandered back to the chaotic events of the past few hours. She couldn't help but reflect on her initial impressions of Matteo - the brash, seemingly incompetent man who had ridiculously audacious plans and reckless disregard for consequences.

But as she replayed the scenes in her mind, a subtle shift began to take place. His reckless actions became calculated risks, and his overconfidence and lack of seriousness became unwavering confidence. What she had once dismissed as incompetence now revealed itself as a façade, hiding a mind far more cunning and capable than she had ever imagined.

Matteo's ability to navigate through the chaos with ease, to orchestrate events with precision and finesse, left Ludovica in awe. She realized that beneath his carefree exterior lay a man of mystery, whose motives and methods were as mysterious as they were effective.

Gone was her hatred and frustration; replaced by a sense of respect and fear. Ludovica couldn't deny the unsettling feeling that Matteo was not to be underestimated - that behind his charming smile and casual demeanor lurked a formidable adversary, capable of anything.

He may be mysterious and cunning, but one thing was clear: he was extremely competent at what he did, and that, perhaps, was the most frightening realization of all.

Ludovica was broken out of her trance as the guard approached them with the solemn duty of checking Matteo and Ludovica, Matteo couldn't resist a jab at the Leroy Mansion's seemingly lax security measures.

"Took you forever to get to us, didn't it?" Matteo quipped with a wry smile, his eyes dancing with mischief. "I was beginning to think we'd need to set up camp here for the night."

The guard, visibly troubled by Matteo's sarcasm, stammered out an apology for the delay. "We're just ensuring everyone's safety, sir,"

Matteo couldn't help but tease further, his tone laced with mock concern. "Ah, safety. Quite a novel concept around here, I see," he remarked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Especially considering the little spectacle earlier. Murder in plain sight? Really speaks volumes about the 'security' of this fine establishment, doesn't it?"

Internally, Matteo couldn't contain his laughter. Ludovica, sighed. She urged the guard to disregard Matteo's remarks, "Please, ignore him. He has a penchant for sarcasm. Just carry on with your duties," she said, shooting Matteo a warning glance.

The guard visibly relaxed and continued to scan them with the metal detector in his hands.

But Matteo, undeterred, continued to poke fun at the situation, his smirk widening. "Come now, Ludovica, I'm simply highlighting the elephant in the room," he said, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "No harm in a bit of observation, is there?"

Ludovica couldn't help but roll her eyes at Matteo's antics, even as she silently acknowledged his underlying competence. 'He's a menace!'

As Matteo and Ludovica neared the exit, a sense of relief washed over Ludovica.

Matteo glanced at Ludovica, a sly smile playing on his lips. "I just remembered, I need to use the restroom," he said casually, his tone betraying nothing of his ulterior motive.

Ludovica raised an eyebrow inquisitively but didn't question Matteo's sudden need for a restroom break. "Sure, I'll wait here," she replied, her voice tinged with curiosity.

With a nonchalant wave, Matteo disappeared back into the Leroy estate, making his way swiftly to the restroom where he had stashed his weapons earlier. Retrieving his belongings, he took a moment to ensure everything was in order before rejoining Ludovica outside.

As he approached Ludovica, Matteo's mind was already racing with plans and possibilities. He knew he needed to inform Angelina of the recent developments.

As they stepped beyond the boundary of the Leroy Estate, Matteo discreetly activated his communication device to contact Angelina. After a few moments, Angelina's voice crackled through the device.

"Matteo, what's the situation?" Angelina inquired, her tone laced with concern.

"So, yeah...…things got a little out of hand."

"What do you mean out of hand? Did you fail?"

"No, we didn't fail." Matteo then proceeded to relay the events that had transpired, carefully omitting the fact that he was the one who had committed the murder.

"There was a mysterious murder at the gala," he explained. "The killer managed to vanish into thin air before the Leroy guards could apprehend them. Now they're performing checks on all the guests, but Ludovica and I managed to slip away."

Angelina listened intently, her shock evident in her voice. "I see," she responded after a moment of silence. "This is quite ......unexpected. Have you lost Leandro?"

"No we haven't lost Leandro, he's still inside and we are waiting for him to come out." he paused, choosing his words carefully "Here's what I think - we should take advantage of the chaos and eliminate Leandro as soon as he steps outside," he suggested. "We can do it quietly now that we're outside the Leroy Estate. I don't think he will spill anything even if captured and interrogated."

There was a brief moment of hesitation from Angelina before she reluctantly agreed. "Alright, Matteo. But make sure it's done discreetly," she instructed. "We don't want to attract any unnecessary attention. Interrogating him would have been troublesome anyway."

Matteo nodded in affirmation. "Of course, Angelina. You can count on me," he assured her before ending the communication. Turning to Ludovica, he flashed her a confident grin.

After some time Matteo saw Leandro exiting the estate in his car, "Now, let's let the evening end, shall we?" he chuckled.