His Mafia Redemption

Chapter 11: A Chance Encounter

Richard raced out of the house like a man on a mission. The early morning air brushed against his face as he buttoned up his blazer and hurried toward the main road. His mind was filled with only one thought—Sarah Robertson. 

He was already late. 

The system’s warning still ringed in his head like a ticking bomb.

He hailed a taxi and jumped in before the driver could even ask where he was going. “Golden Crest Cafeteria,” Richard said quickly.

The driver whistled softly. “That place’s for rich folks, sir. Are you sure you’re heading there?”

Richard smiled faintly. “Just drive. I’ll pay.”

He leaned back, running his hand through his hair. The suit he wore was clean and well-fitted, one of the ones he had bought from the boutique earlier. 

His wristwatch shined under the sunlight, and the faint scent of his new cologne filled the air inside the cab. He looked expensive, and that was exactly what he wanted.

Still, deep down, he was a bit nervous. The Golden Crest wasn’t a place just anyone could walk into. It was a high-end spot where the wealthy met for business, gossip, and influence. It was said that even a single meal there could cost what an average man earned in a month.

But Richard didn’t care. He had money now, and he had a mission.

When the taxi stopped in front of the cafeteria, Richard paid without looking at the fare. He stepped out and adjusted his tie, his eyes scanning the area. The place was every bit as grand as people described. Expensive cars lined the driveway, and the smell of luxury perfumes could be smelled in the air. 

He tightened his grip on his phone, checking the time. “She should be here soon,” he muttered to himself. He had followed Sarah’s routine for days now—her favorite restaurants, her workout time, even her hair appointment schedule. 

This cafeteria was the last place she was supposed to visit before returning to her company.

Richard walked closer but stopped a few steps away from the entrance. He bent down to tighten his shoelaces, trying to calm his racing heart. He couldn’t afford to mess this up. Sarah Robertson was known to be a perfectionist—cold, precise, and nearly impossible to approach.

He needed to make an impression.

Just as he was about to step forward, a sudden sound made him pause. A loud cry echoed from a nearby alley, not too far from the restaurant.

“Help! Please, somebody help!”

Richard frowned and turned slightly. He could see a group of men surrounding a woman. His first instinct was to ignore it. He had learned the hard way that getting involved in things that weren’t his business usually ended badly.

He whispered to himself, “Once beaten, twice shy,” and turned back toward the cafeteria.

But then he froze.

From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the woman’s face. His heart skipped a beat. It was her.

“Sarah Robertson,” he whispered.

Without thinking, Richard dashed into the alley. “Hey!” he shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.

The three men turned toward him, their faces covered with rough expressions. One of them smirked. “Mind your business, man, or you’ll get hurt.”

Richard didn’t slow down. His mind flashed back to the system’s earlier notification. If this was the test, he couldn’t afford to fail it.

“Let her go!” he said firmly.

The tallest of the men stepped forward. “Oh yeah? And what are you going to do about it?”

Richard clenched his fists. He remembered he had trained for karate back in those days just to defend himself from school bullies. He glanced at Sarah, who was pinned against the wall, her designer purse on the ground.

“Last warning,” Richard said. “Back off.”

The thug laughed. “You’ve got guts, rich boy.”

Before Richard could react, the man swung a punch. Richard ducked just in time and countered with a shove. Another man tried to grab him, but Richard picked up a broken pipe lying nearby and swung it with all his strength. It connected with the man’s shoulder, making him stumble backward with a groan.

The third man lunged at him, but before the fight could go further, the sound of sirens blared in the distance.

The thugs froze, glancing at each other. “Let’s get out of here!” one of them shouted.

Within seconds, they disappeared down the alley, leaving Richard breathing heavily. He turned toward Sarah, who was still standing there, shocked.

“Are you okay?” he asked, lowering the pipe.

Sarah blinked, taking a moment to compose herself. “I... I think so.”

Richard stretched out his hand. “You dropped your bag.”

She hesitated before taking it. Her eyes scanned him from head to toe. “You don’t look like security. Who are you?”

Richard smiled slightly. “Just someone who happened to be at the right place.”

Sarah raised an eyebrow. “Or maybe someone who was following me?”

Richard’s smile faded a bit. “You think I was stalking you?”

She crossed her arms. “You knew my name before I even told you. That’s suspicious enough.”

He swallowed hard. “I didn’t mean any harm, Miss Robertson. I’m Richard. I just... wanted to talk about a business proposal.”

Sarah sighed. “So it is about business.”

Richard nodded. “I know I sound crazy right now, I really need your help.” 

Sarah looked at Richard as he turned to make sure the thugs were not coming back. 

She bit her lips eyeing him from behind. He was a bit tall, muscular and the suit hugged his body frame well. 

“ Why don't we discuss this at my office?” She said looking at him seductively.