۞ XXV ۞

"WHY DID YOU CONTACT US, BLACK MAMBA?"

Black Mamba: Because of Rufus Armstrong's daughter, whom I happen to be close to, of course. But you know that.

Black Mamba: And I would appreciate if you showed me respect enough to use a neutral pronoun when speaking with me. Back to the reason why I am contacting you, it is because she is to be part of your family, and I can let her be part of a family with such a shitty cyber security!

"So, it's really because of Rebecca," he clicked his tongue. "And our security isn't so shitty!"

"Nicolae!" His mother and mother-in-law glared at him.

Black Mamba: Yes. It is.

Black Mamba: It is so shitty that I was able to get all information on your entire family in a second. As well as in the business under your conglomerate. So shitty, that it is embarrassing. But not at all the worse I have seen.

"You did what?" Madalina gasped.

Black Mamba: Got everything on your family. I was bored, and worried for Rufus's daughter, so I investigated every one of you. You and your partners, and their families.

Black Mamba: You need a good security, and it is not just in your businesses. Your personal lives are extremely exposed.

She clenched her jaw, "Did you tell Rebecca?"

Black Mamba: Why would I? If I did that, she would freak out, and say I am being invasive. Though, in the end, she would probably enjoy what I got on you. Regardless, I kept to myself.

Black Mamba: Rufus would do this if he was still here, but he is not. Thus, I will do that for him. So, do you accept my offer of setting up a diamond cyber security protection on all of you?

Black Mamba: I will only offer once. So, you better be wise on your decision-making.

"There's no need to think. We accept it. The reason aside, it's an honor to have your cyber security service, Black Mamba!"

Black Mamba: I knew I could not be wrong when, while investigating you all, I liked you the most, Madalina. You are quick and firm at making decisions.

Nicolae crunched his nose. "You better not be hitting on my wife, Black Mamba!"

Black Mamba: I am simply recognizing her, Nicolae. I do not feel attracted by women. Thus, hitting on your wife is out of question.

"Oh? If you prefer men, then you really must never have been romantically involved with Rebecca," Madalina let out a sigh of relief and smiled softly. "That's better."

Black Mamba: My relationship with Rufus's daughter is not like that. And it does not concern any of you either. But as we are speaking of her, I should warn you that if any of you, especially that narcissistic son of yours, hurt Rufus's daughter, there will be heavy retaliation!

"You will destroy us if any of us harm her, we get it! You do not have to worry about that, Black Mamba!" Nicolae exclaimed.

Black Mamba: Hah, hah, hah. Me? I will not be the one retaliating you, Nicolae. Nor any of your family members. I am simply warning you. It is Rufus's daughter who would bring her punishment to you.

They froze when they read that, which startled Natalia, Keira, Nina, and Florentina, making them run to the front of the computer, in a attempt to read what Black Mamba said. Nevertheless, when they did, they all turned pale.

"What does that mean?" Nina mumbled.

Black Mamba: Welcome, Natalia, Keira, Florentina, and Nina Scarlat. I am not threatening you, I am simply warning you that Rufus's daughter is not someone you should mess with recklessly. She may have an innocent appearance, and act charmingly, but do not be fooled by it. If poked on the wrong manner, she will release a deadly poison as dangerous as that of a black mamba.

Black Mamba: She is someone who has my utmost respect. And you happen to be entering her life in the worst timing possible. Just beware and avoid poking a lioness that is already hurt. She will attack!

Black Mamba: I am warning you out of respect for my master, Rufus. I take that you already know that, since I was intercepting your call with Millie Armstrong, and I heard as she told you about it. Quite reckless of her, I should say. She is lucky to be related to Rufus and his daughter. So, be careful with the girl.

"Are you saying that Rebecca is dangerous?" Keira grinned.

Black Mamba: I am not saying that, but you are free to interpret my words on the way you see fit. But I know her better than most, and she is not one to stay shut and still when poked. Nevertheless, if you manage to get her trust, I assure you, by being around her, you will be in the safest place in the world.

Black Mamba: She was always one to put her life on the line for those she loves, and to give them all of her. It can both be a bad and a good trait. If you win her trust, she will take your pains and enemies as hers, and she will fight your demons for you.

Black Mamba: Give her time to adapt, do not suffocate her, and she will become someone you can all rely on. She is someone who always keeps her word and takes family seriously. Nonetheless, she is bitter, vengeful, and stubborn.

"Was it you who blocked all the information of her? Is that why even though we tried, we couldn't get anything on her?"

Black Mamba: Yes, Nicolae. It was me. Anything you want to know about her, you can straightforwardly go to her and ask about it. No spying on her cybernetic wise!

Black Mamba: She is under my protection.

"Oh, what a pain in the ass. It's not like it's uncommon to get information on people," Keira exclaimed. "It's a matter of security, of knowing what to expect."

Black Mamba: I do not give two shits about that.

Black Mamba: I will no allow any kind of spying on her from any of you. From anyone at all. And sending an actual spy after her would be the utmost stupidity from your part, but if you want to try, be free.

Natalia felt a shiver ran down her body, "What do you mean?"

Black Mamba: I do not know. Feel free to interpret it in the way you see fit. Though I believe your 2nd son will be the one to try it out, given his paranoia and neuroticism.

"How did you…?" Madalina gasped.

Black Mamba: I know all the mental illness and disorders each of you possess. Everything. As I said, you are poorly secured from cybernetic attacks. But I will take care of that.

"Can I ask you something about Rebecca?" Kiera tried.

Black Mamba: Feel free to ask. I do not promise a clear answer to it, though.

That's good enough. "How talented is she?"

Black Mamba: Profoundly talented, in my criteria.

"What is her personality and zodiac sun, rising, and moon?" Nina asked, as that was what she wanted to know more about her, but couldn't. Khloe probably already knows this.

Black Mamba: ENTJ.

Black Mamba: Libra. Rising in Aries. Moon in Scorpio.

Nina gasped, "Sweet baby Jesus, it's identical to Damian's but in a different order." She turned to her mother, "Mami, they have the same zodiac combo!"