C10 Isabella's POV

Isabella's POV

I move in the direction of the store while tugging on my luggage. I didn't know what I was doing or where I was headed next, but I needed to know the answers.

As I enter the store, I'm greeted by the enticing aroma of spices and exotic foods, and my eyes try to take it all in.

"What can I get for you?" I turn to face the boy behind the counter, who asks me with a bored tone and without even looking up.

"Oh, I'm not here to place an order." The boy looks at me with wonder as I grin. He enjoys the food here, so I'm hunting for him.

The employee at the counter furrows his brow and casts a sidelong glance. "Are you serious?"

He shakes his head and groans as I nod. Thousands of people pass by here every day because this is New York. This crap takes up too much of my time. Get out if you're not going to make a purchase. He says this before glancing past me and speaking to the following client.

I step aside to allow the girl with the odd appearance to approach the counter and place her order.

Please, you must know him. He goes by the name Jonathan, and he used to consume those frequently. I beg, pointing at the illustration of the purported shawarma on the poster behind him.

Should I contact security? As soon as he has finished taking the girl's order, the guy snaps. Before standing over to the side and giving me a strange look, she clearly needed to get her food.

The thought of him not providing me with the knowledge I require causes my heart to beat more rapidly. "Please? My brother, Jonathan Dumont, goes by that name. I must track him down. There is nowhere else I can go. I blurted it out in a hurry.

There was nothing else to do. I lacked both money and a plan for my future.

As he turns to face me, the boy purses his lips. I could care less. I don't need to cope with dealing with another runaway from home. A homeless shelter is located a few blocks away.

Before I can ask him what a homeless shelter is, the odd-looking female who is standing to my right makes remarks. "Stop scaring away potential customers, Ali. My parents don't pay you to be an ass." I turn to look at her, but the boy behind the desk is receiving a less than friendly smile from her. Go grab my meal now; you're wasting my break time, she say.

I turn to her and take my time to follow her up and down while the boy behind the counter narrows his eyes before vanishing in the back.

It was unlike anything I had ever seen. She had something wrapped around her head and was dressed in a navy suit. I had never seen a girl in a suit, so for a brief moment I questioned why she was dressed that way.

Her lovely face catches my attention, and I see her glancing at me while appearing to be deeply contemplative. You actually have nowhere to go?

I gulp deeply and nod. I'm hoping that this strange-looking woman in a navy suit with fabric covering her head will be kind to me; kindness hasn't been easy to come by out here.

She continued to look at me for a minute before arching an inquiring brow in my direction, "You're referring to Jonas? Who resides with Bennett?

Bennett?

I nod and widen my eyes. Bennett Mario? That is the one, for sure. I get a little closer and stare into her eyes. "Are you Jonathan's friend? Can you tell me where he is?

Wow, that's chirpy. Slow down there. The man hands her a bag of what I assume to be her supper, as she says. I made no mention of revealing his residence to you. She then turns to look at me with narrowed eyes before turning and leaving the store. I'm not even sure whether you're telling the truth, you know.

I lag behind her as she enters the crowded street. "Why would I make such false statements?"

She halts, turning her head and averting her suspicious-looking gaze. "Shouldn't you be aware of his residence if he is your brother?"

A small portion of my heart fell. Even though it seemed absurd, I had no basis for comparison.

Please, I can't go anywhere since he isn't returning my calls. Just take me to him so he can explain everything.

She takes a brief breath before continuing. She turns on her heels and walks down the street after that.

Okay?

Okay!

I slink up behind her, hoping she can be of any assistance. When she continues to be silent, I choose to speak about something that has been on my mind. Would you mind telling me why you're wearing what you're wearing?

Not only was it strange for a woman to be dressed in a suit, but she also had a similar navy scarf wrapped over her head, which puzzled me.

She looked bald underneath.

She speaks as she strolls along. I ought to take offense, but something tells me you're not kidding around. Over her shoulder, she throws.

My brows furrow as I pause. "I apologize if I offended you. My apologies. I said, quickening my speed to match hers.

As we moved deeper into the crowded street, the buildings grew taller, and more of them were coated in glass.

She comes to a stop in front of a big, dark one, and I take a deep breath as I stare up at the towering, menacing building. Unlike the other people around us, it is black with dark tempered glass.

I can't see the top of the structure because of a layer of fog, but I could tell it was tall because of how big it was.

I immediately find myself following the girl as she enters the building through the big doors, realizing she is doing so and trying to take it all in.

But it's too much to handle. the dimensions, the glass, and the sleek, immaculately maintained furniture.

I suddenly shock myself back to reality and turn to face the enormous desk that is set off to the side of the expansive room. It was considerably bigger than a receptionist's desk, in a way.

I immediately walk to stand on the other side and wait while she stoops to type on a keyboard as she stands behind it and motions for me to cross.