Is this destiny?

"Look at you…", Tiffany said with a smile when she approached non-responsive Emma. "Is the baby-brain impacting you so much that you can't remember why you are here?"

Emma pouted, not willing to admit that she spaced out again. "What? I'm taking a walk!"

"What walk? You were standing here without moving.", Tiffany said teasingly and hooked her arm with Emma's. "Come on, it's time to dress up. I will help you. Party will start in a bit… Sarah called to let us know they are on their way…"

Emma sighed and allowed Tiffany to drag her around. She does not need help dressing up, but it's good to be pampered.

They passed next to the ballroom that was lavishly decorated, and she heard Pam and Leah giving orders to the staff on how to arrange snacks on the tables. It seems that the party will start shortly.

Sarah and Aiden arrived first in style: with all their kids and helicopters.

The Smith family property has a number of helipads that are tucked in the back, so they were able to arrive without arousing any curiosity from people who never saw such peculiar aircrafts.

They arrived a bit early on purpose because their kids are guests who double as security. They all know that Emma suffered from Smiths more than once from petty schemes to trying to drug her, so now that she is pregnant, everyone is extra-vigilant. Sarah is also using this for her kids to practice undercover work.

Everyone was dressed for the occasion, and Sarah was happy that Sophia and Felix stepped in by ensuring that their kids have formal wear ready while Sarah and Aiden were in Fairfield. It was impossible to get the tailor in time to make custom outfits for everyone, so Sophia and Felix accompanied kids to a number of high-end boutiques where they found gowns and suits that only needed light altering to fit perfectly.

All kids were present, and they knew what to do. The only one missing was Merve. She will arrive later with Corey.

"Do you need help?", Sarah asked Pam and Leah when they entered the ballroom.

"No, we got it covered.", Pam responded. Everything was set up and Pam and Leah were only ensuring that the staff puts drinks and snacks in the right places.

"Emma is upstairs, getting ready, and Charlie is in his study.", Leah informed Sarah and Aiden.

"OK. We will check security.", Aiden responded. Everyone knew that when Sarah and Aiden come to the event, they get involved in the security.

A number of soldiers arrived from the Army of Chaos. They are dressed up in black suits and based on their outfits they can't be distinguished from Charlie's security. Sarah trained Charlie's personal bodyguards, and Noah and a few of his lieutenants were responsible for teaching the rest of the security personnel that works for the Smith family, so they are familiar with each other.

While Aiden went to the security room, Sarah went to sync up with Noah and check on her soldiers.

"Is everything in order?", Sarah asked to what Noah assured her that they are on top of everything. This is not the first time that members of the Army of Chaos are coming to the Smith family mansion, and Noah knows what needs to be done.

"How are the newcomers?", Sarah asked her next question.

Noah understood that she is interested in four newcomers who arrived on the previous day from the Fairfield base. "Dylan, Zayne, Malik, and Alex settled well, and they were disappointed to hear that there is a security mission, and they can't participate."

"Hmm…", Sarah hummed. "Newcomers are usually eager to make themselves useful."

Noah was not sure if Sarah approved or not that Noah held those four back by denying their request to attend this event.

"They are not ready for these delicate missions."

Sarah smiled. "I will leave that up to you. Their performance in Fairfield was good and as a reward, I approved their request to come to the main base but that is as far as my gratitude goes. Maybe they should go to the Chaos nightclub for a few rounds in the fighting arena. Test their skills and willpower."

Noah smirked, feeling that the weight on his chest reduced.

When he saw that four handsome men in their mid-twenties were transferred to the main base on Sarah's personal request, he feared that she might fancy them. And his mood worsened when he read the details on the mission Dylan, Zayne, Malik, and Alex performed in Fairfield which earned them this transfer.

Noah is already struggling to get Sarah's attention with Aaron around because Aiden takes up 99% of Sarah's time, and now it seems that Maksim is putting himself in the mix also. If any of those four newcomers also competes for Sarah's attention, where does that leave Noah? He was the first one, damnit! OK. Second, because Aiden was the first one. But Noah saw Sarah first out of everyone else who is not Aiden, and he experienced her greatness, and he is not willing to share!

"What are you spacing out?"

Sarah's question pulled Noah out of his thoughts.

"Nothing.", he lied.

Sarah shook her head. "I said that you should test them. Not bully them."

Noah frowned a little. Why is Sarah standing up for them?

Sarah patted Noah's shoulder. "I know you are here on a mission and that you are taking your responsibilities seriously, but this is a party. Try to relax and enjoy. Who knows, maybe some lady catches your eye…"

Noah pressed his lips into a line and didn't respond. Sarah knows that he is head over heels for her, so why is she trying to get him to see other women? No woman compares to her.

Noah's frown deepened when he saw Igor walk to greet Sarah with a spring in his step. Why is that big goofball smiling so much? And did he just strike a pose to show off his suit? He is a member of an army and not a model on a fashion shoot! Why is Igor acting so freely with Sarah? Noah saw competition everywhere.

"Are you adjusting here?", Sarah asked Igor.

Igor bobbed his head. "Yes, yes. Everyone is nice, and things are great."

Sarah laughed. Only a man who came from the Voronin family will call strict rules they follow in the base of the Army of Chaos 'nice' and 'great'.

"This might be a bit different from what you did so far.", Sarah told Igor. "Remember that people who belong to Charlie's security are our allies, but they are not us. If you notice anything, use…", Sarah gestured toward her ear stud.

Igor nodded earnestly. "Sergeant Noah explained the protocols, and he told me to contact him or one of the generals if I see anything or if I have any questions and not to act rashly."

Noah was irritated that Igor was chatting so much and cutting into his Noah-Sarah time.

"Igor, guests are arriving. Go to your position.", Noah said to Igor curtly.

"Yes. Sorry. I'm on my way…", Igor said and scurried away.

Sarah was amused that such a big man is acting so timidly in front of Noah. Well, Igor is large, but so is his heart. Sarah sees that he is a kind man, and she can't imagine how much he suffered in the hostile environment of the Voronin family.

"Well, since you have everything under control, I'm going to check on Emma…", Sarah said and walked into the mansion without waiting for Noah to respond.

Noah exhaled dejectedly. If he knew that Igor's departure will make Sarah leave as well, he would not chase him away. 

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