It had been a week since the race and the urge to rush into my plan was building in the back of my mind.
I knew the feeling from when I'd just started my startup and I also knew that rushing would just make things harder or cause it to fail entirely.
I was on a time limit. If I couldn't take over my father's empire within five years, my reincarnation would come to an end. But that didn't mean I could rush.
The 10x Cashback system meant that my growth would be exponential. If things didn't eventually work with Mila, there were ninety eight other women out there.
If one woman would net me two hundred million dollars, stamping just fifty of the women would give me at least fifty billion dollars.
All this is based on the assumption that Mila was one of the lowest ranking women on the list of stamp holders.
Having fifty billion dollars would allow me to get on almost equal footing with two people. My father and my eldest step sister. They were the main people I had to beat.
So far, Mila and I had been texting, flirting even, but there was nothing concrete yet.
Every time our banter got close to something real, it fizzled out. All because of her busy schedule. It had been a week of missed opportunities.
With the Senna still being repaired, I was currently driving a rented Audi R8.
It wasn't a bad car by any means, but it wasn't the Senna. It lacked that magnetic pull that could stop people in their tracks. Still, it would do for now.
I pulled up to one of the expensive, high-end cafes I had been eyeing for a while now.
Cafe De La Paix. It was a place known for its wealthy clientele and overpriced cappuccinos.
My goal today was simple. Test the waters. I needed to meet wealthy and well-connected people. Someone who could open doors for me.
Putting all my eggs in one basket, the Mila basket, would just be stupid. And I'd learnt my lesson in my previous life.
As I parked the R8 and stepped out, I ran a quick glance around the area.
I could tell from the other cars here that the clientele was exactly what I expected. Old money types, the kind of people who didn't flinch at a thousand dollar lunch. Perfect.
I walked inside the cafe, pulling off my sunglasses as I looked around the room. The decor was classy with leather chairs and marble tabletops.
The people there were well dressed, some flashing designer clothing and accessories and others going lowkey with the quiet luxury brands like Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli.
One day, I'll have to get me some of that. People who wear those brands till the rich they're rich. The ones who wear the flashy brands announce to others that they're rich.
I ordered a coffee, something simple, and found myself a seat by the window. I had a good view of the street, just in case anyone of interest happened to stroll by.
I wouldn't be approaching anyone today. All I would be doing is build a routine of visits, build familiarity and naturally accumulate acquaintances that I can level up to become friends.
I leaned back in my chair, enjoying my break. I had been attending classes as usual, sticking to the routine the previous Nico had built before I came.
Well, most of the routine. This time, I didn't take this bus and had started exercising along with Matt.
As I took a sip of my coffee, a familiar voice caught my ear, and I almost didn't believe it.
"Nico?"
I glanced up, and there she was.
Mila, looking effortlessly stunning as always, a smile on her lips.
I blinked, genuinely surprised. This meeting hadn't even been planned. Talk of a genuine coincidence.
"Mila." I said, flashing a grin as I leaned back in my chair. "Didn't expect to run into you here."
She laughed, moving closer. "I didn't expect to see you here either! What are the chances, right?"
This had to be a sign from heaven. Maybe the universe was throwing me a bone after that accident derailed everything last week.
She gestured to the seat across from me. "Mind if I join you?"
"Please." I said, waving her over, keeping my voice light. "It's always better with company."
She slid into the chair, her phone in hand, though she tucked it away once she was settled.
We exchanged a few pleasantries, a playful smile on my lips the whole time.
It was just the two of us, no cameras, no followers. Just Mila and Nico. It felt good, actually, not to have to perform for anyone.
"I thought you'd still be busy filming or jet-setting to some event." I teased her, taking a sip of my coffee.
She rolled her eyes in a way that made her look even more charming. She had to be taking classes for this shit. "Please, I need breaks too, you know. Sometimes it's nice to just enjoy the quiet moments."
"Well, then, I guess we're both lucky today."
She smiled, and I knew it was time to take this to the next level.
"You know, speaking of luck..." I paused for a moment, making sure her attention was on my next words. "I didn't think I'd ever get the chance to cash in that wish I'm still owed."
"The wish?" She laughed, interested. "Well, let's not say I don't keep my word. So, what's it going to be? Should I be worried?"
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Nah, nothing crazy. I was thinking we could take a drive."
I leaned forward slightly, keeping my tone casual but flirty. "But I'm going to be tied up for the next few weeks. Business stuff, you know how it is." I waved it off like it wasn't a big deal. "So, if you're up for it, we could make it happen before my schedule gets too insane."
Mila tilted her head, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Oh, so it's like a limited-time offer?"
"Something like that." I replied, flashing her a grin. "A drive, maybe out of the city, just the two of us. We end it with a picnic. Simple, fun. No pressure."
I could see her considering it, the wheels turning in her head.
The key was to make it feel natural, like something she didn't want to miss out on, but not something I was pushing too hard. I needed her to want to say yes, not feel obligated.
"You've got me curious." She finally said. I could see a hint of excitement in her eyes. "Alright, I'm in. But it better be a good picnic."
I raised my hand in mock surrender. "Only the best for you."
Mila laughed, and it was genuine, light. We exchanged a few more playful banter, the conversation flowing smoothly.
I could feel the connection growing between us. It was perfect. Exactly what I needed to keep her hooked, without her realizing she was part of a bigger plan.
"Great." I said, keeping a grin on my face. "I'll text you the details, and we'll make it happen."
She nodded, standing up as her phone buzzed in her pocket. "I've got to run, but this sounds fun. Looking forward to it."
We exchanged another smile before she turned and left the cafe. I watched her walk out the door, taking in the moment.
This was my chance, the opportunity I'd been waiting for. And this time, I wasn't going to let anything mess it up.
As I sat back, letting the caffeine do its thing, I felt the excitement bubbling up again. Matt had been right. We were cooking.
And now, all I had to do was follow through.