“What?” Lord Famiglia exclaimed at the dining table. He was eating an apple with a table knife and sipping his wine to wash it down when he heard the news.“What?” he screamed again. In his sixties, he was clearly preparing to retire from the drama surrounding his business.To him, the mafia business was a life-threatening game, and he had planned to hand over the reins to his son soon. But now? “Luca did this?” he asked the news bearer—a man who had walked into the dining room to deliver the shocking update about the conference.“Bring my son to me!” he ordered, flinging the apple in his hand away, dropping the knife onto the table.His blood boiled inside his veins. He was furious. To mess with his son was to mess with him, and he wouldn’t tolerate it. Everyone knew how dangerous Lord Famiglia was, which was why, after conquering the entire mafia scene in Italy, no one dared challenge his authority.He was the poison no one wanted to swallow, and now this fool Luca dared to dig his
Anastasia had just left Alex’s apartment, a knot of worry tightening in her stomach. She had been trying to reach him all day, but her calls went unanswered. What if something had happened to him? Each ring felt like an eternity, and with every passing moment, her anxiety grew. She was desperate to hear his voice, to know his whereabouts, and to assure herself that he was safe.Suddenly, her phone rang, jolting her from her thoughts. Hope surged as she glanced at the screen, but her heart sank when she saw the name. “Emmanuella?” she muttered, disappointment washing over her.Emmanuella had a knack for calling at the most inconvenient times, and Anastasia couldn't shake the feeling that this call would only add to her stress. The last time they spoke had been before that disastrous gathering when that arrogant jerk embarrassed her and her boyfriend in front of everyone. If this was about another get-together, she was ready to turn it down flat.“Hey!” she answered, forcing a cheerful
Jackson was the type of guy who thrived on violence. Each act of aggression ignited a primal urge within him, a craving that twisted into something darker. The thrill of anticipation made his blood race, and he could feel himself responding, his body betraying him with an undeniable rise. He was electrified by the prospect of dominating someone, and today, that someone was Anastasia.“I will find you, and today, I will have a taste of you.” Jackson sang these words in an awkward melody, the sound bubbling into wicked laughter that echoed through the apartment. His voice filled the silence, a sinister serenade that underscored his twisted intentions.The outline of his hardening member was visible through his trousers, even if no one else was paying attention to it. He strolled around the living room, his footsteps slow and deliberate, as if savoring every moment of the hunt.He knew Anastasia was hiding in the bedroom, having locked the door behind her, but the thrill of pretending to
Alex had not moved a muscle. Nevertheless, his eyes darted dangerously at Jackson, who stood before him with a sinister grin. He recognized him instantly—the same man who had tried to rape his girlfriend in the hotel just days ago. This was also the same man her family wanted her to marry by all means. He locked his gaze on Jackson, fully aware that the son of a bitch was a psychopath. He knew he had to think carefully before making a move; any miscalculation could put Anastasia in serious danger, and he didn’t want that.In that moment, Alex felt the energy from his ring surging through him. He knew his strength was heightened; it coursed through his veins, empowering him. But with that power came a warning: if he decided to confront this psycho, the psycho could end up severely injured. Even so, he didn’t care about the consequences of his heightened energy; all he wanted was to save Anastasia from this monster.“I say, fuck off, you!” Jackson yelled again, shoving Anastasia agains
Just as Alex lifted the plank high above his head, poised to strike, Jackson's heart lurched. Paralyzed with fear, he braced himself for the agonizing blow. But then—nothing. His body trembled as he realized the impact never came. Alex had deliberately missed, the plank grazing just inches from Jackson’s vulnerable spot.Alex’s lips curled into a dark smile, his cold eyes glinting as he stood tall, towering over Jackson. “The police are on their way,” Alex announced, his voice calm, almost mocking. He flicked his fingers against Jackson’s forehead, the gesture dismissive, like swatting a fly. Jackson crumpled further, helpless, powerless beneath the weight of Alex's presence.Alex strode toward the living room, his steps echoing ominously in the air. He was in control. He didn’t need to say more; Jackson’s defeat was already etched on the floor beneath him. When Anastasia saw Alex enter the living room, relief flooded her face. She rushed into his arms, clinging to him like a lifeline.
Commissioner Johnson was a man who had never accepted any unlawful money. He prided himself on his integrity and took his responsibilities seriously, never compromising the high standards of his position. Over the years, many had tried to sway him, but none had succeeded. To him, upholding justice was not just a job—it was a duty he carried on his shoulders with unwavering commitment.When the phone rang that afternoon, and Mrs. Nexera’s voice filled the receiver, Johnson wasn’t surprised by her attempt to offer him something under the table. It wasn’t the first time someone had tried to influence him with promises of favors or money, and it wouldn’t be the last. Hearing what she proposed made him smirk, just like the others who had tried before her. She was desperate, like many who had crossed his path.“Are you offering me a bribe, Mrs. Nexera?” His voice remained calm, though the hint of amusement in his tone was unmistakable. He knew the type—polite, elegant, trying to disguise co
Alex could feel their eyes on him, wide with shock and disbelief, as though they were seeing a ghost. Even Anastasia, who already knew the truth, seemed momentarily stunned, as though hearing it anew made the reality sink in on a different level. He saw her eyes flicker with both surprise and awe, her expression mirroring the astonishment that gripped the others.“What did you say?” Mr. Stewart’s voice finally broke the silence, and Alex could tell he hadn’t fully processed it. He decided to speak more clearly, perhaps louder, allowing the weight of his words to fill the room as he laid out the story behind his identity, each word drawing gasps from his stunned audience.With every revelation, Mr. Stewart and Juliet’s faces softened from initial shock to something much closer to remorse. It was dawning on them just how much they had underestimated Alex. A heaviness seemed to settle over both of them as they finally grasped who Alex truly was.“You’re really Sebastian Carter’s heir?” M
Everything that had just happened still felt like a dream. Even after Anastasia and Alex had left the celebration, they still couldn’t contain their joy.First, they imagined how they would start living their lives from now on. Nancy, who once controlled every move of the company, would now be scrambling to contact them. She would call repeatedly, begging them to save the company from its impending downfall.They shared a smirk. “Please, Juliet,” they both began, imitating Nancy’s frantic voice, “you know you’re my daughter. I raised you with my own hands; come through for your family now, or else you’re doomed!” They burst out laughing, the tension melting away in shared humor.Next, they imagined the oncoming flood of requests from other companies, desperate to partner with them now that they had sealed a deal with Sebastian Southlake. After years of struggling for recognition, they could finally envision a future filled with growth and success. Their minds raced with possibilities,