2024-10-17 02:02:24
Orion SteeleHello everyone. Please tell me how well I've been holding up with this book. This is my first book. Thank you for reading!
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The Underdog Turned Kingpin Chapter 10: Chicago Boy in the Ranks
Ethan reached out, taking her hand in his. "Well, you certainly traded up, didn't you?" He flashed her his million-dollar smile, the one that graced magazine covers and charmed investors.Olivia's expression softened. "I did, didn't I?" She squeezed his hand. "God, I'm so glad I left when I did. Can you imagine if I'd stuck around? I'd probably be visiting him in lockup right now, listening to him swear he'd 'make it big' someday."They shared another laugh, the champagne making everything seem brighter, funnier. Ethan topped off their glasses, his mind already working on possibilities. "We could really milk this for all it's worth, you know.""Oh?" Olivia leaned in, intrigued."Think about it," Ethan continued, warming to his theme. "Chicago's golden couple, exposing a would-be fraudster? We could spin this into a crusade against financial crime. I'll give some impassioned interviews about the importance of vigilance, maybe even start a foundation..."Olivia's eyes lit up. "Ethan, tha
The Underdog Turned Kingpin Chapter 11: Secrets in the Safe
They burst out into the night air, the rest of the team converging from different directions. Sirens wailed in the distance, growing closer by the second."Everyone in the cars, now!" Mason barked. They piled in, tires squealing as they peeled away from the warehouse.Mason's mind spinned with different thoughts as they sped through the empty streets. He'd been so damn sure, so cocky about his plan to turn Ethan against Ramirez. But now... now it felt like he'd stepped in something way deeper and stinkier than he'd ever imagined.Back at the safehouse, the team gathered in tense silence. Mason paced, running a hand through his hair, trying to imitate what Leo could be playing when a mission failed. "What in the ever-loving hell happened back there?" he demanded. "How'd they know we were coming?"Eve's face was fame. "Someone squealed. We've got a rat."The implications of her words settled over the room. If they had a mole, in Leo's leadership, it meant death and a gruesome one at tha
The Underdog Turned Kingpin Chapter 12: Power Plays and Phone Calls
He took a deep breath and answered. "Hello?""Leo, darling!" The voice that purred through his phone dripped old money and maternal disapproval. "Six months without a word! I was starting to think you'd joined a monastery and had completely forgotten about your poor old mother."Mason's mind raced. "Come on, Mother," he said, trying to infuse his voice with affection. "Just drowning in work, you know how it is.""Oh, I'm sure," she practically sang. "Your... 'work.' Speaking of which, have you given any thought to our Christmas discussion?"Christmas? Shit. Mason scrambled for a response. "Uh, refresh my memory?"A sigh crackled through the line. "The family business, Leo. Your father's legacy. I understand you have your... alternative interests, being in the old shoes of your father, but it's time you took a more active role in the legitimate side of things. I don't want to loose you."Mason's eyebrows shot up so fast they nearly left his forehead. Legitimate business? Now that was an
The Underdog Turned Kingpin Chapter 13: Payback's a Boss
Mason turned to her, the heady rush of power coursing through him. "Eve, I think it's time I paid a little visit to an old hood. Got some unfinished business there. I will love to go alone."Eve's face hardened. "Hell no. Last time you went solo, you vanished for half a year and left everything in shambles. And yesterday?" She jabbed a finger at his chest. "I barely let you out of my sight and you ended up in handcuffs. I'm done with your 'experiments.'"A lazy smile spread across Mason's face. "Worried about strike three?""Strike three might end with your head decorating Ramirez's dining room. We just hit their warehouse, and someone's feeding them intel. God knows what's waiting out there – if I even let you walk out that door."Mason's smile took on a dangerous edge. "You know what they say about the third time being the charm? Like how Christ rose on the third day?" His voice dropped to steel. "This isn't a request, Eve. It's an order."Eve's eyebrows shot toward her hairline. "Af
The Underdog Turned Kingpin Chapter 14: The Boss of all Bosses
Mason watched Bill scurry away like a frightened rat, savoring the taste of power on his tongue. The construction site hummed with whispers and sideways glances. His former co-workers gathered in small clusters, their conversations dying whenever they caught his eye."Hey, Rivers!" Jake jogged over, dust coating his safety vest. "What's gotten into you, man? Standing up to Bill like that?"Mason shrugged, letting a cryptic smile play across his lips. "Let's just say I found my backbone.""Found it? More like you grew an adamantium one overnight." Jake wiped sweat from his brow, leaving a streak of dirt. "Though I gotta admit, seeing old Bill turn whiter than printer paper? Worth the price of admission."The office door banged open. Bill emerged, clutching a check like it physically pained him. His face had taken on an interesting shade of puce that clashed magnificently with his yellow hard hat."Here's your blood money," Bill spat, thrusting the paper at Mason. "Now get off my site be
The Underdog Turned Kingpin Chapter 15: When Vengeance Meets Virtue
Mason hadn't taken three steps when a voice called out behind him, urgent and pleading."Mr. Rivers! Please, a moment of your time." Hughes's voice carried a desperate edge that made several workers turn their heads.The site president hurried across the construction yard, his Italian leather shoes collecting dust with each stride. The man's usual usually immaculate suit was dusted with concrete powder, his carefully styled hair disheveled from running."Sir?" Mason turned, catching Jake's equally puzzled expression beside him.Hughes reached them, slightly out of breath. "I must personally apologize for the inexcusable behavior you've endured under Bill Hawkin's supervision. The way he treated you... treated all of you..." He gestured helplessly at the construction site. "The company's failure to address this situation earlier reflects poorly on my leadership. It was a failure of leadership on my part. I should have seen it sooner."Jake stood nearby, mouth slightly agape at the sight
The Underdog Turned Kingpin Chapter 16: In the Shoes of a King
Jake's laugh held more pain than humor. "Right. Fifty thousand dollars just lying around?" He shook his head."Things change." Mason straightened, decision crystallizing. "Let me do this. For my nephew.""Nephew?" Tommy perked up, studying Mason with curious eyes."Yeah, kid." Mason's throat tightened. "Uncle Mason's got your back.""Ha! I'm onto you, Mason—I caught what you did there. That sneaky little mood-boost of yours? It totally worked. "Let's say I could," Mason pressed. "Hypothetically."Jake studied him, something shifting in his expression. "Then I'd have to ask where the money came from. And who you really are. Because the Mason Rivers I know barely had two nickels to rub together this morning."Mason muttered under his breath, "Can't blame him for doubting."Tommy coughed again, and Jake's attention immediately returned to his son, murmuring soft reassurances."I love you, Daddy," Tommy whispered, his small voice carrying surprising strength despite his frail frame.Maso
The Underdog Turned Kingpin Chapter 17: Wolves in the Henhouse
Mason gave a slow nod, the silence saying everything.“Good. We’re still a team. More than that—we’re family here. When one bleeds, we all bleed. When one wins, we all win. Whatever storm's brewin', we weather it together, capisce?"The room went wide, some of the guys got too excited and started poppin' off rounds into the ceiling. Good thing the room was bulletproof, probably they'd had got some explaining to do to the neighborhood.Mason soaked it in, feeding off their energy. This was the juice he needed."What's the play, boss?" Viktor leaned forward, interest kindling in his eyes.Mason laid out what he'd caught wind of at the warehouse, watching his lieutenants' reactions closely. "Ethan Langford's in deeper than we thought. And Ramirez? This punk's pushin' stuff that makes our merchandise look like penny candy at the corner store."That hit them hard. A few murmurs slipped through the crowd, but Mason raised his hand, silencing them."We've got a potential rat, yeah. But here'
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Chapter 130: Between Lines and Choices
Agnes stumbled, her foot catching on an upturned root as she fled through the back garden. Mason stalked behind her, his breath coming in slow, measured exhales. He had no intention of harming her. His presence alone was a suffocating weight pressing down on her shoulders. When her knees finally gave out, she collapsed onto the damp earth, trembling hands clutching the hem of her worn skirt. Her tear-streaked face turned skyward as if seeking divine absolution. The garden's mint and lavender - normally so soothing - mixed with the metallic tang of fear coating her tongue."Please..." Agnes sobbed, her voice thin and cracking. "Don't kill me! I'll confess. I'll tell you everything. Yes... I switched... him. I switched him!" The words spilled from her like a prayer, desperate and raw.Mason crouched before her, his expression unreadable. Inside, his mind raced through possibilities he'd never allowed himself to consider. The words tumbling from her mouth were erratic, but the fragments
Chapter 129: More Pieces Missing Than Whole
Mason tore through the orphanage's corridors like a man running from his own shadow. He found Sister Margaret in the courtyard, her hands deep in the dirt, tending roses that had seen better days – just like everything else in this joint."Sister Margaret." The words came out with urgency."Mace?" She turned, concern etching lines in her face. "Didn't expect to see you back so quick."His throat worked like he was choking down bad booze. "Eva – she say anything about me? Anything strange?" The desperation in his voice would've gotten him killed in his other life, the one where Leo King ruled the Underworld with an iron fist.Margaret wiped earth from hands that had dried more tears than he could count. "You're shaking like a junkie in withdrawal, boy. Eva dropped by, played Santa Claus to the kids, took a walk in the garden. Nothing worth getting your shorts in a twist over." Her eyes cut through him sharper than a switchblade. "Though she seemed... thoughtful but harmless.""The gard
Chapter 128: Never Go Home Again
The Lincoln Continental's tires screeched to a stop as Mason pulled up to St. Catherine's. His knuckles went white on the steering wheel, eyes fixed on the weathered brick facade like a hitman studying his mark. This joint should've felt like relief, even clarity, driving toward a place tied to his childhood. Instead, his gut twisted with the kind of warning that had kept him breathing through Chicago's bloodiest turf wars.The dashboard lit up with his phone's buzz, cutting through his dark thoughts.Sophia’s name lit up the screen."Talk to me," he barked into the phone."Boss," she purred, but there was a crackling urgency beneath her usual charm. "Just making sure we're still good for tonight with the Lords. Got everything lined up neat – the donations, the cuts, the whole nine. Ethan's prepped and ready to dance."She paused, and Mason's radar pinged. "Those Drake surveillance tapes? Someone did a number on them. Real professional job – whoever cleaned house knew their tech bette
Chapter 127: Leo King Wants Me Dead
Sister Margaret stood in the doorway, older now but unmistakable in her habits, her face a museum of memories suddenly brought to life."Sweet Jesus," Sister Margaret breathed. "It really is you."Eve forced her lips into what passed for a smile these days. The orphanage knew her as Eva, but the streets gave her a name: 'Eve, daughter of disaster'."Still breathing, Sister."The nun crossed the floor like she was racing time itself, hands reaching out. Eve's muscles coiled tight as Sister Margaret grabbed her hands, but the warmth in that touch was like sunlight breaking through Chicago's endless winter."Look at you, all grown up strong," Sister Margaret's voice wavered with emotion. "I always knew you’d make something of yourself."Eve swallowed a laugh that tasted like broken glass. "You're seeing what you want to see, Sister."Sister Margaret's eyes went soft around the edges. "Whatever weight you're carrying, you don't have to shoulder it alone. Whatever brought you back here..."
Chapter 126: Eve's Return to St. Catherine's
Eve's knuckles went white on the wheel as she sped down the streets of Chicago. The morning lights bled together, much like her thoughts—chaotic, fragmented, impossible to catch. Her favorite jazz playlist played low in the background - saxophones crying out the pain she wouldn't let herself feel.She'd bolted from Leo's penthouse in a fury, needing the distance, the silence, the clarity she couldn’t find between his steady gaze and his maddening presence. She'd made her bones as a killer, carved out a reputation for cutting ties clean and permanent. Now here she was, caught up in Leo's game. And Joey - sprawled out cold on that floor while Leo played judge, jury, and executioner.Eve had seen death before, caused it more times than she could count, but Joey's end hit different. Showed a darkness she didn't want to face. Since Leo came back, he'd been different - sparked something dangerous in her chest that felt too much like hope. In their world, hope was a bullet waiting to find it
Chapter 125: Long Live the Queen
The tension in the penthouse lingered long after Sergei hauled Joey's limp body away. Mason let out a breath, fishing his phone from his pocket like a man pulling an ace from his sleeve. His thumbs danced across the screen, sending Maria the coordinates and the real story behind Joey's theatrical death scene.Mason: Joey's breathing. Heart stimulant. Looks dead for 5 hours. Be ready.He turned to face the window, but Chicago's sprawling skyline offered no escape from the thick air inside. He caught the looks his crew was throwing - fear masked by respect, just the way he had wanted it. A ghost of a smile crossed his face. Back when he was just another construction grunt, nobody gave him the time of day. His voice carried about as much weight as a paper badge.He nodded to himself, satisfaction settling in his bones. Power speaks its own language.Without wasting another breath, he set his sights on St. Catherine's, ready to move on the next play./ / /Miles out, cutting through restr
Chapter 124: Mason Leo
By 6:45 AM, Mason Rivers was already suited up and moving like a man with scores to settle. The click of his Italian leather shoes echoed through the marble hallway as some broad in a pencil skirt tried to cut him off near the elevator."Mr. King," she chirped, proper as Sunday mass, clutching her tablet like it held state secrets. "You've got the board waiting at 9 AM. Mrs. King requested updates on the transition plans."Mason sized her up without breaking stride. Everything about her screamed family business - not the legitimate kind, but the type that kept Chicago's underground spinning like a well-oiled machine. He had to hand it to Helena; the woman knew how to pick her staff. Rich folks and their armies of helpers - some things never changed in the Windy City."Cancel them," Mason ordered curtly, not sparing her a glance. "Tell Helena business demanded my attention elsewhere. And let Vincent know he's acting general manager starting now. Weekly updates only, and I want just the
Chapter 123: Two Kernel Nuts in the Same Shell
Finally, Helena replied, her tone tinged with the weight of years Mason hadn’t lived through. "When you reach my age, you'll understand." The answer wasn’t satisfying, and it wasn’t meant to be. It was the kind of deflection someone used to avoid the sharp edge of a question that cut too close to the bone. Mason felt the frustration bloom in his chest, but Helena wasn't done playing her hand."Now," she said, her voice brisk and businesslike, "Vincent. You should consider him for the general manager position at King's Industries. He's sharp, loyal as a made man, and knows the business inside and out. It's time."But Mason's mind was already running down darker alleys, circling the questions that had haunted him since Jake dropped that bomb about his identity. His thoughts kept coming back to Leo - their mirror-image faces, the fact that Helena wasn't Leo's blood. Maybe if he could track down Leo's real mother, he'd finally get some answers about the reflection that haunted his mirror
Chapter 122: The Queen's Silence
Mason went still as a statue, like someone had just pulled a heater on him at a deal gone wrong. "Come again?""Don't play dumb – it doesn't suit you," Helena said, that South Side edge creeping into her sophisticated tone. "You already put it out there at the luncheon, running your mouth to the media about taking over. Plus those South Side projects you've owned up to handling? You've made quite the name for yourself. Time to own it."Mason's whiskey glass hung suspended between table and lips like his brain had short-circuited. "Hold on now. I'd barely declared my interest—""This ain't up for debate." Helena's voice carried that special kind of authority that made even the hardest street soldiers stand at attention. "You're moving back to the family house. Eve's gonna back your play, but the crown's sitting on your head.""And where does that leave me?" Charlotte piped up, her eyes sparkling with that Lake Shore Drive mischief. "Surely I have a role in this grand plan?"Helena’s ga
