Ari slammed the brake pedal harder than necessary, bringing the vehicle to a sharp, jarring stop directly in front of the coffee shop. She shifted the car into park and immediately reached for her seatbelt buckle. Before she could unclip it, Xavier's hand shot out. His grip, cool and incredibly strong, closed around her wrist, stopping her movement instantly. “We’re here,” he stated, his voice tight with controlled fury, his eyes burning into hers. “Now tell me why we are here. Because I don't remember this place being a business of yours” Ari didn't try to pull away, but she met his gaze with a defiant fire of her own. “To confirm that it wasn’t all fake,” she declared, the words tumbling out in a rush of stored frustration. “I have spent the entire day cycling through it, sir. And no matter how I twist the logic, I still find it impossible to believe that a man who runs a legitimate multi-billion dollar corporation—a man I… a man like you—is a Mafia lord.” She gestured emphatical

Ari stood before the full-length mirror, taking a steadying breath. She had chosen a deep, long red gown that hugged her curves perfectly. Her long hair was down, styled in soft waves that cascaded over her shoulders, and her makeup was minimal,just enough to accentuate her sharp features. Simple heels and a small, matching purse completed the look. She looked like a woman who belonged at a gala,worthy enough to dine with men of calibre. A sleek black sedan arrived at precisely eight. The driver, a polite man in a dark suit, held the door for her and she got in. The ride was silent, and after about an hour,the car finally slowed, joining a line of luxury vehicles stretching down the street. They were outside the Imperial Grand Hall, a building that's known for hosting such events. The sound of a crowd, a low, excited roar, filtered through the closed windows. As the car pulled up to the velvet rope, Ari caught her first sight of the scene. The entrance was a chaotic spectacle. Repo

The retreat from the rooftop was a blur of chaos and urgency. Xavier and Sophia, flanked by the two heavily armed security guards, burst through the service door and descended the marble staircase. As they spilled back into the main grand foyer Xavier immediately let go of Sophia's arm. Sophia didn't hesitate. Her survival instinct kicked in. She cast one horrified, wide-eyed look at Xavier, then spun on her heel and, clutching the remains of her dress, ran in the opposite direction, disappearing into the throng of guests who were unaware of their experience at the rooftop. Xavier didn’t spare her a second glance. His own mission was clear, to find Ari and they both get the hell out of there. He scanned the perimeter, pushing past confused, gossiping attendees. He noticed several waiters moving with a strange, unnatural formation,their eyes darting through the crowd. They were looking for him. He finally spotted Ari tucked away in a quiet corner near the colossal floral arrangemen

"The moment you fire that first shot, I guarantee both you and Gabriele are dead." The men froze and Leonardo raised his hands, not to surrender, but to stop the impending barrage. His eyes were wide, darting between Xavier and the mansion's rooflines, suddenly paranoid. Gabriele, however, regained his composure almost instantly. He let out a dry, dismissive scoff and gestured for his men to lower their weapons, reclaiming control of the scene. "Wow, a threat," Gabriele drawled, stepping down one marble step, his eyes calculating. "So you've finally started your own Mafia family, Xavier? I knew you are one sneaky bastard who would never be satisfied with just being a company's CEO. What's your organization's name? Maybe I can send a congratulatory gift for your debut." Xavier ignored the mockery, stepping forward with his wrinkled tuxedo. "I'm here to ask just a question. And I want nothing but the truth. Were they your men at the gala tonight?" Gabriele gave a theatrical sigh. "I

By the time the last spoonful of broth disappeared, Ari’s face was indeed as red as a summer tomato. She felt like an infant being tended to, and the intense focus of Xavier’s eyes throughout the feeding had only amplified her discomfort. “Th-thank you for the meal,” she managed to murmur, keeping her gaze pinned to the ceiling fan as Xavier slid the now-empty tray off her lap. “I’ll just drop this off at the nurses' station. Be right back,” he said, gathering the small table and the tray. The second the door closed behind him, Ari let out a stifled, ragged noise and clamped both hands over her ears, ignoring the immediate, searing protest from her bruised forearm. “Crazy. You are crazy, Ari. Certifiably insane!” She pressed her palms against her temples, trying to physically stop the rush of heat and memory flooding her mind. The tenderness with which he had fed her, the warmth of his breath near her ear, the feather-light touch as he wiped her lip… all of it had made her heart h