The underworld ran on rumors.
And today, it was on fire.
—
Linda stood at the top of the staircase, overlooking the DeLuca council chamber. Every seat was filled—captains, lieutenants, family elders. Even Marco looked tense.
Alex stood at the head of the table, spine straight, eyes cold.
He didn't look at her.
Not yet.
Linda descended slowly, heels echoing on marble.
Letisha arrived last, draped in red silk, lips curved in that deadly smile.
“You called a meeting," she purred. “How formal."
Alex didn't smile.
“I'm calling off the engagement," he said.
Silence.
Then a murmur, sharp and panicked.
Letisha blinked. “You're… what?"
“You heard me." His voice was steel. “There will be no wedding. No merger."
“Are you out of your mind?" she hissed. “Do you know what this means?"
“
