Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Morning - JS Motors
Joseph Sawyer sat comfortably in his office, watching the two people who meant the most to him.
At a glance, anyone could tell how much he loved cars. His office reflected it perfectly.
Sleek car designs were neatly arranged around the room, and a detailed scale model of the latest JS Motors sports car rested on his desk, shining under the morning light.
Vintage car posters decorated the walls, while a glass case in the corner displayed a beautifully crafted miniature engine.
But right now, none of that had his attention.
It was the laughter in the room.
Eleanor Sawyer stood in front of him, her presence lively as always. At eighteen, she was full of energy, her cheerful nature impossible to ignore.
"Dad, we want new babies," she said, her tone playful.
"We just got a new one last week," Kaysen replied, clearly not impressed.
Kaysen Sawyer leaned against the desk, arms crossed. At twenty-one, he carried himself with a calm confidence, always keeping a protective eye on Eleanor.
"I know," Eleanor pouted, folding her arms. "But that one is getting common already."
Kaysen scoffed. "Seriously?"
"Besides, it was fun taking them around," she added with a giggle.
"I think it already made a lot of sales, thanks to me," she continued proudly. "So I want to start another one."
Joseph let out a small smile. "Okay."
Eleanor's face lit up instantly. "Thank you, Daddy. I love you."
She rushed forward and hugged him tightly.
"You are such a headache," Kaysen muttered.
Eleanor pulled away and turned to him sharply. "Kay, I heard that."
He blinked innocently. "I didn't know it would come out loud."
"That is unfair," she said, faking a teary expression. "How can you call your baby sister a headache?"
"I'm sorry," he replied without much effort.
Joseph watched them quietly, amused. They had completely forgotten he was even there.
"I want a proper apology," Eleanor insisted, crossing her arms again.
Kaysen smirked. "You are seriously a cute witch."
"No. I am a cute baby sister," she corrected quickly.
"Come on, let's go get your proper apology," he said, pushing himself off the desk.
"Really? I love you so much, Kay!" she said, quickly pecking his cheek.
"Yuck," he groaned. "I need to get myself a girlfriend to save me from you."
"Never," Eleanor shot back immediately, placing her hands on her waist. "I am enough trouble already."
She stepped closer to him, narrowing her eyes playfully. "Wait... did you just admit I'm cute?"
Kaysen gently pushed her face away. "Move your face. I don't want to see those lips coming closer."
"Muah, muah. Love you, Kay," she teased.
"Reasons why I don't have a girlfriend," he muttered.
"Because I chase them away," Eleanor laughed.
"Goodbye, Father," Kaysen said with a slight bow before heading out.
"Alright," Joseph replied, still smiling.
He watched them leave, pride filling his chest.
"Goodbye, Daddy," Eleanor called as she hurried after Kaysen.
Even after they left, their voices echoed from the hallway.
"Kay, give me a piggyback!"
"Not again."
"That back is mine!"
"My foot."
"Kay, please."
A pause.
"Fine. Get on."
"You are the best, I love you!" Eleanor shouted happily.
Joseph chuckled softly to himself. "Those two..."
Same Morning - Marino Mob
Steven Marino sat behind his desk, his presence filling the room with quiet authority.
His office was modern and expensive, with tall windows revealing the city skyline. The scent of leather and cigar smoke lingered in the air, and every detail in the room spoke of power and control.
Steven himself looked every bit the man in charge. Sharp features, piercing eyes, and a calm expression that made it hard to read his thoughts.
Across from him sat another man, equally serious.
"If you can take care of her, I will pay you well," the man said.
Steven's lips curved into a faint smile. "Really?"
"Of course."
"Good," Steven replied calmly.
"It will be done within twenty four hours."
The man stood up, satisfied. "That is more like you."
Steven stood up and shook hands with the man. Without another word, the visitor walked out of the office.
Steven returned to his seat, picked up his phone, and dialed a number. He placed it on the table and waited.
"What?" a deep voice answered rudely.
"Task. Within twenty four hours," Steven said calmly.
The line went dead.
Steven let out a soft chuckle. "Always so rude."
Moments later, the door opened again.
A tall figure dressed entirely in black walked into the office, a dark mask covering the lower half of his face. His hands were tucked into his pockets as he moved with slow, careless confidence.
"There you are," Steven said, a faint proud look in his eyes.
The masked figure dropped into the chair opposite him and tapped his fingers lazily on the table, saying nothing.
"File," he finally said, his voice flat.
Steven slid a thin folder across the table. "Here."
The figure flipped through the pages quickly, his eyes scanning every detail within seconds before snapping it shut.
"Not interested."
He stood up and began walking toward the door.
"That's fine," Steven said calmly. "I suppose someone else will handle it."
The figure stopped mid step. His shoulders tensed slightly.
A brief silence filled the room.
"I'll do it,"
