A mafia's obsession

CHAPTER 23: THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

The morning sun poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Lawson Tower.

Kelvin stood with a cup of black coffee, reading the latest security reports.

Nothing unusual.

No attacks.

No threats.

No sightings of Ricardo's men.

The silence bothered him more than open conflict ever could.

Damien entered carrying another file.

"Our surveillance teams haven't seen any movement from the DeLuca Family in almost a week."

Kelvin closed the report.

"Ricardo is never inactive."

"He only disappears when he's preparing something."

Damien nodded.

"Our men are watching every known location."

"Keep watching."

Kelvin looked toward the skyline of Noctis.

"I have a feeling we're about to be surprised."

---

Across town...

Mackenzie was reviewing wedding decorations when her father called.

She smiled as soon as she saw his name.

"Dad!"

"My superstar."

His cheerful voice immediately brightened her day.

"I heard you've been working too hard."

She laughed.

"Who told you that?"

"Your mother."

"She says you keep skipping dinner."

Mackenzie smiled sheepishly.

"I've been busy."

"Being busy isn't an excuse."

There was a pause before her father spoke again.

"Your mother and I are having a family dinner tomorrow evening."

"No excuses."

"You'll be there."

She laughed.

"I promise."

"And..."

Her father added playfully,

"Bring that businessman you've been smiling about."

Mackenzie's eyes widened.

"Dad!"

"I'm serious."

"I don't know who you're talking about."

"Hmm."

"We'll see tomorrow."

The call ended, leaving Mackenzie blushing.

---

Meanwhile...

Inside an abandoned church on the outskirts of Valestia...

Ricardo DeLuca stood before a stained-glass window.

Vincent Moretti approached quietly.

"You requested me."

Ricardo nodded.

"I need a favor."

Vincent folded his arms.

"That depends."

Ricardo handed him a sealed invitation.

"Tomorrow evening."

"Lawson Holdings has an important board meeting."

Vincent looked confused.

"And?"

"At exactly the same time..."

Ricardo smiled.

"...Miss Giovanni will be having dinner with her family."

Vincent finally understood.

"You want Kelvin to choose."

Ricardo nodded.

"If he attends the meeting..."

"He disappoints her."

"If he goes to her..."

"He weakens his position."

"A leader who chooses love over power..."

"...loses both."

---

The next afternoon...

Mackenzie stood outside Lawson Tower, staring at the entrance.

She hadn't planned to visit.

But after her father's teasing...

She couldn't stop thinking about Kelvin.

She took a deep breath and walked inside.

The receptionist smiled.

"Good afternoon, Miss Giovanni."

"Mr. Lawson is expecting you."

She blinked.

"He is?"

Damien appeared from the elevator with a knowing smile.

"He said if you ever arrived without an appointment..."

"...I should bring you straight up."

Mackenzie laughed.

"He really said that?"

"He did."

---

Kelvin looked up as she entered his office.

A genuine smile crossed his face.

"This is a pleasant surprise."

"I hope I'm not interrupting."

"Never."

She sat opposite him.

"I actually came because..."

She hesitated.

"My parents are having a family dinner tomorrow."

"They asked me to invite you."

Silence.

Kelvin's expression softened.

"I'd be honored."

Before either of them could say more, Damien knocked on the open door.

"Boss."

"The board meeting has been confirmed."

"Tomorrow."

"Seven o'clock."

Kelvin frowned.

"The same time?"

"Yes."

Damien placed the schedule on the desk.

"It can't be moved."

Mackenzie immediately stood.

"It's alright."

"You don't have to come."

Kelvin looked at her.

"I gave you my word."

"And your company needs you."

She smiled gently.

"I understand."

He watched her leave, feeling more conflicted than he had in years.

---

That evening...

Lawson Manor.

Damien entered Kelvin's study.

"The board expects your attendance."

"I know."

"If you miss this meeting..."

"Some investors may see it as weakness."

Kelvin remained silent.

Damien studied him carefully.

"What are you thinking?"

Kelvin looked at the invitation Mackenzie had given him.

"I've spent my whole life choosing business."

"This is the first time..."

"...I've wanted to choose something else."

---

Across the city...

Ricardo received confirmation that both events would begin at exactly seven o'clock.

He smiled.

"Excellent."

Vincent looked at him.

"You seem very confident."

"I am."

"Why?"

Ricardo turned toward the window.

"Because no matter what Kelvin chooses..."

"...someone important will be disappointed."

---

Late that night...

Mackenzie stood on her apartment balcony.

Her phone vibrated.

Kelvin:

"Thank you for inviting me."

She smiled and replied.

"No pressure. My parents will understand if you can't make it."

Several minutes passed before his response arrived.

"I don't break promises easily."

She looked at the message for a long time.

A warmth spread through her chest.

She whispered to herself,

"I hope you don't."

Far away...

Kelvin stared at the city lights from his office.

Tomorrow...

For the first time...

His heart and his responsibilities would pull him in opposite directions.