Ever since the night she'd seen Rhys with Lia, an uneasiness had taken root in her chest. She couldn't shake the image of him holding Lia's hand, his expression soft in a way she hadn't seen in a long time. And with her own work keeping her so busy, she feared it gave Rhys and Lia more opportunities to grow closer.
"Gammy," Jasmine said abruptly, sitting up. "Why don't you come stay with Rhys and me for a while? It's been ages since I've had the chance to cook you a proper meal and just spend time together."
Rose chuckled. "Oh, no, my dear. I wouldn't want to intrude on your privacy. You young couples need your space, and I'm perfectly comfortable here."
Jasmine frowned dramatically, folding her arms. "Gammy, how can you say that? You wouldn't be intruding at all! Besides…" Her tone softened. "I'm not comfortable leaving you here alone, especially when you've been hiding things from us."
Rose stiffened. "Hiding? What are you talking about?"
Jasmine's eyes met hers, full of knowing. "Your condition, Gammy. I know about your stroke."
The older woman's face fell, guilt and surprise evident. "How did you find out?"
"Obi might have kept quiet, but he doesn't notice everything. I saw one of your medications on the sink—probably when you had an episode—and I looked into it. Gammy, you can't keep something like this from us."
Rose sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I didn't want to worry Rhys. You know how he gets—always fussing, overreacting. He'd probably have me admitted to the hospital the moment he found out!"
"And for good reason," Jasmine countered, her tone firm. "You're not invincible, Gammy. I can't let you stay here alone, not when you need proper care. You're coming to stay with us. No arguments."
Rose opened her mouth to protest, but Jasmine cut her off. "If you don't agree, I'll tell Rhys everything."
The older woman's eyes widened. "You wouldn't dare."
Jasmine raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Try me."
Rose chuckled despite herself, shaking her head. "Fine, fine. You win, you stubborn girl. I'll come stay with you, but you have to promise me you won't tell Rhys—at least not yet."
"I promise, Gammy. But you know he'll find out eventually, and he won't be happy."
"I'll deal with that when the time comes," Rose said with a sigh. "For now, as long as I take my medication and you're around to fuss over me, I'll be fine."
Jasmine smiled, relieved. "Good. I'll come back in two days to pick you up, okay?"
Rose nodded, a soft smile on her face. "You really are a wonderful girl, Jasmine. Rhys is lucky to have you."
I just hope he still feels that way, Jasmine thought to herself.
***************************************************************************
Padrino!
The heavy wooden doors of Rhys Zirachi's office flew open, slamming against the wall with a resounding crack. A young subordinate stumbled in, his face pale and drenched in sweat. His wide eyes darted toward Rhys, who was seated behind his imposing desk, mid-conversation on a video call.
Rhys's hand froze in mid-air, his voice cutting off as his cold, piercing gaze locked onto the intruder. The silence in the room thickened, suffocating in its intensity.
Realizing the gravity of his mistake, the subordinate dropped to his knees, trembling as though the floor beneath him might swallow him whole. His forehead nearly touched the polished wood as he stammered, "P-Padrino, forgive me!"
In the corner, Andy sighed. He folded his arms and leaned against the wall, his expression a mix of pity and frustration. This poor fool, Jerry, doesn't know what he's done, Andy thought grimly. Rhys doesn't tolerate interruptions.
Rhys's face was impassive as he returned his attention to the screen in front of him. The Italian-accented voice on the other end of the call filled the room once more.
"La visita di Viktor questa volta è stata segreta. Il clan Moretti, anche se in declino, è ancora potente. Sono rimasti lontani dal mondo mafioso e non hanno mai avuto a che fare con estranei. Temo che potrebbero non avere idea di cosa stia facendo questa volta."
("Viktor's visit this time was secretive. The Moretti clan, although in decline, is still powerful. They have stayed away from the Mafia world and never deal with outsiders. I fear they may have no idea what he's up to this time.")
"Grazie per averlo esaminato. Ti preghiamo di contattarci se hai bisogno di aiuto da parte nostra."
("Thank you for looking into it. Please reach out if you need help from us.")
The call ended with a click. Rhys leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled as he shifted his focus to the groveling figure on the floor.
"Speak," Rhys commanded, his voice as sharp and deliberate as a blade. "And after that, you will receive your punishment."
"Y-yes, Padrino!" The subordinate's voice cracked. His trembling hands extended a black envelope toward the desk.
Andy stepped forward, taking the envelope and examining it. The thick paper felt luxurious, its weight matching the gravity of the situation. Inside, he found an embossed card bearing a simple message:
Energia, 1 AM, Horizon Harbour.
Andy's lips tightened as he passed the card to Rhys. The Padrino's eyes scanned the elegant script, his expression unreadable, but Andy could sense the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior.
"So," Rhys murmured, his tone laced with menace, "Viktor knows we're watching him. He wants to make this easy." He leaned back in his chair, a dark smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Or so he thinks."
Rhys turned his gaze back to the trembling man. "Have Tomi meet me in half an hour with the earpiece patch and investigate every detail on Viktor. If anything is missing…" His voice dropped, and the subordinate flinched as though struck. "You know the consequences."
"Y-yes, Padrino!" The man scrambled to his feet, nearly tripping over himself in his haste to leave.
Andy watched him retreat, shaking his head. "Twelve lashes with the electric whip. He'll be lucky to keep his wits."
Rhys didn't reply, his mind already racing ahead. "Andy," he said, his voice breaking the silence. "Any news on Lia?"
Andy hesitated. He weighed his options carefully before replying. "Nothing urgent to report, Padrino. She's attending school as usual. No suspicions."
Rhys studied Andy for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Good."
1 AM: Horizon Harbour
The harbour was a silent stage under the moonlit sky. The massive black yacht named ENERGIA loomed like a predator, its sleek design glinting under the scattered stars. The soft lapping of water against its hull was the only sound in the stillness.
Rhys and Andy stepped off the speedboat in synchronised movements, their presence cutting through the quiet like a blade. Armed guards stood at attention at the gangway, their eyes sharp, their weapons ready.
The guards frisked them thoroughly, their hands lingering longer than necessary. Rhys stood still, his icy demeanour making one of the men visibly uneasy.
Finally, they were waved through. Inside, the yacht was an opulent fortress. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceilings, their light refracting into dancing rainbows on the polished mahogany floors. The air was thick with the mingling scents of cigars, salt, and leather.
From the upper deck, a figure descended. Viktor, clad in an immaculate white suit, his silver hair glinting under the chandelier's glow, carried himself with the grace of a predator who knew he was at the top of the food chain.
"Rhys Zirachi," Viktor greeted, his voice smooth as silk. A smile stretched across his face, but his eyes were calculating. "Welcome to Energia."
Rhys extended his hand, his grip firm as he replied, "Viktor Azi."
"Come, sit," Viktor gestured to a circle of armchairs arranged in the lavish lounge.
Rhys took a seat, his posture relaxed but his senses on high alert. Andy stood behind him, his presence a silent declaration: I'm watching you.
"You're everything the rumours promised," Viktor began, his smile widening. "Young, bold, and reckless enough to walk into my domain with only one man for protection."
"And you're nothing like the rumours," Rhys shot back.
Viktor's eyebrow quirked. "Oh? Do enlighten me."
"I heard you were confident and competent. A man who didn't rely on cheap theatrics or petty power plays to make an impression." Rhys leaned forward, his tone laced with mock disappointment. "Imagine my surprise."
The room tensed. Viktor's guards bristled, their hands drifting to their holsters. But Viktor raised a hand, laughing.
"Touché," he said, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I like a man who speaks his mind."
"Let's skip the pleasantries," Rhys said. "What do you want?"
Viktor's smile faded, his expression turning serious. "An alliance."
"With the Khaos family?"
"No," Viktor replied, leaning forward. "With you. Your resources. My firepower. Together, we'd be unstoppable."
"And what's your price?"
Viktor's gaze sharpened. "Cut ties with the Romano Syndicate. Completely."
Andy's jaw tightened, though his face remained expressionless. Rhys didn't react, his calm façade betraying nothing of the turmoil raging within. Severing ties with the Romano Syndicate wasn't just a business decision—it was a declaration of war.
"And if I refuse?" Rhys asked.
Viktor's smile was predatory. "Then you walk away empty-handed. And believe me, Rhys, in this world, empty hands rarely stay attached."
A faint crackle in Rhys's earpiece broke the tense silence. Tomi's voice came through, quiet but urgent.
"Padrino, Viktor and Eddie have history. He's playing you."
Rhys's expression didn't waver. He rose from his seat, adjusting the cuffs of his suit. "Your terms are steep, Viktor. I'll need time to consider."
"Take all the time you need," Viktor replied, his smile returning. "But don't take too long. Hesitation is deadly."
The speedboat sliced through the dark waters, leaving the glowing lights of Energia behind. Rhys sat in silence, the weight of Viktor's proposal hanging heavily in the air.
Andy broke the silence. "Padrino, what's the plan?"
Rhys's eyes burned with cold determination. "Dig into Viktor. I want every detail—his allies, his enemies, his weaknesses. By morning, I want to know what makes him tick."
Andy nodded. "And the Romano Syndicate?"
"They stay," Rhys said firmly. "Viktor's playing games, and he's making it obvious. He wants to test me by breaking the bond with the Khaos family, but he doesn't realise who he's up against. If he thinks he can manipulate me, he's gravely mistaken."
The night air was thick with tension as the speedboat continued its journey. Viktor had thrown the gauntlet, and Rhys had picked it up.
But Viktor Azi had made one fatal miscalculation. Rhys Zirachi never played by anyone else's rules.
***************************************************************************
Two Days Later
Jasmine returned to Rose's house, her heart a mix of anticipation and unease. Rhys and Lia had been scarce lately, each busy with their own commitments, but Jasmine couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was brewing between them. Having Rose in the house would give her a chance to keep a closer eye on things.
Rose was ready when Jasmine arrived, her bags packed and a playful pout on her face. "You're treating me like some fragile old woman."
Jasmine laughed, wrapping an arm around her. "Because you are a fragile old woman, Gammy."
"Cheeky girl," Rose muttered, but her eyes sparkled with affection.
As they drove to the house, Jasmine's mind raced. With Rose around, Lia wouldn't have the freedom to get too close to Rhys. And perhaps, just perhaps, Rose's presence might nudge Rhys back toward her.
When they arrived, Jasmine helped Rose settle into the guest room. Rose looked around, nodding in approval. "This will do nicely. Though I hope you don't expect me to just sit around all day."
"Of course not," Jasmine said with a smile. "But I'll make sure you take it easy. No sneaking around or overexerting yourself."
Rose waved her off, but there was warmth in her eyes. "You really are a good girl, Jasmine. I'll make sure Rhys knows just how lucky he is to have you."
Jasmine's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Thank you, Gammy."
She left Rose to rest and made her way to the kitchen, her mind churning with plans. With Rose in the house, she felt a renewed sense of control. Whatever was happening between Rhys and Lia, she would put a stop to it. She wouldn't lose him—not without a fight.