One night with the Mafia King

The air in Lucas's car seemed to still as he held Bella's gaze. Her soft brown eyes held a warmth that tugged at something deep within him. For a moment, the world around them melted away, leaving just the two of them in their fragile bubble of newfound connection.

And then came the knock.

The sharp sound broke the spell, and Bella blinked, her cheeks flushing faintly. Lucas turned toward the door, his expression darkening slightly, annoyed at the interruption. He opened the car door slightly, just enough to peek outside, revealing a man in a black suit.

The man looked slightly out of breath, his tie loosened as if he had rushed to get there. "Sir," he said respectfully, his voice low. "Mark sent me. He's been trying to reach you, but your phone is off."

Lucas's jaw tightened slightly, his hand instinctively patting his pocket where his phone lay silent. He must have accidentally turned it off earlier in the hospital. "Understood," Lucas replied coolly. "I'll handle it." The man just bowed a little and went away.

Bella watched the exchange from the passenger seat, her brows furrowed slightly. "Is everything okay?" she asked hesitantly.

Lucas turned back to her, his features softening instantly. "It's fine. Just some work that needs my attention."

She nodded, though her concern didn't entirely fade. "Will you be gone long?"

"Not too long," he promised, his tone reassuring. He stepped closer, his hand brushing lightly against her arm. "I'll call you later."

"Alright. I will also go now. Take care." She said opening the car door. He just watched silently until she reached her apartment. He drifted away only when he saw her entering her house.

The drive to his office was a blur, Lucas's mind already shifting gears. By the time he walked through the grand glass doors of his building, his professional mask was firmly in place. The receptionist greeted him with a polite smile, and he gave her a brief nod before heading straight to the elevator.

Mark was already waiting in Lucas's office when he arrived, pacing slightly by the large window that overlooked the city. He turned as Lucas entered, his face a mix of relief and urgency.

"Finally," Mark said, exhaling as he ran a hand through his hair. "I've been trying to reach you all morning."

"My phone was off," Lucas replied, walking over to his desk and sitting down. He leaned back slightly, his piercing gaze fixed on Mark. "What's the issue?"

Mark wasted no time, stepping forward with a folder in hand. "It's Renato. He's scheduled a meeting with us tomorrow. He claims it's to finalize the deal."

Lucas's expression remained impassive, but Mark knew him well enough to notice the subtle tightening of his jaw.

"He's pushing for this deal faster than expected," Mark continued. "It's suspicious. Especially after what we found out about him and the Russian Don's wife."

Lucas's fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of his chair. "Have we confirmed whether she's acting on her own, or if this is her husband's play?"

Mark nodded. "We're still piecing it together, but so far, it seems highly unlikely she's doing this of her own volition. The Don is too meticulous to let something like this happen under his nose unless it serves a purpose."

Lucas's lips pressed into a thin line as he mulled over the information. "If Renato thinks he can play both sides, he's in for a rude awakening."

Mark hesitated before adding, "What's our move for tomorrow?"

Lucas leaned forward, his hands clasped on the desk. "We play along for now. Keep things professional. But I want eyes everywhere during that meeting. I don't trust Renato, and I need to know exactly what he's planning."

Mark nodded, his respect for Lucas's sharp instincts evident. "Understood. I'll make the arrangements."

Lucas stood, his commanding presence filling the room. "Good. Now, let's make sure we're ready for anything."