Caleb’s POV
When Scott ntioned uncovering details about the hit on my parents, ice flooded my veins. Every muscle in my body tensed as mories of twisted tal and burning flesh clawed their way back to the surface. The familiar tallic taste of rage coated my tongue.
"What did you find?" My voice ca out rougher than I intended, carrying the weight of years of sleepless nights.
Scott’s weathered face grew grave, the kind of expression I’d seen countless tis when delivering death sentences. "We identified the dirty cop Roman bought. Once Felix Hayes had the na, tracking his corruption beca child’s play. This bastard lives like a king on a detective’s salary. Mansion in the Hills, multiple Ferraris in his driveway, kids at elite prep schools, wife buried under designer shopping bags. He’s pathetic at hiding dirty money and even worse at staying under the radar. Our investigation revealed he’s been collecting from every drug operation in the city. With all that evidence, I contacted my friend in Internal Affairs. They’ve quietly reopened your parents’ case with a skeleton crew to keep it off Roman’s radar. Progress is slow, but we’re building an airtight case. They’ve already confird that key evidence from the original investigation disappeared. It’ll take ti, but we’re going to bury these bastards."
Relief crashed through like a tidal wave. "Outstanding work, Scott."
"There’s more." Scott’s tone sharpened, taking on the edge of a predator closing in for the kill. "We tracked down those private investigators you hired to find that woman from the auction. They played you like a fool, took your money while Roman paid them to feed you lies. We’ve reported them to the licensing board. The disciplinary hearing is sealed, but they’ll lose their licenses permanently. You can also sue for damages and fraud. I know money ans nothing to you, but it’s another weapon against Roman and strengthens our RICO case. This could put him in federal prison for life."
"If you think it helps our war effort, then absolutely. Sue them into the ground."
"Your attorney is Ashford, right?" I nodded. "He’s a personal friend and a shark who eats prosecutors for breakfast. I can coordinate with him directly."
"Do it, Scott. I need every advantage right now. Everything feels like it’s collapsing around ," I admitted, sothing I’d never do in front of my soldiers.
"Of course, Don. Happy to handle it personally." Scott’s smile carried decades of loyalty. "But I need to know your orders regarding that person from the auction night. Do you want my team to continue the search?"
His careful phrasing didn’t fool Ivy. Her erald eyes locked onto mine with barely concealed dread, waiting for my response.
"No, Scott. That Chapter is closed." But then a thought struck like lightning, a possibility I’d been too blind to consider. "Actually, wait. Find her. I need to know if there are any loose ends. She could have gotten pregnant for all I know. Track her down and discover what happened to her after that night."
The mont those words left my mouth, I watched devastation crush Ivy’s delicate features. Her face went ashen, as if I’d just ordered her execution.
"Absolutely, Don," Scott confird with military precision.
As the eting dissolved and my n filed out, I caught Ivy’s arm before she could escape. "Give one minute."
When we were alone in my office, I studied her pale face with growing alarm. "My queen, you look like death. I should call a doctor."
She’d seed better after the tea earlier, but now she appeared even worse than before.
"I’m fine, Caleb. Just sothing I ate. I’ll rest at ho and feel better tomorrow."
"Are you certain? I can have a doctor here soon."
"Completely certain. What did you want to say?"
I guided her to the leather couch, taking her cold hands in mine, noting how they trembled slightly. "My angel, I decided to find that woman because pregnancy is a real possibility. I never considered it before, but with everything happening, including your condition, I realized it could have occurred. Since she vanished without explanation after that night, investigating makes sense from a security standpoint."
"You’re right. It’s the responsible thing to do," Ivy sighed heavily, her voice hollow. "Is that all?"
"Yes. I want you to understand that my only concern is ensuring I don’t have a bastard child sowhere in the world who could be used against our family. This woman ans absolutely nothing to since you entered my life. You are my queen, my everything."
"Thank you for clarifying that." Ivy managed a fragile smile that didn’t reach her eyes, pressing her palm against her forehead. "I should leave. I feel terrible."
"Let drive you ho."
"Xavier’s driver is waiting for ."
"Stay with longer?"
"I can’t, Caleb. Not tonight."
Tears gathered in both our eyes, a rare display of vulnerability in my fortress. As she turned to leave, I pulled her back and pressed my lips to hers desperately, pouring all my devotion into that kiss. When we broke apart, she fled from my office without looking back, leaving alone with my ghosts.
Later that evening, I headed to Xavier’s mansion for our weekly poker ga with the crew. We were deep into a high-stakes hand when Jude suddenly grabbed his phone and erupted into hysterical laughter. He slamd it onto the felt table, pointing at the screen like it was the most hilarious thing he’d ever witnessed.
The image showed Yara Rossi in an elaborate white wedding gown, complete with veil and bouquet, with the caption "The most beautiful bride in the world. Dress successfully purchased."
"What the fuck is this?" I demanded, staring at the screen in shock.
My soldiers erupted into the sa insane laughter as Jude, clearly finding the Rossi woman’s obsessive display far more entertaining than I did. She had completely lost touch with reality.
Xavier wiped tears from his eyes. "Boss, I think Roman’s daughter has officially lost her goddamn mind."
I stared at the photo of the delusional woman in bridal attire and felt nothing but cold satisfaction. Let her descend into madness. It would make destroying her family all the sweeter.
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