"The blood on our hands is too much, Leonard," Mark said, his voice laced with regret. Just take a look at what happened six months ago. That innocent man shouldn't have died."
Leon sat back in his chair, folding his arms.
"I know, Mark. But… he died saving your life."
"It was meant to happen either way." Mark's tone was cold, yet heavy with guilt.
"So now what? You're suggesting we quit the mafia business? "You and I both know it's the highest source of income across all your businesses, Mark." Mark sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, Leon. But I have a wife now. And if she finds out I'm into all this I don't even want to imagine what she'll think of me. I already killed Jake… and now this?"
Leon went still. "So it was you?" he said quietly. "I always knew Jake's death was well-planned. And only someone more powerful than him would've dared. Definitely not Mr. William… I always suspected you, but hearing it now confirms it. You were worried for your sister then, and now your wife?"
Mark stood abruptly, walking over to the bar. He poured himself another glass of whiskey and downed it in one go, then smashed the glass to the floor. "Leon, you and I both know you wouldn't like it either if your sister, Alice, found out you were into a shady business. So spare me the judgment." Leon exhaled deeply. "You're right. It's hard to believe, but I'm also falling for Alicia… and that scares me to death. I don't want my princess of a wife to ever find out what I do in the shadows."
Mark's eyes darkened, his tone now cool and calculated. "Then we need a new strategy. We'll still run the mafia empire, but we'll register the arms dealing. Sell the weapons legally front it as a security company or something. That way, no one ever has to find out what we're really doing."
Leon smirked. "Not a bad idea, Ryan. With this, we keep our cover clean."Inform Jeffrey. Make sure the paperwork is flawless. I have to get going."You sound like you're off to kill someone…" Leon chuckled. "You guessed right. I need to get rid of Charles Brooks. That man needs to be wiped off the surface of the earth." Mark picked up his coat.
"And about that dinner you mentioned let's have it tomorrow night at my house."
Leon stood, clapping Mark's back. "I'll be anticipating the headlines. And don't worry, I'll bring the wine we need to celebrate our new 'legal' enterprise."
Mark gave him a nod and Leon walked out of the office. "Scorpion," Mark called. "Sir."
"Charles is heading to Mega Industries. That man thinks he's clever. Track him. I want him alive."
"Is that all, sir?"
"Get lost and get it done. I want a clean job. You know what I mean."Crystal clear, sir."
It was already 5 p.m. when Mark pulled up at the Riverson mansion. As he entered, Aurora's face instantly lit up when she saw him.
"How was your day, Peach?" he asked, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "It was awesome, Ryan," she smiled brightly, looking radiant in the golden hue of the sunset that streamed into the hallway.
"Are you ready to leave?"
"Yes, I've already said my goodbyes to everyone. "Good. Let's get going then."
Just then, Kim's voice rang through the hall.
"Wait a minute!"
She walked toward them with a small box.
"Here, my dear it's cookies. I baked them for you." Oh, Mom…" Aurora's eyes misted. Kim could no longer hold back her tears. I'm going to miss you, sweetheart." Mom, don't make me cry too. I promise I'll visit all the time."
Mark stepped forward, sincerity in his tone.
Mom, you're welcome to visit us anytime."
"Of course I will, my son. Please take good care of her. "I will, Mom." With that, Mark and Aurora walked out of the mansion. The car was dead silent for a while until Mark finally broke it. "Aurora, my friend and his wife will be having dinner with us tomorrow. "Oh, is that so? You invited someone over?"
"Yes, I did."
"Okay," she said with a slight shrug.
What Mark didn't know was that Gianna's late boyfriend was the same boy who once worked for him a loyal courier who died during a shootout Mark had ordered, though unknowingly. The tangled web of secrets was already beginning to pull tight.
Aurora smiled as she leaned back in the seat, thinking nothing of the quiet storm brewing in her husband's world.