Chapter 4 - I Overheard the Billionaire’s Secret Phone Call—Now I Know Why the Cartel is Really After Him
Three days passed in a blur of silent tension and cold rain against the penthouse glass.
Chloe learned the rhythms of the house.
Leo patrolled the perimeter. Dominic spent hours in his soundproof office. Chloe read books she couldn't focus on.
On the fourth night, Chloe couldn't sleep.
She crept out of her room for a glass of water, the marble floors freezing against her bare feet.
As she passed Dominic's office, she heard a voice.
The heavy oak door was cracked open just an inch.
"...they want the shipping lanes, uncle," Dominic was saying, his voice tight with restrained fury.
"Give them the South port, Dom," an older, raspy voice replied through the speakerphone. "It's not worth a war. Your father wouldn't have risked it."
"My father was weak!" Dominic snapped.
Silence hung in the room.
"The Rossis aren't just taking the port," Dominic continued, lowering his voice. "They're moving product I banned from this city. I won't let them flood the streets."
"You're an idealist in a butcher's shop," the older man sighed. "Just watch your back. Whoever sold you out at the restaurant is still breathing."
Chloe held her breath, backing away slowly.
She bumped directly into a solid wall of muscle.
Leo.
He looked down at her, his massive frame blocking the hallway.
He didn't say a word, just pointed a massive finger back toward her bedroom.
Chloe nodded, her heart racing, and scurried back.
The next morning, Dominic was waiting for her at the breakfast island.
He pushed a plate of eggs toward her.
"Leo says you like to wander at night."
Chloe froze, her fork halfway to her mouth.
"I was thirsty."
"If you are thirsty, you use the water carafe in your room," Dominic said coldly. "You do not spy on my conversations."
"I wasn't spying!" she defended herself. "But if you must know, I heard you talking to your uncle."
Dominic's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Forget what you heard."
"You're protecting the city," Chloe pushed back, surprising herself. "You're a mobster, but you're stopping them from bringing in something worse. Why?"
"Because power without rules is just anarchy," Dominic said.
May you like
He stood up, bracing his hands on the marble counter, leaning close to her face.
"And I demand order. Don't dig into my life, Chloe. You might not like what you find in the dirt."
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