Chapter 3

“Completely under control now.”

I smiled, the image of the basement flashing through my mind.

“We took care of a little problem today.”

Under the table, Kane’s hand tightened around mine.

“My fiancée always makes me rest assured.”

My father dabbed the corner of his mouth with his napkin.

“The merger contracts are ready.”

Kane’s expression stayed composed, but I still caught the excitement in him—

the trembling hands, even the voice trembled a little:

“Once we join forces, no one will be able to touch us. We’ll be the most powerful mafia family in Italy. Even the ‘Shadow’ won’t dare bother us.”

“The Shadow?” I set my fork down. “No one even knows who he is.”

My father shook his head and sighed.

“His identity is a complex mystery. No one’s ever managed to track him down.”

“But he’s real.”

Even though the servants had already left the room, my father still lowered his voice.

“He controls half of the world’s black‑market trade—art, weapons, intelligence. Anything of value passes through his network. But no one has ever seen his face.”

“Not even a photo?” I pressed.

“Nothing. Some say he’s just a myth created by several major crime groups to scare people. Others are convinced he’s a single man who built the biggest criminal empire in history. Either way, his influence… is not something you can ignore.”

“And it’s still growing.”

My father added,

“Every year, more territory falls under his control. His operations are impossibly clean. No bodies, no evidence—just corporations and politicians quietly changing hands.”

“That’s insane. If I could, I’d really love to see what he looks like.”

I let a hint of curiosity show on my face.

“In a world this networked, someone who can completely erase his identity must have extraordinary power.”

“That’s exactly what makes him dangerous.”

Kane finally joined back in.

“But after tonight, we won’t have to worry about him or anyone else anymore. Once our families are tied together, we’ll be unstoppable.”

I lifted my glass with a small smile.

“To our family.”

I took a sip of wine and watched the situation gradually become clear.

The initial merger documents on the table had already been signed. Phase one was complete.

Kane could hardly hide his true face. He probably thought he was about to win it all.

He really believed no one knew about his affair with his ex‑wife.

But the real counterattack would come on the eve of the wedding—

Right when the final contract was supposed to be signed.

The butler cleared away the last plates, signaling the end of the meal.

My father asked how Kane was doing, then headed back to his study.

“Ready for our date tonight?”

Kane’s hand slid around my waist.

My body stiffened for a second. After all, these were the same hands that had been on Chloe’s chest.

“Of course.”

I leaned against him, continuing to play my role.

“It’ll be fun.”

He smiled down at me.

The doors of the club slowly opened in front of us.

I immediately recognized a few faces—business partners we’d worked with before.

They greeted us respectfully as we walked in.

The moment we started talking, the topic naturally drifted toward deals and money.

Out of the corner of my eye, I suddenly caught a familiar face.

I narrowed my eyes, trying to confirm.

At first, I wasn’t sure.

But then I noticed the way the man beside me stiffed—

And I knew I was right.

I just didn't expect Chloe to be so impatient.

“Ava, I’m going to the washroom.”

Kane was panic enough to use such a cliché excuse.

I watched his face, amused.

He probably thought he’d soon get to see me on my knees, sobbing and begging him not to leave me.

But arrogant, stupid Kane had no idea—

The real danger was coming.