Chapter 14 The Shadow Of The Aftermath

The smell of blood still lingered in the air long after the last gunshot had faded. The docks were eerily silent, save for the occasional crackle of Vincent's radio as his men cleaned up the carnage left behind.

Elena stood beside Alexander, her fingers still curled around his. She had just witnessed the man she loved orchestrate and survive an ambush—one that could have ended disastrously had he been any less calculating.

Alexander turned to Vincent, his voice steady despite the chaos. "Make sure every trace of this is erased. No one hears about what happened tonight."

Vincent nodded. "Already taken care of."

Alexander glanced at Morello's lifeless body one last time before shifting his focus to James, who was leaning against a crate, blood staining his torn shirt.

"How bad is it?" Alexander asked.

James wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. "I'll live."

Elena exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "We should get out of here."

Alexander nodded, but his gaze lingered on the dark water beyond the dock. "This isn't over."

Vincent adjusted his gun. "Morello's gone. That should shake the balance."

Alexander's expression darkened. "That's what I'm afraid of."

Returning to the Penthouse

They arrived at Alexander's penthouse just before dawn. The city lights cast an eerie glow over the skyline, mirroring the tension in the air.

Elena walked to the bar, pouring herself a drink with shaky hands. "I can't believe what just happened."

Alexander loosened his tie, watching her carefully. "You handled yourself well."

She let out a short laugh. "I don't think I had a choice."

James sank into the couch with a groan. "If you ask me, we just sent a message loud and clear."

Vincent crossed his arms. "Yeah. The problem is, we don't know who's listening."

Alexander's jaw tightened. "Morello wasn't working alone. Someone else was backing him."

Elena's stomach clenched. "You think they'll retaliate?"

Alexander nodded. "Not think. Know."

A chill ran through her. The fight wasn't over. It had only begun.

The Enemy Reveals Itself

The news broke by morning.

A major crime boss found dead at the docks. No suspects. No witnesses. But everyone in the underworld knew the truth.

The Lancaster name was back on top.

Elena and Alexander sat in his office, the TV playing in the background. She scrolled through her phone, reading the online articles.

"Morello's death is everywhere," she muttered.

Alexander barely glanced at the screen. "That's expected."

Elena frowned. "But some of these reports—" She hesitated. "They're hinting at a bigger power shift. Like Morello's death isn't the end, but the beginning of something worse."

Alexander exhaled. "It is."

Before she could ask what he meant, Vincent stormed into the room, his phone in hand.

"We've got a problem," he announced.

Alexander leaned forward. "What?"

Vincent tossed his phone onto the desk. "This."

A video played on the screen. The image was grainy, but the voice was unmistakable.

"You think you can kill Morello and walk away untouched?" a deep, menacing voice said.

Elena felt her chest tighten as a man stepped into the frame.

Santino Romano.

Elena had heard of him—everyone had. The man was a ghost, a puppet master controlling crime from the shadows. Unlike Morello, he wasn't reckless. He was methodical. Calculated.

He was worse.

"I let Morello play his games, but now, Lancaster…" Romano's voice was smooth, almost amused. "You've forced my hand."

The video ended.

Silence fell over the room.

Vincent exhaled. "Romano just declared war."

Elena's hands clenched into fists. "What do we do?"

Alexander's expression was unreadable. "We get ready."

A Deadly Invitation

An hour later, a black envelope was delivered to Alexander's penthouse.

No sender. No markings. Just his name written in bold ink.

He opened it carefully.

Inside was an invitation.

A meeting. Midnight. The Black Lotus Club.

Vincent's face darkened. "It's a trap."

Alexander smirked. "Obviously."

Elena's stomach twisted. "You're not actually going, are you?"

He met her gaze. "I don't have a choice."

She grabbed his wrist. "Alexander, this isn't Morello. This is Romano. He doesn't make threats. He makes examples."

Alexander reached up, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "And I don't run."

Elena swallowed hard. She knew arguing wouldn't change his mind.

"I'm coming with you," she said firmly.

Vincent scoffed. "Like hell you are."

Elena shot him a glare. "This is my fight too."

Alexander studied her for a moment. Then, to Vincent's horror, he nodded.

"Fine," he said. "We go together."

The Black Lotus Club

The club was a fortress.

Guards lined the entrance, their eyes scanning every guest. The scent of expensive whiskey and cigar smoke clung to the air as Elena and Alexander stepped inside.

Music played softly in the background, but there was no mistaking the tension in the room.

Romano was waiting.

He sat in a private booth, dressed in an expensive suit, sipping a glass of red wine like he had all the time in the world.

"Lancaster," he greeted smoothly. "And the lovely Miss Carter. I've heard quite a bit about you."

Elena kept her expression neutral.

Alexander took a seat across from him. "Let's skip the pleasantries."

Romano chuckled. "Very well."

He leaned forward, his dark eyes gleaming. "You killed Morello. Bold move."

Alexander didn't flinch. "Necessary."

Romano smirked. "Perhaps. But necessary or not, you've disrupted the balance. That means I have to respond."

Elena stiffened.

Romano reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. He placed it on the table.

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "What is that?"

Romano simply gestured for him to open it.

Elena's heart pounded as Alexander slowly lifted the lid.

Inside was a single bullet.

His name was engraved on it.

A clear message.

Romano smiled. "You have two choices, Lancaster. Walk away from all of this. Or…" He tapped the bullet. "I make sure this finds its way to you."

Elena felt her breath hitch.

Alexander stared at the bullet for a long moment. Then, slowly, he closed the box.

His voice was calm. Dangerous.

"You should've brought more than one."

Romano's smile faded.

The air grew thick with tension.

Finally, Romano leaned back, swirling his wine. "I do enjoy a good fight. But you'll regret this, Lancaster."

Alexander stood.

Elena followed.

As they walked away, she whispered, "What now?"

Alexander's eyes burned with cold determination.

"Now?" He exhaled. "We prepare for war."