Chapter 16 Shadows and Strategies

Elena barely had time to process the tension before Vincent's frustration erupted like a storm.

"What the hell were you thinking taking Elena with you?" His voice was sharp, accusing, as he stepped toward Alexander. "That could have gone south real fast."

Elena's brows furrowed as she crossed her arms. "I was fine."

Vincent scoffed. "For now." His eyes flicked to Alexander, his tone dropping to something lower, deadlier. "Romano's playing for keeps. This wasn't just a warning—it was a goddamn invitation to war."

Alexander remained unfazed, his expression unreadable as he shrugged off his suit jacket and placed it over the back of a chair. "I'm aware."

Vincent let out a bitter laugh. "Are you? Because I don't think you understand how dangerous this is. Romano is gathering allies. The moment Morello went down, he saw an opportunity to claim everything, and if you don't move first, you'll be the next target."

Elena felt a cold knot twist in her stomach.

"Alexander," she said softly, drawing his gaze to her. "He's right, isn't he?"

A tense silence stretched between them before Alexander finally exhaled and ran a hand through his hair. "I know what Romano wants. But I also know how he operates. He expects me to react, to retaliate immediately. If I do, I play into his hands."

Vincent shook his head. "And if you don't react fast enough, he'll see it as weakness."

Elena's chest tightened. She had thought she understood the world Alexander lived in, but every time she peeled back another layer, she saw just how deep and ruthless it truly was.

"So what's the plan?" she asked, bracing herself.

Alexander turned toward her fully, his gaze intense. "We prepare. We hit him where it hurts."

The Meeting

The following day, Alexander gathered his most trusted men at one of his lesser-known properties—a high-rise suite in the financial district, far from prying eyes.

The room was filled with men who exuded power. Some were dressed in sharp suits, others in more casual yet equally intimidating attire. Vincent stood by the window, arms crossed, his usual scowl in place.

"Romano's expanding," Alexander began, his voice calm but commanding. "We expected this the moment Morello was taken out. He's making a move on my territories, testing my defenses, trying to gauge my reaction."

A man with a scar across his cheek, Dominic, leaned forward. "So, what's the move?"

"We let him think he's winning."

That earned a few confused looks.

"Temporarily," Alexander clarified. "Romano's strength comes from his network—businesses, suppliers, and connections that fund his operations. We're going to cut him off piece by piece, make it look like accidents, coincidences. By the time he realizes what's happening, he won't have the resources to fight back."

A low murmur of approval spread across the room.

"And if he retaliates?" another man asked.

Alexander's smile was cold. "Then he falls faster."

Elena's Growing Doubts

Elena watched as Alexander seamlessly took control of the situation, but unease settled deep in her chest.

This was a war, and Alexander was a general preparing his army. It wasn't just about business or territory—it was about power, control, and survival.

She had seen his ruthless side before, but tonight, it was different.

After the meeting, she found herself standing on the balcony, the city stretching endlessly before her. The wind was cool against her skin, but her thoughts were anything but calm.

"You're thinking too hard."

She turned to find Alexander watching her, hands in his pockets.

She sighed. "I don't know if I can get used to this."

He stepped closer, his gaze unreadable. "Used to what?"

"This," she gestured vaguely. "The constant battles, the power plays, the danger."

Alexander studied her for a long moment before speaking. "I never wanted you to be part of this world, Elena. But you are now." He reached for her hand, his touch warm despite the cold reality they faced. "And I will protect you from it."

She wanted to believe him. But a small voice in the back of her mind whispered that in his world, safety was never guaranteed.

And love didn't always win.