Chapter 8

What if Ella blames me for what happened to Zachary? Or the whole Langston family?

The image of him collapsing replays in my mind over and over. The blood, the way his face went pale. I can’t stop thinking about how lifeless he looked, how close I came to breaking down in that moment.

Tears sting my eyes, but I fight them back. Crying won’t change anything, but I have no one to confide in, so my tears fall in silence.

An hour later, a doctor walks over. She’s middle-aged, wearing a lab coat, and looks tired. She gives a tired smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.

“Mr. Langston is stable. He’s awake and recovering well. The wound isn’t as bad as it looked, but he’ll need time to heal.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Relief floods through me, and my legs almost give out, but I hold myself up. “Can I see him?”

The doctor hesitates a moment before nodding. “He’s in recovery, but don’t expect him to be in the best mood."

I nod, barely able to speak. My heart is still pounding. I don’t know if it’s fear or relief, but I just need to see him. I need to know he’s okay.

I pause at the door as my hand hovers over the handle. After a deep breath, I push it open. Zachary sits up in bed, his chest bandaged. He looks tired and pale but still undeniably handsome in that frustrating way of his.

“Finally decided to see if I’m still alive?” he says, raising a brow.

I walk over cautiously, ignoring his sarcastic tone. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I got stabbed,” he replies flatly. His eyes narrow. “Your debt just got bigger.”

I blink in confusion. “Debt? What debt?”

“You dragged me into this mess, remember? Because of that, I’ve decided to change our deal. You’re staying with me. No end date.”

My jaw drops. “You’re kidding.”

“I’m not.” He leans back against the pillows, wincing a little. “What's so bad about it? Your mom will be taken care of, and you won’t have to worry about money anymore. It’s a good deal.”

“For you,” I snap. “What about my freedom?”

He shrugs with a slight smirk. “Freedom’s overrated. You’ll have everything you need at my place. My lawyer will handle the paperwork.”

I clench my fists, trying not to yell. Arrogance might actually be his middle name.

A knock on the door interrupts us, and goosebumps form on my skin as I recognize the figure of Michael, the HR head who purposefully directed me to Zachary's penthouse. I turn my gaze away after a small nod. "Good evening, sir." I don't want to be rude, but what he had done truly irritates me.

“Clara Hale?” Michael looks surprised. “What are you doing here? Another interview from the CEO?”

Before I can answer, Zachary speaks, sounding irritated. “She’s here because of you. Perhaps I would be in my office instead of this miserable bed if you had not made a mistake."

"Oh, come on!" Michael chuckles, ignoring Zachary’s glare. “I just sent you a good candidate for the job. And I’d say she’s more than good.”

I feel my face heat up, but I don't say a word. If only the ground would just open up and swallow me whole right now. But of course, that doesn't happen. Instead, I have to stand there awkwardly while Michael and Zachary continue their conversation.

Michael raises his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, how about I make it up to you? Coffee? My treat.”

“No, thanks,” I say quickly. I don't want anything from him after that embarrassing introduction. Seizing the chance to escape, I turn to Zachary and said, “I’ll give you some privacy."

He frowns, but I quickly hurry out the door.

—

Outside, the cool air feels refreshing. I hold a cup of coffee, trying to calm my nerves, when my phone buzzes. I fumble to answer.

“Miss Hale?” It’s the doctor’s voice. “Your mother is awake. You can visit her whenever you’re ready.”

My heart leaps. “She’s awake?”

“Yes, and she’s doing well.”

“Thank you,” I say. For the first time all day, I feel a spark of hope.

I wiped my tears away and took a deep breath. I have to see Mother as soon as possible to make sure she's truly okay. I quickly finish my coffee and head back to Zachary's room, hoping that he gives me permission to visit my mother.

But then I stopped at the door, sensing how serious the conversation between Zachary and Michael is.

“They think the American mob is less organized than the Italians. Big mistake.”

“Their last mistake,” Zachary replies coldly. “No one messes with us and gets away with it. I want every name on that list handled. Make sure they know who they’re dealing with.”

Michael hesitates. “Zachary, this could escalate…”

“Good. Let it escalate,” Zachary snaps. “Anyway, the DeViros are getting too bold. If we don’t move now, it’ll be too late. I won’t let them take over Langston Enterprises. They’ve been pushing into the Black Market district. They’re getting too close to our turf. We can’t let them build a stronger base there, especially with their ties to the Moreno syndicate.” Zachary pauses. “And Michael, you know what happens if we let them win.”

Michael’s voice drops lower. “I know, Zachary. But moving too fast could start a war we can’t control. The Morenos are everywhere. If we start this now, it won’t just be the DeViros. The Lucianos are already circling. They’ve been sniffing around our deals in the East End. If we provoke both sides, it’ll be a disaster.”

Zachary’s voice hardens. “I don’t care about the Lucianos, Michael. You’re not seeing the bigger picture. If we don’t strike first, we lose everything. You saw what they did last week? The DeViro’s men raided our warehouse on 5th and Broad. The feds weren’t even involved, but they got away clean. They think they can do whatever they want. I won’t let them think Langston Group is weak. Understand?”

“But Zachary—”

“No more warnings. I’ve given them too many already. I’ll deal with the DeViro leaders. And if the Lucianos want to make a move, they’ll learn why you don’t mess with the Langstons.”

Michael goes quiet for a moment, then asks, “Where do you want to hit them first?”

“Start with the DeViro warehouse on 3rd and Mason. The one they’ve been using for shipments. I’ll handle their leaders when I get the hell out of here, but I need you to clear the rest of the operation. No mistakes.” Zachary’s voice is smooth, like he’s just discussing a business deal instead of preparing for violence.

“I’ll get the usual crew. But if you’re handling the DeViro leaders, you’d better be ready for retaliation. Vito DeViro won’t take this lightly. He’s got connections in high places.”

Zachary scoffs. “Let him. Vito’s a coward who hides behind his father’s name. He doesn’t have the guts to back up his threats. I’ll make sure he knows who runs this city. If he thinks he can challenge me, he’s wrong.”

I quickly step back, and my blood freezes in my veins. What have I gotten myself into? Who the heck are these people?