Chapter 4: The Return of Greg

"In return, I will make sure your money worries vanish. Your mother’s hospital

bills? Get paid. Your debts? Cleared and if you play your cards well, you will walk away with more power and influence than you ever dreamed of."

My fingers clenched against my lap. It sounded too beautiful to be true.

"Why me?" I questioned.

His eyes clouded. "Because I see something in you. The determination to make a difference. A reluctance to be broken, and I know you don’t have many alternatives other than accepting this offer."

The bluntness of his comments made me laugh. "Do I get a free mansion with that or just a roof over my head?"

For the first time, his countenance transformed into something almost delighted. "That depends on how good you are at preserving and saving a falling empire."

Hearing all these words, my thoughts race. This wasn’t simply a job offer. It was a risky offer.

"And what do you want in return?" I asked hesitantly.

His gaze focused upon mine. "Loyalty, competence and the ability to see things through no matter what it takes."

A shudder raced down my spine. No matter what it takes.

I wanted to say no but the weight of my mother’s medical costs, the crushing sensation of helplessness, the fire still blazing within me—it all shouted for me to take the chance.

"Fine," I responded, my voice barely above a whisper. "I will do it."

A delighted smile reflected on his face. "Smart choice."

Before I could speak another word, a fresh voice cut through the room.

"Well, well. That didn’t take long."

I turned toward the lounge entrance—and my gut wrenched.

A guy leaned against the doorway, arms folded, observing us with enjoyment. He was taller and slimmer than Alexander. His black eyes contained sharpness, an awareness that made my skin tingle. He was so charming and attractive.

Alexander’s jaw constricted. "Lucian."

His half-brother.

I recognized him quickly. Lucian Steele was the darkness hovering beneath Alexander’s legacy. A guy who lived in turmoil, who played power games with the accuracy of a master strategist.

He pushed off the doorway, strolling toward us. "You must be Isabella," he replied effortlessly.

I pushed myself to remain motionless. "And you must be Alexander's brother who watches from the sidelines."

Lucian laughed. "Oh, I do more than watch." His eyes shifted to Alexander. "Tell me, dear brother, does she know what she is walking into?"

Alexander’s expression didn’t alter. "She knows enough."

Lucian shook his head. "You’re always good at keeping secrets." He turned back to me, his grin piercing. "I hope you are prepared, Isabella. This is just the beginning."

A chill crept up my spine. I looked between the two brothers—one offering salvation, the other promising danger!

"You're always good at keeping secrets."

Lucian’s words still resonated in my ears, a warning mingled with laughter. I gazed at him, trying to assess his next move, but before I could answer, my phone vibrated on the table.

I dismissed it at first. But when it buzzed again, I picked it up. A single name came on the screen, and my heart almost stopped.

Greg.

Blood drained from my face. My fingers clenched around the phone as if clutching it firmly to block him from seeping back into my life.

"Is something wrong?" Alexander questioned, his piercing eyes already appraising my mood and countenance.

I swallowed hard. "No."

Lying to Alexander Steele wasn’t easy, and the way his eyes narrowed told me he didn’t believe me but I wasn’t ready to explain—not in front of Lucian, not while my pulse was hammering in my ears via what was happening at this early stage of meeting Alexander.

The phone buzzed again. This time, a message popped up.

"You thought you could run, Isabella? We need to discuss"

My stomach hums due to the comeback of my ex-boyfriend.

Not now. Not again, I murmured.

I stood suddenly. I needed some air.

Alexander’s countenance hardened, but he did not stop me or say anything. I turned and went out of the lounge, pushing my legs to go steadily as fear of Greg curled around my thoughts.

Outside, the night air did nothing to calm my anxiety. I leaned on the railing, grasping it as I attempted to regulate my breathing.

"Still as dramatic as ever, "My ears caught hearing the voice I can even recognize while sleeping or in my dreams so smooth, enticing, yet mixed with something much more sinister.

Slowly, as I turned, I was shocked to see my nightmare, Greg, leaning against the vehicle parked on the opposite side, looking precisely as I remembered; he was not simply the charming, dangerous guy I had known. He was something more.

The rumours were true. Greg wasn’t simply an ex-boyfriend anymore. He was Gregory Santoro—a dreaded mafia leader. And he had found me.

"You look like you have seen a ghost," he said, pushing off the car and strolling toward me.

I pushed my chin up. "What do you want, Greg?"

Isabella. "What! No hello from you? Oh gosh, you appear wealthier than before?"

I clenched my fists. "I do not have time for this."

"Make time for us," he urged, his voice getting stern. His hand flew out, grasping my

wrist before I could move away. "You went without saying goodbye, Isabella. That wasn’t fair of you. I miss you."

I pulled my arm back. "That is because you don’t deserve one, and never say that word again. Let’s pretend we never knew each other."

His smirk. "Is that so?"

I stood my ground but within me, my heart was hammering. I knew Greg, I knew what he was capable of and the gleam in his eyes told me he was not here for leisure.

"I let you go once," he muttered, his fingertips stroking my shoulder, which was the biggest mistake I made, but note that you belong to me, Isabella."

I laughed coldly. "In your dreams.," I answered him.

His expression darkened. "Then let me make this clear to you." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "If you don’t come back to me, I will ruin everything you love."

Had I just made the biggest mistake of my life by accepting Alexander’s offer, and what is Greg up to?

Find out in the next chapter.