CHAPTER 75
The sky turned orange as Cassandra stepped out of Jessica's apartment. Thin snow adorned the city streets, and the cold air pierced her skin. With a mix of emotions, she hailed a cab and gave the driver the address—a grand mansion owned by Antonio.
The journey felt slow, not only because of the heavy traffic but also due to the endless turmoil in her mind. The decision she made the night before still lingered, though she was confident it was the right one. Now, she had to face another reality—Antonio and the secret she had been keeping from him all this time.
When the cab stopped in front of the mansion, Cassandra gazed at the building with mixed feelings. The warm light from inside contrasted with the coldness outside. However, something else caught her attention—a man standing at the gate, talking to two bodyguards stationed there. It was Ben.
They exchanged glances, and Cassandra felt Ben’s cold, piercing stare. He said nothing, but his expression was enough to make Cassandra uneasy. She took a deep breath and tried to ignore it. This was not the time to think about Ben.
One of the bodyguards approached and opened the gate for her. “Miss Cassandra, Mr. Antonio is waiting inside,” he said politely.
Cassandra nodded slightly and stepped into the mansion grounds. The snow-covered garden presented a beautiful view, but her mind was too preoccupied to appreciate it. When she reached the main door, Antonio was already there, waiting for her with a warm smile.
“Cass,” he said gently, stepping closer. Without hesitation, he embraced Cassandra tightly, providing much-needed warmth on this cold evening. Before Cassandra could say anything, Antonio kissed her softly on the lips. “I missed you.”
Cassandra felt her heart race, a mixture of warmth and nervousness. “I... I missed you too,” she replied softly.
Antonio looked at her attentively. “How was your stay at Jessica’s? Was everything okay?” he asked.
Cassandra nodded, trying to smile. “Everything was fine. Jess was very helpful.”
Antonio gave a small smile, but his eyes showed a deep concern that didn’t escape Cassandra’s notice. Before she could add anything, Antonio suddenly bent down slightly and lifted her into his arms.
“Antonio! What are you doing?” Cassandra exclaimed, surprised.
“I need to make sure you and our baby are okay,” Antonio replied without hesitation, his smile turning even warmer. “You mustn’t overexert yourself, Cass. From now on, I’ll take care of you completely.”
Cassandra’s face turned red, but she didn’t protest. Antonio carried her through the luxurious hallways of the mansion to the master bedroom prepared for them. Once they arrived, Antonio carefully placed Cassandra on the plush bed.
“I want you to rest, Cass,” he said, sitting on the edge of the bed. His hand gently caressed Cassandra’s cheek. “You mean everything to me now, and I won’t let anything harm you.”
Cassandra looked at him, her emotions a mix of being touched and anxious. There was so much she wanted to say, but the words felt too heavy to come out. She could only nod slightly, accepting Antonio’s genuine care.
“Thank you, Antonio,” she finally whispered. “I really appreciate it.”
Antonio smiled softly. “You don’t need to thank me, Cass. It’s my duty to make sure you’re happy and safe.”
That night, however, wasn’t spent solely on rest. After lying in bed for some time, Cassandra felt restless. Antonio, who had just finished talking to his staff, returned to the room to find Cassandra still awake. He approached her with gentle steps, sitting beside her.
“Cass, what’s bothering you?” he asked, his voice full of concern.
Cassandra shook her head, but her eyes told a different story. Antonio pulled her into an embrace, letting his warmth envelop Cassandra. He felt the tension in her body, and without saying anything, he began gently rubbing her back.
“I’m here, Cass. You don’t have to face everything alone,” Antonio whispered, his voice soothing.
Cassandra felt her emotional walls crumble. She looked at Antonio, and without realizing it, tears began streaming down her cheeks. Antonio wiped her tears away with his thumb, then leaned in to plant a soft kiss on her forehead.
“You know I love you, don’t you?” Antonio asked, his eyes gazing deeply into Cassandra’s.
Cassandra nodded slowly. “I know,” she replied in a trembling voice. “And I love you too, Antonio.”
Hearing this, Antonio smiled and kissed Cassandra’s lips gently. The kiss was filled with warmth and affection but soon turned deeper, more intense. Cassandra felt herself being swept away in the moment, forgetting all the worries that had previously haunted her.
Antonio held Cassandra’s face with both hands, as if ensuring that this moment belonged solely to the two of them. “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, Cass,” he whispered between kisses.
Cassandra didn’t reply with words. Instead, she returned the kiss with equal passion, letting herself be immersed in the warmth and security only Antonio could provide. That night, they allowed their love to overcome all fears and doubts, creating a moment filled with intimacy and closeness.
The following morning, Antonio woke up earlier but didn’t want to disturb Cassandra, who was still peacefully asleep beside him. He decided to prepare breakfast with the kitchen staff, ensuring everything was perfect to greet Cassandra’s morning.
When Cassandra finally opened her eyes, the aroma of coffee and toast had already filled the room. Antonio entered with a tray in his hands, smiling as he saw Cassandra looking refreshed despite her restless night.
“Good morning, my love,” Antonio greeted warmly. “I prepared something for you.”
Cassandra smiled, feeling lighter than the day before. She felt cherished and loved, something she hadn’t always experienced before. “Thank you, Antonio. You’re too good to me.”
Antonio sat beside her, feeding her slowly. “I just want to make sure you have the best, Cass. You and our baby are the most important things in my life now.”
Hearing this, Cassandra felt her eyes well up with tears again, but this time not from sadness but from genuine happiness. She knew her journey was still long, but with Antonio by her side, she felt more prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
CHAPTER 76That morning, the sunlight streamed softly through the large window of Antonio and Cassandra’s bedroom. Cassandra woke up earlier than usual. She was still reminiscing about the warmth of the previous night, but a sense of curiosity crept into her heart. Antonio, who usually woke up early for work, was still sound asleep beside her. His peaceful face made Cassandra smile slightly.When Antonio finally woke up, he looked at Cassandra tenderly. “Morning, my love. Have you been up long?”Cassandra shook her head with a smile. “Just now.”Antonio sat up, tidied his slightly messy hair, and suddenly seemed to remember something. With a burst of energy, he got out of bed and walked toward the large wardrobe in the corner of the room.“What are you doing?” Cassandra asked, her tone puzzled, as she followed Antonio’s movements with her eyes.Antonio didn’t answer. He opened one of the wardrobe doors, reached inside, and pulled out a large maroon box decorated with a gold ribbon. Hi
Chapter 77"Call for the backup car now!" Ben spoke firmly over the phone, his voice echoing amidst the chaos. He stood tall at the scene of the accident, his eyes fixed sharply on the black car speeding away in the distance. It didn’t take long before two other black cars arrived, speeding and stopping right in front of them.“Mr. Antonio, Miss Cassandra, please get into the first car. I’ll go after that vehicle,” Ben said, swiftly opening the car door.Antonio helped Cassandra, who still looked a bit shaken. “Cass, let’s go. We need to get to the hospital,” he said, his tone both firm and gentle. He ensured Cassandra got into the car safely before turning to Ben. “Be careful, Ben. Don’t let anything happen to you.”Ben nodded confidently. “Don’t worry, sir. I’ll make sure they don’t get away.” With that, he got into the second car and sped off, following the trail of the car that had hit them.Inside the car, Cassandra held Antonio’s hand tightly. “Antonio, are you sure we need to g
Chapter 78Antonio and Cassandra arrived at the grand estate that served as their residence. The large iron gates closed behind them with a resounding clang as the car stopped in the driveway. Antonio stepped out first, quickly moving to Cassandra's side to help her out of the car."Cass, are you sure you're okay?" he asked, his eyes scanning her face for any signs of discomfort.Cassandra nodded, offering a faint smile. "I'm fine, Antonio. Really. Just a bit tired.""Let's get you inside so you can rest," Antonio's voice was soft, but there was a commanding tone that left no room for argument.Once inside, Cassandra sank onto the plush couch in the living room. The warm light from the chandelier above cast a soothing glow, but the tension between them remained palpable. Antonio paced for a moment before suddenly stopping."Cass," he began seriously, "I need to step out for a while. There are some things I need to handle with my men. The situation from earlier needs to be addressed im
Chapter 79The dim light in the warehouse flickered, casting long shadows across the cold cement floor. Antonio stood near a stack of crates, his fingers brushing the edge of his jacket. He motioned for Ben to approach. Ben stepped forward cautiously, sensing the weight of the conversation that was about to take place.“Ben,” Antonio began, his voice low but firm. “I need your honest opinion. What do you think about today’s situation?”Ben’s brow furrowed. He had always been loyal to Antonio, not just as a secretary but as someone who deeply understood the complexities of Antonio’s world. “Sir, with all due respect, it’s not the situation itself that worries me.” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “It’s you.”Antonio raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but not offended. “Go on.”Ben took a deep breath. “You’ve changed, Antonio. Ever since Cassandra came into your life, your priorities have shifted. It’s understandable, but it’s also dangerous. You’re putting her above everythin
Chapter 80The old docks were shrouded in fog, the salty air heavy with the stench of decay. Antonio’s men had surrounded the warehouse, their movements precise and silent. Inside, tension crackled like electricity in the air. Thomas, cornered and desperate, gripped a hidden blade beneath his coat, his mind racing with thoughts of escape—or revenge.Antonio entered the dimly lit warehouse, his sharp footsteps echoing off the walls. Behind him, Ben followed cautiously, his eyes scanning the room for threats. Marcus and a few other men spread out, forming a loose perimeter around Thomas.“It’s over, Thomas,” Antonio said, his voice calm yet threatening. “You have no way out.”Thomas’s eyes darted between Antonio and the others. “No way out?” he sneered, attempting to mask his fear with false bravado. “You think you’ve won? You don’t even know who you’re up against.”Antonio stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. “Then tell me. Who are they? Who’s pulling your strings?”Thomas hesitated, b
Chapter 81That morning, soft sunlight filtered through the curtains of Cassandra's room. Antonio sat in the chair by the bed, his gaze fixed on his wife, who was still sound asleep. Thoughts of looming threats weighed heavily on his mind, but watching Cassandra sleep peacefully gave him the strength he needed.A soft knock on the door made Antonio turn his head. He stood and walked out cautiously so as not to wake Cassandra. In the hallway, Marcus was waiting, his expression tense.“Sir, we have new developments,” he said in a low voice. “We managed to unlock the burner phone found in Thomas’s pocket.”Antonio nodded, signaling Marcus to continue.“There were several encrypted messages, but one name appeared repeatedly: Viktor Reznov. We believe he’s the mastermind behind all of this.”The name made Antonio pause. Viktor Reznov wasn’t just another name in the criminal underworld; he was someone with a fearsome reputation. Antonio realized that this wasn’t an ordinary threat.“Where w
Chapter 82The dimly lit warehouse smelled of metal and dampness, the oppressive silence broken only by the occasional drip of water echoing in the distance. At the center of the room, Viktor Reznov and Thomas Rivera were tightly bound to metal chairs, their faces lined with tension and bruises. Marcus stood nearby, his large frame exuding a cold authority, while Ben paced back and forth, his expression clouded with thought.Ben’s gaze shifted toward the two men, his jaw tightening. “This is truly unbelievable,” he said, his voice a mix of disbelief and disappointment. “Antonio gave both of you a chance—a way out of ruin. He loaned you capital to build your businesses, and this is how you repay him?”Viktor sneered, refusing to meet Ben’s eyes. Beside him, Thomas glared at Ben with undisguised disdain. “Spare me your lecture,” Thomas rasped, his voice hoarse. “Antonio is nothing more than a loan shark. Sure, he lent us money, but the interest he charged? Outrageous.”Ben stopped pacin
Chapter 83The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the living room. Cassandra stirred slightly, her head resting on Antonio’s chest, lulled by the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. She blinked a few times, realizing they had fallen asleep together on the sofa. Antonio’s arm was still draped protectively around her, his face serene and unguarded in sleep.For a moment, Cassandra hesitated, gazing at him. In this vulnerable state, Antonio seemed different—less guarded, almost tender. A faint smile appeared on Cassandra’s lips as she gently slid out of his embrace. She reached for the folded blanket nearby and carefully covered him, her fingers pausing briefly on his shoulder.“Sleep well,” she murmured softly before heading upstairs.When Antonio woke up, the blanket still covered him, and the living room was silent. He glanced around, his senses sharpening as he realized Cassandra was no longer there. Stretching his limbs, he stood and walked toward
Edward Novaries sat in his chair, his jaw clenched tight, eyes burning with madness and fury. In front of him, a group of men from various mafia organizations sat around a circular table. Some of them looked hesitant, while others stared at him with disbelief. Antonio had destroyed all his financial networks, burned his businesses to the ground.Now, he had no choice but to seek new allies. His gaze flicked to the right, where Hernando Diaz, a Colombian cartel boss, lounged lazily in his seat. Across from him sat Rafael Montenegro, head of the Spanish syndicate, arms crossed over his chest, his expression unreadable. Edward exhaled sharply before speaking.“We all have one common enemy—Antonio Franches and The Silver Thorn. If we don’t act now, he’ll take us down one by one.”Hernando scoffed.“You talk big, Edward. We all know who Antonio is and what his men are capable of. He’s not just another threat—he’s a goddamn killing machine.”“You expect us to go against a man who never fail
Inside the secret meeting room, the air was thick with tension. Dim lights cast shadows over the serious faces surrounding the massive mahogany table. Antonio’s five top agents—Marcus, Ben, Dominic, Silvio, and Luca—sat with tense expressions, ready to take orders from their leader. But tonight, there was someone different in the room. Cassandra. Normally, Antonio wouldn’t allow her to be part of meetings like this. But tonight was different. She was the only living witness to the tragic accident that took her parents' lives. Antonio wanted her here—to hear firsthand how they were going to hunt Edward Novaries down and drag him out of whatever hole he was hiding in. Cassandra sat beside Antonio, her hands clenched in her lap, trying to conceal the nervousness creeping into her. Marcus, Antonio’s most trusted man, started the discussion.“Edward keeps slipping through our fingers. We almost had him after the tanker explosion, but he got away.”Dominic took a slow sip of his coffee, his
The dark night sky was illuminated by the faint glow of city lights. The cold air was biting, but nothing could compare to the heat of tension that surrounded the scene. The sound of police sirens grew louder, inching closer with every second, signaling that Edward Novaries' time was running out. With steady breaths and an unshaken expression, Edward assessed his surroundings. A few of Antonio’s men remained in their battle-ready positions, but they knew the police would be there any moment. Antonio, injured but standing tall, clutched his throbbing arm from the previous fight. His eyes burned with fury as he stared at Edward.“You have nowhere to run, Edward.”Edward simply smirked, as if he still held control of the situation.“Antonio, Antonio… You still think this is a game you can win?”He sighed.“I’ve always been one step ahead of you.”Cassandra, standing beside Alexander, clenched her fists.“You’re a coward! All you do is hide behind your dirty tricks!”Edward turned his gaz
The sky was still gray as Cassandra and Alexander left Aunt Marrie’s house. The remnants of last night’s rain lingered on the streets, making the air cooler and damp. Trees along the road dripped with water, their leaves still wet. Cassandra sat quietly in the passenger seat, her gaze vacant as she stared out the window. Her heart was a storm of fear and determination. She was getting closer to uncovering the truth, but she also knew that each step forward brought her into more danger than she had ever imagined. Alexander, driving with sharp focus, stole occasional glances at her. He understood how heavy this journey was for Cassandra."We can stop now if you want, Cass,"Alexander said softly but firmly."This isn’t an easy road."Cassandra turned to him, her eyes burning with unshakable resolve."I’m not stopping, Alex," she said firmly."Not until I find out who killed them."Alexander studied her for a moment before sighing. He knew she wouldn’t change her mind."Alright. But prom
Cassandra stood on Aunt Marrie’s porch, staring at the dark sky with empty eyes. The night wind blew through her loose hair, but she barely felt it. Her mind was consumed by one thing—the bitter truth that her parents had never truly been free from the world they tried to leave behind. Behind her, footsteps approached. Alexander appeared, carrying two cups of hot tea."You haven’t come inside,"he said, his voice soft but watchful."It’s freezing out here."Cassandra didn’t respond right away. She took the cup without looking, taking a small sip. The warmth should have spread through her body, but the cold inside her refused to leave."They just wanted a normal life," she murmured finally, pain thick in her voice."But they were never allowed to escape."Alexander stood beside her, gazing out at the empty street."Cass…"He hesitated before saying,"I know this hurts. But if you want answers, we can start digging into their past."Cassandra tightened her grip on the cup."I have to fi
Alexander’s car sped down the empty road toward the small village where Aunt Marrie lived. Inside the vehicle, Cassandra sat silently, her eyes gazing out the window while her mind wandered far away. Her fingers fidgeted on her lap, restless, reflecting the chaos in her thoughts. Alexander glanced at her briefly, noticing the unease she made no effort to hide."I don’t know if I’m ready to hear this,"Cassandra finally spoke, her voice quiet and uncertain. Alexander kept his eyes on the road, but his voice was steady."It’s better you know now than spend the rest of your life wondering."Cassandra took a deep breath, trying to steady herself."I’m just afraid… what if the truth is worse than I imagined?"Alexander finally turned to her, his eyes serious, filled with something Cassandra couldn’t quite decipher."No matter what it is, I’ll be here with you."Cassandra swallowed hard. Alexander had always been there for her. No matter how many times she ignored him, pushed him away, even
NYPD Headquarters –The Second Shocking Package That morning, Cassandra sat at her desk, her eyes still locked onto the documents she had received days ago. The truth about her parents’ deaths lingered in her mind like an unshakable fog. Even now, she didn’t know whether to trust Antonio or the documents she had been given. But everything changed when a mail officer arrived at her office again."Detective Cassandra, there’s another package for you."Cassandra frowned, her head snapping up."What?"Another package? The officer placed a plain brown box on her desk, just like the last one—no postage stamps, no sender information. Her heartbeat quickened as she reached for it. With trembling hands, Cassandra ripped open the seal and lifted the lid. Inside was a thick stack of documents, even more disturbing than the first. Her eyes scanned the bold text on the first page:"Subject: Marvin Carter""Status: Trusted Agent of The Silver Thorn"Cassandra’s eyes widened. No… this couldn’t be… H
New York –The City Rising from Darkness Weeks after the downfall of Leonardo’s Mafia, New York was finally beginning to rise from the ruins of chaos. Citizens who had once fled returned to the city, trying to rebuild the lives they had left behind. Destroyed offices were being renovated, businesses were reopening, and the once bloodstained streets were now filled with pedestrians again. The media headlines painted a narrative of victory."NYPD Successfully Fights Crime and Restores Peace!""Leonardo and His Criminal Empire Crumble – New York is Safe Again!"On television screens, Police Commissioner O’Connor was seen smiling triumphantly as he accepted an award from the Mayor of New York. Meanwhile, in one of the skyscrapers overlooking the entire city, Antonio Franches sat leisurely on the balcony of his mansion. He gazed at the city he had saved, but there were no awards for him. No speeches, no medals. That’s just how the world worked. Marcus arrived with a bottle of whiskey, pour
Back at the Mansion –A Calming Night The night air was cold as Antonio’s car finally passed through the gates of his mansion. From a distance, several of Antonio’s men stood on high alert, ready to welcome their leader home. Marcus quickly stepped beside the car as Antonio opened the door, gently pulling Cassandra out. Cassandra looked exhausted, her face slightly pale after hours on that desolate island. But the moment she gazed at Antonio, her eyes filled with warmth and gratitude."You’re safe now,"Antonio whispered, his hand still gripping her waist firmly. Cassandra gave a small nod, still feeling the tension lingering in her body. Marcus observed them for a moment before speaking."Boss, we still need to stay on guard. Leonardo could retaliate at any moment."Antonio nodded without taking his eyes off Cassandra."Increase security around the mansion. Make sure no one gets close without my knowledge."Marcus nodded and immediately relayed orders to the rest of the team. Meanwhi