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Twenty Five

Penulis: dewamika
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2024-12-15 18:02:01

CHAPTER 25

Cassandra gripped her trousers tightly, her nails digging into the fabric as she fought to contain her anger. The muscles in her jaw tensed, but she forced herself to maintain a calm demeanor. Slowly, she met Antonio’s intense gaze with her own, her voice steady as she asked, “Do you think I’m fit to be a police officer?”

Antonio’s response was immediate—a sharp laugh that echoed throughout the room. He leaned back on the sofa, his smirk widening as he pointed a finger at her. “A police officer?” he said, mocking disbelief in his tone. “No, Cassandra, you’re far better suited to being my bedmate.”

The insult hit her like a slap, but Cassandra remained stoic, suppressing the storm of fury building inside her. Stay calm, she reminded herself. Instead of reacting, she tilted her head slightly and forced a small smile, as if his words had no power over her.

Antonio’s smirk remained, satisfied with his perceived control over her. “Come,” he said, rising from the sofa and motioning toward the table where the sushi platter was elegantly displayed. “Let’s enjoy lunch together. This sushi was flown in fresh from Japan this morning. Only the best for you.”

Cassandra stood, her movements deliberate as she followed him to the table. She sat across from him, her eyes briefly scanning the exquisite arrangement of the sushi. Antonio wasted no time, pouring himself a glass of sake and beginning to eat with calculated elegance. Every move he made seemed designed to showcase his wealth and power.

As Cassandra reluctantly took a piece of sushi, Antonio leaned back in his chair, watching her intently. “You should appreciate this,” he said, gesturing at the food. “Do you know how much effort it takes to ensure my wife receives first-class treatment?”

Cassandra lowered her gaze, feigning humility. “I’m just a lowly journalist,” she murmured, her voice laced with self-deprecation. “I don’t deserve such extravagance.”

Antonio’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before he leaned forward, his dark eyes narrowing. “Whether you think you deserve it or not is irrelevant,” he said, his tone sharp. “You are mine, Cassandra. That alone is enough reason for me to provide you with the best.”

Cassandra swallowed hard, her stomach churning with a mixture of disgust and frustration. Despite her inner turmoil, she forced herself to eat, knowing that any sign of rebellion would only fuel Antonio’s desire to assert control over her.

When the meal was finished, Antonio wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin and fixed his gaze on her. “Tell me, Cassandra,” he began, his voice deceptively casual. “What do you need? Money? Jewelry? A new car? Say the word, and it’s yours.”

Cassandra set her chopsticks down, folding her hands in her lap to hide the slight trembling in her fingers. “I don’t need anything,” she replied softly. “I’m fine as I am.”

Antonio’s smirk returned, but this time it was accompanied by a glint of mischief in his eyes. “If you don’t give me a specific answer, I’ll have to assume you need everything,” he said, his voice silky smooth. “And I’ll give you exactly that—everything.”

Cassandra blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his words. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could speak, her phone buzzed inside her bag, breaking the tense silence. Both their gazes shifted toward the source of the sound.

“I need to take this,” Cassandra said, her hand reaching for the bag.

But before she could retrieve the phone, Antonio’s hand shot out, gently but firmly grasping her wrist. “Not so fast,” he said, his voice low and commanding. “Who would dare interrupt our time together?”

Cassandra’s heart raced as she looked at him, her mind scrambling for a way to diffuse the situation. Antonio’s piercing gaze held hers, and for a moment, the air between them grew thick with unspoken tension. She had to tread carefully—one wrong move, and everything she had worked to conceal could unravel in an instant.

Cassandra swallowed hard, steadying herself before replying with practiced ease. “It’s just a work notification,” she said, her tone light. “I’ve been following a story about a celebrity scandal in New York. The editors love the updates.”

 Antonio’s grip on her wrist loosened, and his intense gaze softened slightly. “Celebrity gossip,” he mused, letting out a faint chuckle as he finally released her. “I suppose your job has its amusements.”

 Cassandra offered a faint smile, masking the relief flooding through her. “It does. But I should take this.”

Antonio gestured toward the door with a dismissive wave. “Go ahead, but don’t keep me waiting too long.”

Nodding, Cassandra grabbed her phone and stepped out of the office. The moment the door closed behind her, she let out a quiet exhale, her body momentarily sagging with tension. She quickly answered the call. “Martinez,” she said softly, glancing around the corridor to ensure she was alone.

“Cassandra,” Detective Martinez’s familiar voice came through, calm but firm. “We have a situation. I need you to meet me at Emperal Hospital downtown. It’s urgent.”

Cassandra hesitated, glancing at the closed office door behind her. “Right now?” she asked, her voice wavering slightly. “I’m... in the middle of something.”

“Cassandra, this can’t wait,” Martinez pressed. “It’s related to the Foster case.” Her heart sank.

She bit her lip, weighing her options before finally nodding to herself. “I’ll be there,” she said, keeping her voice low. “Give me twenty minutes.”

She ended the call and stood there for a moment, her thoughts swirling. Returning to Antonio’s office now felt even more precarious, but she couldn’t risk raising his suspicions by disappearing without explanation.

 Bracing herself, she adjusted her posture and re-entered the room. The sight that greeted her immediately set off alarm bells in her mind. Ben was standing close to Antonio, leaning down slightly as he whispered something to him. Antonio’s expression remained calm, though his brows furrowed faintly in thought.

When Cassandra stepped inside, Ben straightened and turned to her, his face betraying no emotion. “Excuse me,” Ben said smoothly, inclining his head toward her before walking past and out of the room.

Cassandra watched him leave, her instincts prickling with unease. Ben had always struck her as someone who observed more than he let on, and the way he glanced at her before exiting only deepened her suspicion.

“Was that about me?” she asked, her tone light as she turned back to Antonio. Antonio chuckled, reclining slightly in his chair.

 “Paranoid, aren’t you?” he teased. “Ben and I discuss many things, Cassandra, but not everything revolves around you.”

Despite his words, Cassandra couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted in the dynamic. She forced herself to sit across from him again, keeping her expression neutral even as her mind raced. “Let’s not waste time,” Antonio said, his voice casual yet commanding. “Where were we?”

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  • Revenge to the Mafia   Twenty Six

    CHAPTER 26Cassandra stepped into the bustling lobby of Emperal Hospital, her nerves taut as she scanned the room for Detective Martinez. The hospital’s sterile white walls and the constant shuffle of doctors and patients only heightened her unease. She finally spotted Martinez near the reception desk, holding a brown envelope that seemed to carry the weight of the Foster case within it.“Detective,” Cassandra greeted, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her.Martinez turned, his face lined with a mixture of fatigue and determination. “Cassandra,” he said, gesturing for her to follow him. They walked down a quieter corridor before stopping in an empty waiting room. Martinez handed her the envelope.“These are the fingerprint samples collected from Michael Foster’s residence,” he began, his voice low. “It’s a lot, Cassandra. More than we’d normally expect for a typical scene.”Cassandra opened the envelope, pulling out the evidence sheets. The number of distinct fingerpri

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-15
  • Revenge to the Mafia   Twenty Seven

    CHAPTER 27Detective Martinez approached Alexander’s desk, his expression thoughtful but tinged with the weight of the case. Alexander looked up from his computer, a small smile forming on his lips as he greeted the detective.“Detective Martinez,” Alexander said, leaning back in his chair. “You look like you’ve been busy.”“I always am,” Martinez replied, placing a brown folder on Alexander’s desk. “These are the fingerprint results from the Foster case. I’ve already handed a copy to Cassandra.”Alexander nodded, flipping the folder open. His sharp eyes scanned the documents, noting the sheer volume of fingerprints found at the scene. “It’s a lot,” he muttered.“It is,” Martinez confirmed, crossing his arms. “Foster hosted a party the night before his death. Apparently, it was to celebrate sealing a deal with Antonio Franches.”Alexander’s brow furrowed slightly. “Antonio again,” he said quietly. “That name keeps popping up.”Martinez nodded. “It does. And while we don’t have solid e

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-15
  • Revenge to the Mafia   Twenty Eight

    CHAPTER 28Cassandra stepped into her favorite boutique, a small yet elegant shop tucked away in the corner of the city. It was her go-to spot for finding something both chic and understated, the kind of outfit that allowed her to blend in while still feeling like herself. She quickly scanned the racks, pulling out a simple yet stylish navy dress that hugged her figure without being overly formal. The shop attendant recognized her instantly, offering a warm smile and showing her to the fitting room.Moments later, Cassandra emerged in the dress, her hair tied back in a loose bun. She caught her reflection in the shop’s mirror and allowed herself a rare moment of satisfaction. The dress was perfect—not too much, not too little. She paid for it and left the shop feeling more prepared to face the night ahead.At exactly eight o’clock, Cassandra arrived at the concert venue. The energy was electric, the crowd already buzzing with anticipation for Maroon 5. As she made her way through the

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-15
  • Revenge to the Mafia   Twenty Nine

    CHAPTER 29Cassandra lay on Jessica Wallan's plush bed, staring at the ceiling. The hum of traffic outside and the occasional creak of the building's pipes filled the silence in the room. Jessica, who was also lying beside her, seemed lost in her own thoughts. An unspoken understanding hung in the air—the kind of understanding forged by years of friendship. But it didn’t last long; Jessica shifted and abruptly sat up.“I need a cigarette,” she muttered, opening the bedside drawer to retrieve a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. She walked over to the desk near the bed, lit a cigarette, and leaned against the table, exhaling a thin trail of smoke that curled upward like a question mark.Cassandra shifted onto her side, propping herself up on one elbow. “Jess, there’s something I need to tell you.”Jessica raised an eyebrow but remained silent, taking another drag. Her eyes signaled Cassandra to continue.“I made a deal with Antonio,” Cassandra began, her voice barely audible. Her throat

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-16
  • Revenge to the Mafia   Thirty

    CHAPTER 30Cassandra stood at the doorway of Jessica’s apartment, her coat draped over her arm. The night air awaited her, carrying the faint promise of clarity—or so she hoped. Jessica leaned against the doorframe, her usual smirk fading into an expression of rare concern.“Are you sure you’re okay?” Jessica asked, crossing her arms.Cassandra nodded, forcing a small smile. “Yeah. I just need to get back and… figure things out.”Jessica sighed, her fingers tapping against her elbow. “Alright, call me if you need anything. And remember, Cass, don’t overthink it. Sometimes, you just have to choose.”“Thanks, Jess.” Cassandra’s voice was soft but genuine.With that, she stepped out into the night, the cool breeze brushing against her skin as she hailed a taxi. Sliding into the backseat, she gave the driver Antonio’s mansion address. The drive was quiet, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional honk of distant cars. Cassandra’s mind raced, replaying Jessica’s words over and over

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-16
  • Revenge to the Mafia   Thirty One

    CHAPTER 31Antonio slammed the door to his study, the sound reverberating throughout the room. Claire, entirely unfazed by his display of anger, strolled leisurely toward his desk. She turned and perched herself on the edge of the polished mahogany, one leg crossed over the other, her skirt riding up just enough to reveal her toned, slender thighs.Antonio leaned against the door for a moment, his eyes narrowing as they locked onto Claire. “What do you want, Claire?” he asked sharply, his tone calm yet laced with menace.Claire tilted her head, her lips curling into a coy smile. “What do I want? Antonio, darling, I should be asking you that.” She gestured dramatically around the room. “You disappear for months, and then I hear about… your marriage.” Her voice dripped with mockery as she emphasized the word. “And worse, I wasn’t even invited. How utterly rude of you.”Antonio pushed himself off the door, walking toward the desk with measured steps. He placed both hands on the surface,

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-16
  • Revenge to the Mafia   Thirty Two

    CHAPTER 32Antonio's question hung in the air, his deep and smooth voice echoing in Cassandra's mind. Her breath hitched as Antonio's presence filled her senses—the warmth of his body so close, the faint woody and musky scent of his cologne. Before she could muster a reply, Antonio's fingers gently lifted her chin, tilting her face to meet his.“Look at me,” he murmured, his tone low yet commanding.Cassandra's gaze finally met his. Antonio's eyes bore into hers, an intense mix of amusement and something far darker. Her heart raced, her resolve faltering under his sharp scrutiny. She hated how easily this man controlled her reactions, how his touch made her so unsteady.Antonio's lips curled into a sly smirk, satisfaction evident in his expression. He reveled in the power he held over Cassandra—the girl who once wanted to destroy him, now ensnared in his web. Slowly and deliberately, he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers.Cassandra froze, her hands clenched at her sides. A st

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-16
  • Revenge to the Mafia   Thirty Three

    CHAPTER 33Silence filled the room after the passionate night between Antonio and Cassandra. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast a soft glow, enveloping the room in a tranquil atmosphere. Cassandra lay asleep on her side of the bed, her body bare, her face serene as if the weight of the world had disappeared in her slumber.Antonio sat at the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on Cassandra's form, bathed in shadows. He reached for the blanket at the foot of the bed and carefully pulled it up to cover Cassandra’s bare body. His movements were slow, as though he was afraid of waking her. In the stillness, he studied her face—her soft eyebrows, lips now slightly swollen from their kisses, and her steady, peaceful breathing.A small smile formed on Antonio's lips. For a moment, he felt at peace, as if Cassandra was someone he could genuinely trust. But that thought lasted only a fleeting second. His expression shifted to one of seriousness as memories flooded back—Cassandra’s intent to

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-16

Bab terbaru

  • Revenge to the Mafia   One Hundred Twenty

    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

  • Revenge to the Mafia   One Hundred Nineteen

    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

  • Revenge to the Mafia   One Hundred Eighteen

    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

  • Revenge to the Mafia   One Hundred Seventeen

    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

  • Revenge to the Mafia   One Hundred Sixteen

    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

  • Revenge to the Mafia   One Hundred Fiveteen

    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

  • Revenge to the Mafia   One Hundred Fourteen

    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

  • Revenge to the Mafia   One Hundred Thirteen

    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

  • Revenge to the Mafia   One Hundred Twelve

    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

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