Xavier's rage slammed his fist against the leather seat of his Mercedes, the impact making a dull thud that echoed in the tense silence of the car. The guard seated beside the driver flinched but kept his gaze fixed straight ahead, knowing better than to acknowledge his boss's outburst. "Goddamn it!" Xavier shouted, his usually composed face now contorted with rage. "I knew it. I fucking knew it!" The image from the news broadcast kept replaying in his mind—security footage showing him with the Moretti family, discussing the fact that Ghost was Victor. Money spread across the table like a fan of death sentences. Every bill potentially another nail in his coffin. "There's a rat, a fucking rat!" he seethed, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair, now slightly disheveled from his agitation. "Someone close to me set up that camera, Someone must be working with Victor." His mind raced through possibilities. Who would dare betray him? Who had access? Who had motive? "Selena?"
**8:15 PM** Victor Reyes reclined in his leather armchair, a crystal glass of vodka dangling from his fingers as he watched Xavier's perfectly crafted life unravel on the 60-inch screen before him. The soft glow from the television illuminated his satisfied smile, casting shadows across the sharp angles of his face. "Holy fucking shit!" Jordan exclaimed from behind him, practically bouncing on his toes. "Look at that bastard's face! He's panicking!" Maria winced at Jordan's volume, shooting him a warning glance. Gerald, standing near the window with his arms crossed, observed the scene on the television with quiet surprise etched into the lines of his weathered face. "How did you manage it?" Maria asked, turning to Victor with genuine admiration in her eyes. "Getting footage of Xavier with the Moretti family... that's practically suicide for anyone who tried." Victor chuckled, swirling the ruby liquid in his glass before taking a measured sip. The wine was exceptional—almost as s
Victor Reis stood at the top of his empire, whiskey in hand, the neon cityscape stretching below his penthouse suite. The night was his—just like the streets, just like the power he had carved out with blood and fire. And just like Selena. The crystal glass cup felt cool against his palm as he surveyed his kingdom. Forty stories up, the city lights sparkled like jewels—jewels he had claimed one by one over the past decade. Behind the glass, he could see his reflection—the tailored suit, the hard-earned scars, the eyes that had seen too much. She moved behind him, her touch a slow caress over his shoulders. He could feel the heat of her body, the way she fit against him like she belonged there. The scent of her perfume—jasmine and something else- something new filled his senses, a new perfume perhaps? "You think you're untouchable, don't you?" Her voice was smooth, laced with something he couldn't place. He smirked, turning to face her as he grabbed her butt, squeezing slight
Boots crunched over broken glass. The gunfire suddenly stopped, leaving an eerie silence broken only by the moans of the dying. From the wreckage stepped someone whom victor never expected, someone he considered his brother in all but blood, the man who had fought beside him for fifteen years. Xavier. "Even the greatest empires fall, Victor," Xavier announced, stepping over the body of Victor's closest lieutenant. "Rome. Babylon. And now... you." Victor barely registered the betrayer's face as he stepped through the wreckage, gun in hand. His vision blurred, the pain clawing at his senses. But nothing—not the bullets, not the blood—felt as sharp as seeing Selena stand beside Xavier. "Even kings bleed, Reis," Xavier continued, nudging Victor's leg with his boot. Victor forced a chuckle, tasting iron. "Took you long enough." The pain of betrayal filled his face, twisting his features. "What's this about, Xavier? Money? Power? Or just jealousy finally eating you alive?" Xavi
Victor woke up in a secluded villa, his body battered and weak from the near-fatal betrayal he endured. The room was dimly lit, the soft hum of distant waves providing a stark contrast to the turmoil within him. As he attempted to sit up, a sharp pain coursed through his torso, reminding him of the bullet wounds that nearly claimed his life. "Fuck," he hissed, his hand instinctively going to his bandaged chest. Even breathing hurt. The door creaked open, revealing Jordan Valdez. The man's face showed a mixture of relief and concern as he approached the bed. "He fucking lives," Jordan remarked, pulling a chair beside Victor's bed. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, evidence of sleepless nights spent watching over his boss. Victor's throat felt like sandpaper. "Where are we?" "Italy." Jordan replied, as he picked a glass cup from a table. "How long?" Victor rasped as he struggled to sit up. "Three weeks," Jordan replied, pouring a glass of water. "The doctors weren't sure you
Days later, when Victor could finally leave his sickbed without grimacing in pain, he stepped outside onto the terrace of the secluded villa. The Italian breeze carried the scent of cypress and distant sea, so different from the urban landscape he once ruled. His wounds had begun to heal, but the betrayal that caused them still burned fresh in his mind. Jordan joined him, leaning against the stone balustrade. "Another day in paradise," he remarked sarcastically. "Though I'd prefer if paradise didn't know we were here." Victor's eyes scanned the rolling hills that surrounded their hideaway. "Tell me about the local players," he commanded, his voice still carrying the authority that had once made men tremble. Jordan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's a patchwork. The Conti family controls most of the northern region – violent bastards with old-school methods. The Barese crew runs the ports. And there are at least three smaller families fighting over the rest." He hesit
Victor's expression remained impassive, but something dangerous flickered in his eyes. "This isn't your business, Reis," the man continued, tightening his grip on the woman's arm until she winced. "Walk away while you still can." "It is now," Victor replied, his voice soft but carrying an unmistakable threat. The woman seized the momentary distraction, driving her knee hard into her captor's groin. He doubled over with a curse, but didn't release her. Another enforcer backhanded her across the face, splitting her lip further. "Enough," Victor said, the single word carrying more menace than a shouted threat. The leader laughed. "You've forgotten your place, American. This isn't your city anymore. Here, you're nothing but a ghost. A rumor." A ghost. Victor liked that. Victor's response was not in words but in action. He moved with a speed that belied his recent injuries, closing the distance in two strides. His first strike shattered the nearest man's wrist, the bones brea
The streets were quiet as Victor, Jordan, and Maria made their way to the villa. It was an old estate, nothing flashy, but it was secure. Tucked away in the hills, it was the perfect place to lay low and regroup. Jordan led the way, cursing under his breath as he kicked open the heavy wooden door. “I still don’t know why we’re bringing her here,” he muttered, shaking his head as he stepped inside. He made a beeline for the liquor cabinet, pouring himself a drink before turning back to Victor. “I mean, shit, we just pissed off the Contis, and now we’ve got one of their people in our damn safehouse?” Maria smirked, tossing her bloodstained jacket onto the couch. “I’m not one of their people anymore.” Jordan scoffed. “Yeah? And how the fuck do we know that for sure?” Victor ignored them, rolling up his sleeves as he dropped onto the worn-out leather couch. His body still ached, but he wasn’t about to let that slow him down. “Did you set up the meeting?” he asked Jordan. Jordan
**8:15 PM** Victor Reyes reclined in his leather armchair, a crystal glass of vodka dangling from his fingers as he watched Xavier's perfectly crafted life unravel on the 60-inch screen before him. The soft glow from the television illuminated his satisfied smile, casting shadows across the sharp angles of his face. "Holy fucking shit!" Jordan exclaimed from behind him, practically bouncing on his toes. "Look at that bastard's face! He's panicking!" Maria winced at Jordan's volume, shooting him a warning glance. Gerald, standing near the window with his arms crossed, observed the scene on the television with quiet surprise etched into the lines of his weathered face. "How did you manage it?" Maria asked, turning to Victor with genuine admiration in her eyes. "Getting footage of Xavier with the Moretti family... that's practically suicide for anyone who tried." Victor chuckled, swirling the ruby liquid in his glass before taking a measured sip. The wine was exceptional—almost as s
Xavier's rage slammed his fist against the leather seat of his Mercedes, the impact making a dull thud that echoed in the tense silence of the car. The guard seated beside the driver flinched but kept his gaze fixed straight ahead, knowing better than to acknowledge his boss's outburst. "Goddamn it!" Xavier shouted, his usually composed face now contorted with rage. "I knew it. I fucking knew it!" The image from the news broadcast kept replaying in his mind—security footage showing him with the Moretti family, discussing the fact that Ghost was Victor. Money spread across the table like a fan of death sentences. Every bill potentially another nail in his coffin. "There's a rat, a fucking rat!" he seethed, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair, now slightly disheveled from his agitation. "Someone close to me set up that camera, Someone must be working with Victor." His mind raced through possibilities. Who would dare betray him? Who had access? Who had motive? "Selena?"
The dining room was enormous, with a table that could seat twenty people. Miguel's place was set at one end, a booster seat on the chair so he could reach his plate. No one else ever ate with him, except occasionally Uncle Xavier when he wasn't working late. "Can I eat in the TV room?" Miguel asked hopefully as Lily helped him into his seat. She glanced at the guard who still hovered in the doorway. "Just this once," she said quietly. "Since it's Friday." The guard frowned but said nothing as Lily prepared a tray with Miguel's dinner—chicken nuggets shaped like dinosaurs, mashed potatoes, and broccoli that he would push around but not eat. With his dinner balanced carefully on the tray Lily carried, Miguel followed her to the den—a smaller, cozier room with comfortable sofas and a large television. This was his favorite room in the whole house. "Can we watch cartoons?" Miguel asked, settling onto the sofa as Lily placed the tray on a coffee table in front of him. "For a li
Miguel sat cross-legged on his bedroom floor, clutching his favorite blue crayon between his small fingers. His tongue poked out slightly from the corner of his mouth as he concentrated on adding the final touches to his drawing. "Mommy will like this," he whispered to himself, tilting his head to examine his artwork. The drawing showed two stick figures holding hands beneath a bright yellow sun. One tall with long black hair, one small with a big smile. Miguel and his mommy. He sighed, setting down the crayon and looking around his room. It was big—too big for a four-year-old boy. The walls were painted a soft blue with clouds near the ceiling. His bed was shaped like a race car, with red sheets and pillows that matched the carpet. Shelves lined with toys and books covered one wall, and a small desk sat beneath a window with heavy curtains that were always kept closed. Despite all the toys, the room felt empty. Lonely. "I miss Mommy," Miguel said to his stuffed bear, Mr. Gr
Victor stood watching Selena's tense and departing form as she disappeared amongst the people dancing in the ballroom, his expression unreadable beneath his mask. A familiar laugh cut through the ambient noise, drawing his attention. Xavier. He traced the source to see his former friend standing with the mayor of the city, both men engaged in what appeared to be an amusing conversation. Victor gritted his teeth as he watched the bastard, someone he had once considered his brother. As though sensing his gaze, Xavier suddenly turned, and their eyes met across the crowded room. Victor saw recognition dawning in Xavier's eyes, a flicker of confusion followed by disbelief spreading beneath his ornate mask. *Fuck.* The moment Xavier was distracted by the mayor turning to him with another comment, Victor used the momentary diversion to slip away, tapping his earpiece to signal the rest of his crew. "I've been made. Clear out. Now," he murmured, his voice low and urgent. "Are you
Selena felt the room spinning as her lungs screamed for air. Xavier's fingers dug deeper into her throat, his face contorted with rage and fear. "Did he approach you at the ball?" Xavier demanded again, his voice low and dangerous. "Has he contacted you before tonight? Tell me!" She clawed weakly at his wrist, dark spots dancing at the edges of her vision. Xavier leaned closer, his breath hot against her face. "If you're lying to me, Selena, Miguel will pay the price. Your precious little boy will suffer for your betrayal. Do you understand me?" At the mention of her son's name, terror surged through her body. Selena nodded frantically, ready to confess everything—the dance with Victor, the photo he'd seen, every word they'd exchanged—anything to protect Miguel. Just as she opened her mouth, the door burst open. One of Xavier's bodyguards rushed in, breathless and agitated. "Sir, we have a problem," the man announced, oblivious to the scene before him. "The security system
Xavier stood among his guests, a crystal glass of aged whiskey in his hand as he laughed with practiced charm. His golden mask, adorned with small emeralds at the corners, caught the light as he tilted his head. "Mayor Collins, I'm honored you could attend tonight," Xavier said, clinking glasses with the shorter man. "Your support for the new development project means everything." The mayor chuckled, his jowls shaking beneath his simple black mask. "The pleasure is all mine, Xavier. Your donations to the city have been most... generous." "We all must do our part for the community," Xavier replied with a thin smile that didn't reach his eyes. As the mayor launched into a story about his golf game, Xavier's attention drifted across the crowded ballroom. That's when he saw him—a man in a midnight black suit with a matching mask, standing perfectly still amid the swirling dancers and mingling guests. Just watching. Even from a distance, Xavier could feel the intensity of that star
Victor stood at the entrance of the grand ballroom, his mask concealing the scars that told the story of his resurrection. The opulent display of wealth surrounding him—crystal chandeliers, ice sculptures, and the elite of the criminal world draped in designer fabrics—only fueled his determination. He scanned the crowd methodically, his crew flanking him. "See anything you like, boss?" Jordan whispered, adjusting his silver mask. His eyes darted appreciatively toward a group of women by the champagne fountain. Maria elbowed him sharply. "We're here to work, not for you to find your next disappointment," she hissed through her mask. "Children, please," Gerald muttered, his voice low and measured beneath his mask. "This isn't a playground. Victor needs to concentrate." Jordan rolled his eyes. "You're not my father, old man." "Thank heaven for small mercies," Gerald replied dryly. "Now behave yourself before I make you wait in the car." Maria stifled a laugh, but her amusement fade
The sleek black limousine pulled away from the curb, carrying them through the glittering city toward Xavier's mansion in the hills, where the masquerade ball awaited. Selena stared out the window, trying to lose herself in the blur of lights rather than dwell on the significance of this day. Five years ago, she had committed the ultimate betrayal. Five years ago, she had looked into the eyes of the man who loved her and watched as he had been shot—once, twice, three times—watching as shock, pain, and finally understanding flooded his gaze before he crumpled to the floor. Xavier's phone rang, interrupting her dark thoughts. He checked the screen and a lascivious grin spread across his face before he answered. "Valentina," he purred into the phone, not bothering to lower his voice. "I've been thinking about you all day." What followed was a conversation so explicit that Selena had to fight the urge to open the car door and throw herself onto the freeway. Xavier described in gra