Chapter One Hundred & Forty Seven

"**Mario Rodriguez, founder of the Tirany cartel, father of one of the most powerful hitwoman in New York and Italy**," the first line of the document read, and Emma's heart plummeted.

Her fingers trembled as she scrolled through the file, each line a revelation. Mario’s involvement in money laundering, drug trafficking, girls trafficking, and a myriad of other crimes painted a horrifying picture. Yet, despite the details of his illegal empire, there was no mention of her. Emma's mind raced.

Could Lucas have been mistaken about Mario's intentions? Was he wrong about the threat to her family, or was Mr Mario simply more cunning than they she realized?

She couldn't bear to think of the extent of Ethan’s crimes, the countless lives destroyed. But the most pressing question gnawed at her: who had sent this file, and why now?

Emma let out a shaky breath, tossing the blanket aside and swinging her legs over the edge of the bed. The cool floor sent a shiver up her spine as she stood. She beg