The debate was heating up, voices rising as each brother threw in their take. Caspian thought we should stick to our own business. Luca wanted to send a message to the Pavlovs directly. We were getting nowhere, and then the door opened.
We all looked up to see who it might be, and I broke into a smile when I saw it was Alisa.
My brothers immediately stood as she stepped in, each one of them greeting her warmly, some with condolences, others with a joke or two.
At last, she came and stood beside me. I curved an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “You have perfect timing. What’s up?”
“I remembered you were all coming in today,” she said with a smile at my brothers. “I wanted to come say hello, but I overheard everything outside. You all are a loud bunch, you know that?”
I chuckled while Luca grinned. The others looked around sheepishly.
“So, since I heard it all,” she explained. “I want to help.”
I pulled away immediately and turned to face her. “Alisa, I don’t think this concerns you.”
“Of course it does.” She raised an eyebrow. “My father was murdered over this exact kind of corruption, remember? I’m not saying he was innocent. Hell, I know he ruined lives. But are we going to keep letting men like my father remain in power?”
I felt the air leave my lungs. Even after weeks of mourning, she rarely mentioned her father’s death so directly.
“It’s just… I don’t want you involved in this,” I said, softer now. “It’s too dangerous.”
She met my gaze with defiance. “I’ve been following the news, Dante. I know about Mario Ruben. I’ve actually met him at several of my father’s fundraisers.”
Chapter 24 - Alisa
I walked into Mario Ruben’s office with nonchalant confidence.
“Congratulations on your appointment, Mr. Ruben!” I said cheerily as he rose from behind my father’s desk to greet me.
My stomach twisted at the thought, but I kept the smile fixed in place. To get this man to do what I needed, I knew I had to play every card right. I had to maintain my sweetness, my innocence, my vulnerability.
“Alisa!” Mario went straight for a hug. “What a wonderful surprise.”
I stepped in for the embrace but turned slightly, giving him an awkward side hug instead. I couldn’t risk him feeling the small earpiece tucked into my ear, through which Dante could hear everything from where he was positioned outside.
“Please, sit,” Mario showed me to a chair.
I settled into the chair, and the microphone taped between my breasts pinched into my skin. I sat up straighter.
“First, let me say how deeply sorry I am about your father,” Mario said in a soft, sympathetic voice. “Marc was a dear friend and colleague. His loss has been felt by everyone in the justice department.”
I lowered my eyes, letting my lip tremble just enough. “Thank you. It’s been… difficult.”
“Of course, of course,” Mario nodded solemnly. “He was a titan in this office. I only hope I can fill even a fraction of his shoes.”
I swallowed hard, pushing down the bile that rose in my throat. This man was a fan-fucking-tastic actor, just like my father had been.
“He always spoke highly of you,” I lied, watching Mario’s eyes light up with pride. “Said you had a bright future ahead.”
“That means a lot coming from you,” Mario smiled. “Your father’s opinion meant everything to me.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, and put on a brave smile.
“How are you holding up?” Mario asked, leaning forward across his desk. “I can’t imagine what you’ve been going through.”
This was my opening. I let my shoulders slump slightly and lowered my gaze.
“It’s been a rollercoaster,” I admitted, letting my voice tremble. “Finding out who my father really was, then losing him so violently… “ I trailed off and looked up, watching Mario’s reaction carefully.
