"I'm busy."
"Not too busy for this. It's about Gabriel Romano."
My hand tightens on the phone. "What about him?"
"I have information. About him. About your wife. About things you're going to want to know." He pauses. "Meet me at The Plaza. One hour. Neutral ground."
"Why would I trust you?"
"Because if you don't, your pretty little wife might not make it through the week." His voice hardens. "One hour, Adrian. Don't be late."
He hangs up.
I stare at my phone, rage and fear warring in my chest.
He knows something about Sera. Something he thinks gives him leverage.
I should ignore it. Should call his bluff. Should assume this is a trap.
But I can't risk it.
Not with her.
I go back into Antonio's office. "I need to go."
"Everything alright?" Antonio asks.
"No. But I'll handle it." I head for the door. "If you find Gabriel, call me immediately. Don't engage without me."
"Where are you going?" Saint calls after me.
I don't answer. Just walk out, dialing my head of security.
"Double the guards on Seraphina. No one in or out without my authorization. And get me a team. We're going to The Plaza."
I hang up and head for my car.
Whatever Alexei knows, whatever he wants, I'm going to end this.
Today.
The Plaza Hotel sits in the heart of Manhattan like a monument to old money. Neutral ground. A place where families meet to negotiate without bloodshed.
It's a fucking tired institution, but it's been this way since anyone can remember.
My car pulls up to the entrance, and I see Alexei's convoy already there. Black SUVs lined up like a funeral procession. Armed guards posted at strategic points. He's making a show of force.
So am I.
I have my own team. Six men. Armed and ready.
This could go very wrong, very quickly.
I step out, and Alexei is waiting near the entrance. He's dressed in his usual style—expensive jeans, designer shirt, that fucking gold chain. He looks relaxed. Confident.
I want to rip his throat out.
"Adrian." He spreads his arms in mock welcome. "So good of you to come."
