MAFIA TIES

Chapter Three

Sophia

The first light of dawn crept over the city as I drove through the near-empty streets, Jenna's car purring softly beneath me. Despite the early hour, my thoughts were anything but calm. I hadn't slept a wink, my mind fixated on locating Alexander Russo's company. Skipping university wasn't a decision I took lightly, but after the events of last night, there was no other option.

Hours of searching finally led me to it—Russo Holdings, a towering monolith of glass and steel that dominated the skyline. The building loomed over the business district, a testament to power and opulence. Above the gleaming glass doors, "Russo Holdings" was etched in sleek, silver letters, commanding attention and respect.

I parked the car and sat for a moment, my eyes locked on the building. I knew stepping inside meant diving deeper into a world I wasn't prepared for, but the alternative—remaining in the dark—was even more terrifying. Steeling myself, I took a deep breath, then stepped out into the cool morning air.

Dressed in an oversized gray hoodie and a pair of black leggings, i found my way inside. The lobby was a vision of modern luxury. Polished marble floors reflected the light streaming in from the atrium, and the space was cavernous, designed to dwarf those who entered. I approached the reception desk, where a woman in a tailored suit greeted me with a professional smile.

"Good morning. How may I assist you?" she asked, her tone perfectly polite yet distant.

"I'm here to see Alexander Russo," I replied, working to keep my voice steady.

Her smile faltered, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "Do you have an appointment?"

"No, but he's expecting me," I lied, hoping she wouldn't question it.

After a brief hesitation, she nodded and made a quick call. "Mr. Russo's office is on the top floor," she said, gesturing toward the elevators. "Please, go right up."

I thanked her and walked to the elevators, each step echoing in the otherwise silent space. The ride up was smooth, almost too smooth, the soft hum of the elevator doing little to settle my nerves. I tried to focus, to prepare myself for the confrontation ahead.

When the elevator doors slid open, I was met with a long corridor, the walls adorned with abstract art and the floor covered in thick, luxurious carpet. At the end of the hallway, a set of imposing dark wooden doors waited—Alexander's office.

I took a moment to collect myself, then walked forward. My heart pounded as I raised my hand to knock, the sound muted yet significant in the stillness.

"Come in," came Alexander's voice, smooth and commanding.

Pushing the door open, I stepped inside, my pulse quickening as I faced him once more. The office was vast, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the city. The decor was minimalist, every piece of furniture meticulously placed, the color palette dark and severe.

Alexander stood behind his desk, his eyes locking onto mine the moment I entered. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, his stance relaxed yet exuding a quiet, formidable authority. The tension in the room was palpable, thickening the air as I closed the door behind me and stepped forward.

Without breaking eye contact, he stepped away from his desk, moving with deliberate calm until he leaned casually against the front of the table. His hands rested on the edge, his posture relaxed but calculated. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, I cut him off, my voice steady and unwavering.

"Half a million?"

His expression hardened, a faint frown creasing his brow as he studied me, trying to gauge where this was going. Before he could respond, I continued, my voice firmer this time.