Illegally His!!??

XIV

Third Person POV:

Meanwhile, in the heart of Marcus's sprawling estate in Italy, tension simmered in an elegantly appointed conference room. The walls were adorned with dark wood paneling and rich tapestries, while the flickering light from ornate chandeliers cast dancing shadows across the polished marble floor. The room smelled of fine cigars and the distinct scent of aged whiskey, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.

At the head of the long, gleaming table sat Marcus, his sharp features framed by the soft glow of candlelight. He leaned back in his chair, exuding a dangerous charisma that demanded attention. His gaze swept over the gathered men, each one acutely aware of the weight of his presence.

"Did you hear about the girl from Raven?" Vincenzo, a wiry man with a quick smile, leaned forward, his voice low and conspiratorial. The thrill of the news crackled in the air.

"Yeah, I heard she's tied to Xavier," Luca, a broad-shouldered man with a smug grin, replied as he swirled his drink. "This could turn out to be quite the game."

The mention of Xavier sent a ripple of excitement through the group. Marcus raised his glass, his eyes glinting with a predatory light. "This is our moment. With Meera out of the picture, Xavier will be vulnerable. He'll be too preoccupied with his emotions to see what's coming."

As they exchanged glances, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the room. The lavish décor of the estate, with its sprawling gardens visible through the tall windows, felt almost at odds with the dark plans being laid within its walls.

"Do you think he's figured it out yet?" Sergio, the youngest in the group, asked nervously, drumming his fingers against the table. His anxiety was palpable, as if he expected the door to burst open at any moment.

"Let him search," Marcus replied dismissively, a sinister chuckle escaping his lips. "By the time he gets close, it'll be too late. We've orchestrated this beautifully. He's playing checkers while we're playing chess."

Silence fell, thick with tension as the weight of Marcus's words settled in. They could almost taste the victory, the power shift that was just within their grasp.

"Remember, this is about more than just a girl," Marcus continued, his tone turning serious. "This is about sending a message. Xavier needs to learn that he can't protect everyone."

The atmosphere crackled as they raised their glasses in a toast, their eyes glinting with malevolence. "To the downfall of Xavier," Marcus proclaimed, the words hanging ominously in the air.

Unbeknownst to them, Xavier was already piecing together the clues, his resolve hardening with each passing moment. The clock was ticking, and the hunter was about to become the hunted.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the dimly lit streets of Moscow, the sleek black SUV sliced through the bustling night, its presence commanding attention amidst the city's shadows. Kai Parker, the enigmatic capo of the American mafia, sat in tense silence. Tonight was meant to be pivotal—his first meeting with Xavier to discuss an alliance against the Italian mafia. But as they approached the Raven, the anticipation in the air shifted to uncertainty.

His right-hand man, Jack, glanced in the rearview mirror, the tension palpable. "Boss, we've got an update."

Kai turned sharply; his curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

"Xavier has canceled the meeting," Jack said, his voice steady but laced with concern. "He's dealing with some personal issues."

Kai's irritation flared. "Personal issues? What does that entail?"

"Something about a kidnapping. A girl named Meera," Jack replied, keeping his focus on the road.

The name struck Kai like a thunderbolt, but he kept his expression neutral. Meera, a familiar name to his tongue. "Do we have more details?"

"Not yet. Just that she's important to Xavier, and he's focused on finding her," Jack explained.

Kai leaned back in his seat, his mind racing. A kidnapping could derail everything. He didn't want to step into a situation rife with emotional turmoil. "Are we sure this girl is connected to Xavier?"

"Seems like it. He's genuinely concerned," Jack said.

Kai frowned, weighing the risks. "We'll back out. I'm not stepping into a volatile situation. I'll reschedule with Xavier when things settle."

As they drove past the glowing lights of the Raven, Kai's thoughts turned to strategy. He had built his empire in the shadows, ensuring his identity remained a mystery even to his closest associates. Getting entangled in a personal crisis was not part of his plan.

"Keep an eye on this situation," Kai instructed, his tone firm. "I want to know everything about this girl and why she matters to Xavier."

"Got it, Boss," Jack replied, sensing the weight of the moment as they turned away from the club.

Leaning back in the seat, Kai felt a sudden weight settle in his chest. The name "Meera" echoed in his mind, stirring something deep within him.

Meera, is that really you?

The thought lingered, filled with a mix of concern and curiosity, but he quickly pushed it aside. For now, he had to stay focused, playing the long game. In his world, patience was just as powerful as decisive action.