MEETING THE DARKNESS

40

The morning after her emotional farewell, Dia was back in the thick of things. She walked into the grand study of Viktor's mansion where Adam, Elle, Sid and Rhys had gathered, reviewing the current status of the mafia operations. As she entered, they all stood up, acknowledging her return to power. Dia's eyes scanned the room, and though she was still recovering, her strength and resolve were unmistakable.

"Alright," Dia said, taking a seat at the head of the table. "It's time I took charge again."

Adam, leaning against the table, gave her a nod. "We've kept things running smoothly, but there's only so much we could do without you. OCTI's been making moves, and we need to start planning our next steps."

Elle added, "The team's ready for your command, Dia. Just say the word."

"We will start planning for the attack from tomorrow. Make sure everyone is prepared. Sid I want you to bring all the details and recent activities of OCTI to my table the first thing tomorrow. I want to finish what they started by the end of the next 2 weeks."

Rhys leaned forward, a small grin on his face. "Looks like the queen is back."

Dia smiled, her heart racing at the thought of what was to come. This was her fight, her world—and she was ready to face it head-on.

Dia turned her attention to the rest of the room. Her gaze settled on Adam first. He had been instrumental in keeping things afloat during her absence, but she knew it was time for him to move on and focus on his own dreams and responsibilities.

"Adam," she began, her voice soft but resolute, "I want to thank you for everything you've done. You've stepped in and taken on responsibilities you didn't have to, and I'll always be grateful for that. But it's time for you to go back to focusing on your own work and family. You have a life outside of the mafia, and I want you to live it along with Karishma."

Adam opened his mouth to protest, but Dia raised a hand, stopping him. "I mean it. You've done more than enough, and it's time for you to leave this world behind. I want you to focus on what you're passionate about. You have a bright future ahead of you, and the last thing I want is for this to hold you back."

Adam stared at her, surprised but also relieved. He knew deep down that this wasn't his path, but his loyalty to Dia had kept him involved longer than he'd intended. After a moment, he nodded. "If that's what you want, Dia, I'll step aside. I trust you to handle this."

She smiled warmly at him. "Thank you, Adam. Your support means very much to me."

Next, she turned to Elle, who had been standing by the window, quietly observing the conversation. Elle had always been fiercely loyal, ready to fight by Dia's side no matter the cost. But Dia also knew how much Elle loved her career, and how much potential she had outside the dangerous world of the mafia.

"Elle," Dia said, her voice full of affection, "you've been my rock through all of this. You've stood by me when things got tough, and I can't thank you enough for that. But I need you to step back now. You've worked so hard to get into this university and to be the highest acheiver, and I don't want you sacrificing any more of it for this life."

Elle frowned, looking torn. "But Dia—"

"I know you feel like you need to be here," Dia interrupted gently. "But your studies is important. It's something you love, and I don't want you to lose sight of that because of me. You've already done so much, and now it's time for you to focus on what makes you happy. I'll be fine. You've taught me enough."

Elle bit her lip, clearly conflicted, but she knew Dia was right. After a long pause, she sighed. "I hate stepping back, but... I understand. If this is what you want, I'll do it."

Dia reached out and squeezed her hand. "It is. You've given more than enough, and now it's time for you to thrive in your own way."

As the room settled into a more reflective silence, Dia felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Adam and Elle had been invaluable, but now it was time for them to live their lives free from the shadows of the mafia.

With the team in place and the new direction clear, Dia felt a renewed sense of purpose. She looked over at Viktor, who watched her with a mix of pride and quiet admiration. The path ahead wasn't easy, but with him by her side, she knew they could take down OCTI once and for all.

Together, they would finish this.

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Happy reading!

With love,

CARA