SHATTERED LOVE

CHAPTER SIX

Keith stands by a large glass window, staring at the beautiful beach outside while talking to Madeline Queen over the phone, his private room is minimalistic yet luxurious, reflecting his dual life as a billionaire businessman and operative. On the other end, Madeline's voice is a controlled storm of fury.

"Listen to me Keith, one of my agents is dead because of Don Roberto Hernandez, one of his assassins killed Allan, I want him. I want him now in custody!" Keith could feel Madeline's voice anger, she knew the old woman was in her rage.

"I understand your frustration, Madam, but if you think that this is going to help with our situation with Elena, you're gravely mistaken," Keith said calmly, but he was trying to minimize his voice because he didn't want others to hear him.

Keith understands Madeline's frustrations. Don Roberto is one of the notorious criminals in the black market and a monster. Through the years, he's still one of the founders  of the most powerful criminal cult organizations across Asia and Europe, The Black Lotus. The Black Lotus is a powerful and ruthless global crime syndicate specializing in drug and human trafficking, illegal arms deals, black market organ trading, and high-stakes gambling. They are notorious for their brutal reinforcement tactics and their ability to infiltrate and corrupt institutions worldwide.

"This is madness! How do you expect to gain Elena's trust when we're in a crisis?! I'm sure Don Roberto is now in a big search for who the other spy is involved in our operation! Time is a luxury that we don't have." Madeline said, and Keith felt her anger like a lion that wanted to be out in her cage.

"We both knew that Elena was the key witness to what happened seven years ago, we must find the Crimson Reapers. I've read the files that Mr. Lapid sent me a while ago, and one of them was the file of Adolfo Santiago, the leader of Crimson Reapers. Madam, I know our situation is crucial right now, but a big event will happen in the black market next weekend. I know this because I have a VIP invitation sent to me via email by Don Roberto himself." Keith said he made sure that his voice was low and minimal. In this situation, he had to take risks, not only for Elena's sake, and but for himself also.

Keith indeed received an invitation through Don Roberto, he wants his grandson-in-law to be part of the big event. It will be held in Italy, and Keith is planning to take Elena with him, by staying in her grandfather's private mansion, because according to some files that Keith received a while ago, there is an office room there of Don Roberto, that he kept all his confidential files and illegal business transactions. This information would be a great addition to the evidence against Elena's grandfather, as it shows that Crimson Reaper and Don Roberto are business associates.

"Keith, you know that I completely trust you, as one of my best agents, but I know that we have to take risks now since your cover is still intact. Allan is dead, and we had no assets inside Don Roberto's empire. I will give you two weeks to complete your mission." Madeline was still in madness, she didn't expect that this operation would be hard and cost the life of one of her best agents. "Tell me Keith, what is your plan?"Madeline seriously asked him.

"I need to convince Elena to go with me to Italy, she will be my asset in this operation. Don Roberto will not suspect anything unusual-----"

Before Keith could continue Madeline interrupted her. "Elena is not an operative, and you think that making her an asset is the best option that we have? I'm sure that her grandfather's mansion is guarded by the best security team. One misstep and you are doomed, and she will walk into tangled danger that you've caused her."Madeline said with a firm voice, but Keith could feel her tension.

"Madam, you have to trust me on this. I will not let anything happen to Elena. She needs to believe my intentions and that means showing a part of myself she can relate to." Keith said to Madeline, he was now sitting on his swivel chair, feeling anxious.