Billion dollar adventure: Meeting Mr arrogant

Chapter 28: The Quiet Before the Storm

Life had settled into a rhythm, one Ryder had never expected but found himself embracing. The last remnants of the Delvecchio family's influence had faded, leaving him finally free of the shadows that had haunted him. Ryder had spent years focused on expansion and power, driven by the fear of losing control. But now, he was finally able to appreciate life for what it was: a chance to find peace.

Lucy's bakery had become a beloved neighborhood spot, with her pastries drawing regulars from all over the city. She'd light up every time Ryder would come by, still wearing his suit, a warm smile on his face as he watched her in her element.

For a while, it seemed as though the danger was truly behind them.

One afternoon, as they were closing up the bakery, Lucy leaned against the counter, watching Ryder wipe down a table. She couldn't help but smile; the sight of him doing something so ordinary, so normal, made her heart swell.

"Who would've thought you'd ever be scrubbing tables?" she teased.

He smirked, tossing the rag over his shoulder. "What can I say? I'm a changed man."

Lucy laughed, moving over to kiss him. But just as their lips met, a familiar ringtone broke the moment, vibrating in Ryder's pocket. He sighed, pulling away with an apologetic smile as he fished his phone out.

"Sorry, just give me a sec," he said, glancing at the screen. It was Marcus.

Ryder answered, his face shifting from lighthearted to serious within seconds. "What is it, Marcus?"

Marcus's voice was tense, uncharacteristically so. "We need to meet. Now. Something's come up-something big."

Ryder's brow furrowed as he listened, his eyes narrowing with concern. "Alright. I'll be there in twenty."

He hung up, turning to Lucy. "Marcus needs me. Apparently, there's an issue that can't wait."

Lucy's smile faded, worry clouding her gaze. "Is everything okay?"

"I don't know," Ryder admitted, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "But I'll be back as soon as I can. Lock up here and head straight home, okay?"

She nodded, squeezing his hand. "Be careful."

He kissed her forehead, lingering a moment before stepping away, the warmth of his touch fading as he left the bakery.

As Ryder drove through the dimming city streets, his mind whirred with possibilities. Marcus was a rock-steady and unflinching-so for him to call with that tone, something serious had to be going on.

He pulled up outside Marcus's house, a sprawling estate surrounded by tall trees. Marcus was waiting on the porch, his face a mask of concern.

Ryder stepped out of the car, giving him a nod. "What's going on?"

Marcus motioned for him to follow, and they walked inside. Marcus led him into his study, where a series of documents were spread across the desk. Some were covered in red markings, others stacked neatly in piles, as if Marcus had been sifting through them for hours.

"Ryder, I thought we had everything under control," Marcus began, his voice grim. "But someone's been watching us. And it's not just us-they've been watching Lucy too."

Ryder's stomach clenched at the mention of Lucy. "Who?"

Marcus hesitated, his face lined with tension. "I'm not entirely sure, but I got a tip from one of my old contacts. They said there's a new player in town. Someone with enough resources to go unnoticed... until now."

Ryder's fists tightened, his mind racing. "Are you saying there's another family moving in?"

"Not a family," Marcus corrected, shaking his head. "More like a syndicate. And they're ruthless-more than even the Delvecchios. They've been eyeing the city for months, but they stayed quiet, waiting for an opening."