Marcus's jaw dropped as he watched Alexander calmly negotiate the partnership. "What sorcery is this?" he whispered. "Alexander's gone from 'blow-things-up' to 'win-win solutions'?"
Alexander chuckled. "Emily's influence, my friend. She's teaching me new tricks."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Tricks? You're a mafia king, not a magician!"
Alexander shrugged. "Hey, it's working. We're making more money, fewer enemies..."
Marcus interrupted, "And fewer explosions?"
Alexander grinned. "Well, that's just a bonus."
Marcus shook his head, laughing. "I don't recognize you anymore, Alex. You're... civilized."
Alexander playfully rolled his eyes. "Don't worry, Marcus. I'm still the same guy. Just... refined."
Marcus smirked. "Refined? You? That's like saying a lion's gone vegan."
Alexander chuckled. "Hey stranger, things have happened."
As they walked away, Marcus whispered, "But I heard you're spending free time... painting?"
Alexander nodded, unphased. "Yeah, I find it relaxing."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "You? The guy who used to blow up buildings for fun? Kill people for fun? Torture people for fun?"
Alexander shrugged. "Artistic expression, Marcus. It's therapeutic."
Marcus shook his head, smiling. "Only you, Alex. Only you could make mafia life and art coexist."
Alexander grinned. "Hey, don't knock it till you try it. Maybe I'll teach you to paint."
Marcus laughed. "Pass. I'll stick to the day job."
Alexander's expression turned serious. "Marcus, keep the painting thing between us, okay?"
Marcus's grin faded. "What, you're ashamed of your artistic side?"
Alexander nodded. "No one can know about this. I have a reputation to maintain."
Marcus chuckled. "The mafia king with a secret love for watercolors?"
Alexander's eyes narrowed. "This isn't funny, Marcus. No one sees my soft side. Ever."
Marcus held up his hands. "My lips are sealed, Alex. Your secret's safe with me."
Alexander's gaze lingered, ensuring Marcus understood. "Good. Now let's keep this between us."
Marcus nodded, mock-serious. "I'll take it to my grave, Alex. Or at least until someone offers me a hefty bribe."
Alexander shot him a warning glance. "Don't even joke about that."
As they parted ways, Marcus whispered, "Who knew the most feared mafia king had a Van Gogh complex?"
Alexander overheard, his eyes narrowing. "Marcus..."
Marcus quickly raised his hands. "Just kidding, Alex! Your secret's safe."
Alexander shook his head, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You're pushing your luck, Marcus."
Ethan, Alexander's older brother, stormed into Alexander's office, his face thunderous. "What's this I hear about you painting?"
Alexander, caught off guard, stuttered, "Uh, Ethan, I can explain..."
Ethan's voice boomed. "Explain? You're the most feared mafia king, and you're spending your free time... painting sunsets?"
