13
I clenched my jaw as I watched Clara walk out of the store with her head high, carrying her expensive shopping bag like she owned the world. My hands tightened into fists. Who the hell did she think she was?
Married to Zaverio Gurrelio?
A name no one had seen or known?
The thought made my blood boil.
“Tony,” Hailey whined beside me, pulling at my sleeve. “Are we just going to stand here? I still don’t have a dress for your father’s party.”
I exhaled sharply, forcing my thoughts away from Ciara. “Fine. Pick whatever you want.”
Hailey grinned and turned back to the racks, her mood instantly lifted as she pulled out an extravagant red gown. “This one,” she said, pressing it against herself. “It’ll be perfect.”
I barely glanced at it before nodding. “Let’s go.”
After paying. I led her out to the car, but even as I drove through the busy streets of Mexico, my mind was still stuck on Clara.
Married.
To Zaverio Gurrelio
My grip on the steering wheel tightened.
“Tony,” Hailey’s voice was sharp “You’re awfully quiet”
I didn’t respond.
She turned to face me. “You’re upset, aren’t you? About Ciara?”
I let out a short laugh, though there was no humor in it. “I feel insulted.”
Hailey raised a brow. “Why? Because she moved on? You let her go, Tony”
I scoffed. “She didn’t just move on. She went and married some ghost no one has ever seen. Gurrelio.” I spat the
name like venom. “Where do you think she got all the money she’s spending now?”
Hailey crossed her arms, her lips pursed. “I don’t know. But I don’t think she actually married him.”
I glanced at her. “What makes you say that?”
“She could be bluffing.” She shrugged. “Think about it–have you ever heard of Zaverio Gurrelio showing his face anywhere? No one even knows what he looks like
I stayed silent, considering her words.
Hailey sighed dramatically. “Honestly, Tony, it’s so frustrating that you’re thinking about another woman when I’m right here.”
I exhaled and forced my grip on the wheel to relax. “I’m not thinking about her.
She scoffed. “Right. That’s why you’ve been staring into space since we left the store.
I sighed, “Look, I’m sorry, alright?”
It wasn’t a real apology, but it was enough to make Hailey sit back, arms still crossed.
C
A few minutes later, I pulled into the grand entrance of the Reeds mansion. The valet rushed to open my door as I stepped out, straightening my suit. Hailey linked her arm through mine, but I barely noticed.
Inside, the familiar scent of expensive cigars and aged whiskey filled the air. My father, Stefano Reeds, sat at the
attention–he was a man who had built his empire through power, intimidation, and carefully chosen alliances.
“Tony,” he called out as he spotted me. A smile stretched across his face, though his eyes remained calculating as always. “Come here, son.”
I walked over and shook his hand firmly. “Father.”
Stefano gestured to the chair beside him. “Sit. We need to talk.”
I nodded, sending Hailey a glance. “Go freshen up. I’ll find you later.”
She pouted but obeyed, disappearing up the marble staircase.
Once she was gone, Stefano leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. His sharp eyes locked onto mine. “There’s a situation I need you to handle.”
I sat straighter. “What kind of situation?”
“A business opportunity.” Stefano smirked slightly. “One that could make us a lot of money if handled correctly. I didn’t like the way he said that “Go on.”
Stefano took a slow sip of his whiskey before speaking. “There’s a new company entering the market. It’s owned by a Consigliere from the italian mafia.”
My brows furrowed. “The Italians?”
“Yes,” Stefano confirmed. “And they’re foreigners. If we partner with them, it’ll open up new doors for us–power, resources, and a lot of financial gain.”
I rubbed my chin. “And what exactly do you need me to do?”
“Meet with them,” Stefano’s tone turned serious. “They’re in Vegas right now. The meeting is set for tomorrow morning, just before my birthday party”
I nodded. “Understood. Who am I meeting?”
Stefano’s smirk returned. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
I exhaled, leaning back. “Fine. But tell me, Father what happens if this partnership doesn’t go as planned?” Stefano’s eyes darkened. “Then we remind them whose city this is.”
A slow smirk crept onto my lips.
This was the world I thrived in–the world of power, control, and calculated moves.
And Ciara thought she could walk away from me?
She had no idea who she was dealing with.
I was Tony Reeds.
And I always won.
