Chapter 11/
Mikael’s laughter echoed through the grand hall. “You? The boss of Ace of Queen?” He scoffed. “Don’t make me laugh, Rafael. You were exiled with nothing. A disgrace. And now you expect me to believe you’re in charge of the most powerful mafia syndicate in the country?”
I stood beside Rafael, my nails digging into my palms. Mikael’s voice grated against my ears. I wanted to scream the truth at him, to wipe that smug expression off his face, but Rafael held his ground.}
“Believe it or not, brother, I don’t need your validation,” Rafael said.}
Mikael’s jaw clenched. “You’re bluffing.“}
Rafael smirked. “Am I?“}
I watched as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring. My breath caught as the light hit the intricate emblem–the unmistakable mark of Ace of Queen. Rafael held it up for everyone to see.”
Mikael’s smirk faltered. But he recovered quickly. “That proves nothing. You could’ve stolen it.”
Rafael’s laugh was low and dangerous. “Think what you want. But the Russians know who I am. And that’s all that matters.” He turned
to the Russians, pulling out a folder and sliding it across the table. “This is my offer.”
The Russians flipped through the documents. Mikael’s fingers tapped restlessly against the table. The room held its breath.
One of the Russians looked up and nodded. “We accept Rafael Salvatore’s proposal.“}
I exhaled as the Russians stood and exited. Mikael’s expression turned deadly.
“No,” he growled, stepping toward Rafael. “You think this is over?”
Rafael didn’t flinch. “This was never yours, Mikael.”}
Mikael lunged. Everything exploded into chaos. Rafael dodged the attack, landing a sharp punch to Mikael’s jaw. Gunfire erupted as Mikael’s men drew their weapons. Rafael’s men retaliated.}
My heart slammed against my ribs. I pressed myself against the wall, trying to stay out of the fray. Rafael’s movements were deadly -precise and relentless–but Mikael fought like a man with nothing to lose.”
“Stay behind me!” Rafael shouted, but before I could move, a sharp yank pulled me backward.
I spun and saw Sarah’s face twisted with rage.}
“Did you really think you could take everything from me?” she spat, her grip tightening.”
“Let go of me!” I clawed at her wrist, but Sarah only yanked harder.
“You ruined my life, Sofia! Humiliated me, destroyed everything I built! And now you’re flaunting Rafael like you’ve already won?“> “You ruined your own life!” I shoved her away. “You betrayed me!”
Sarah lunged again, wild and reckless. I dodged, sending her crashing into a table, but she grabbed a broken wine glass and pointed it at me.&
“You don’t deserve this life,” she hissed. “You don’t deserve him!“}
I glanced toward Rafael, still locked in combat with Mikael. No one was coming to help me.”
“Stop this, Sarah!” My voice trembled, but I refused to back down. “It’s over!“}
“No,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Not until you’re out of the picture.“}
She lunged, and I sidestepped, grabbing her arm and twisting it. The glass shattered, and Sarah cried out, but she didn’t stop. She tackled me, and we crashed to the floor.”
Adrenaline surged through me. 1 shoved her off and scrambled to my feet, but Sarah grabbed my hair, yanking me back.