Page 151 of Baby Surprise for my Brother's Best Friend

I stride forward and grab the back of his flannel, yanking him upright.

"How ya doing, asshole? This is for touching that nice lady just now without permission."

I land a brutal punch to his gut. He winces as he doubles over, winded and clutching his stomach. His jaw laxed.

With the perfect opening, my fist connects hard with his jaw.

The punch lands flawlessly, causing the asshole to slam against the conference table, whiskey crashing to the floor, shouts erupting behind me.

I stand over him. "And that was for Sophie, you piece of shit."

People start rushing into the conference room.

As I walk out, I pass the publisher.

"You should really care more about your female employees than the pieces of shit who abuse and harass them." I don’t wait for anyone to try and stop me.

I don’t care about fallout.

My pulse pounds for one reason only.

I’m ready. I’m going home.

36

ALESSIO

The jet touches down, wheels screeching against the tarmac like a final warning. Manhattan glows ahead, all steel and shadow, pulsing like a heart that never slows.

When I descend the stairs, the driver opens the door to the car waiting for me, and I slide into the back seat, my muscles tight, my jaw locked.

I should feel relief. The retraction went live an hour ago. Every news outlet that had run Eva’s story now has a big, bold correction splashed across their sites. Unsubstantiated. Retraction. Apology.

But it’s not enough. Not when she still hasn’t answered me.

I scroll through my messages, recalling the last voicemail I left Sophie on the flight back from Chicago. The one I poured everything into.

She must have heard it by now, right? And still? Nothing. No text. No call.

The city swallows us as the car merges into traffic.

I lean my head back against the leather seat, replaying everything from the last twenty-four hours. Confronting Eva. Watching her dragged out of Clive & Associates like the venomous snake she is. Slamming my fist into Cash Carson’s jaw with a satisfaction I’ll carry for life.

But none of it matters if Sophie won’t talk to me.

My phone pings.

I lift it instinctively, thinking it's her.

But it's another article.

Breaking: Article Retracted – No Bratva Ties Confirmed Between Marchetti Family and International Crime Syndicates.

They got the message. Loud and clear.

I text her again.

Still no response.

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