Page 30 of Ruins
Why does that make sense?
Ineedto know.
Cassandra notices my expression, but doesn’t soften. Instead, she kneels slightly so I can step into the next gown, her movements measured, intentional
“How does that make sense?” I ask, my voice laced with something dangerously close to anger.
She doesn’t answer right away.
I struggle to keep my composure as she pulls the dress up, slipping my arms through the delicate lace sleeves. The fabric feels heavier than before, pressing down on me in ways it shouldn’t.
Cassandra steps behind me, fingers working deliberately as she fastens the buttons.
Our eyes meet in the mirror.
And I see it.
The pity.
The quiet, almost apologetic glance before she delivers the final blow.
“He tends to go for a…fullerfigure.”
Her voice is light, almost thoughtful, but it cuts deep.
“You’re not his usual type.”
I Shatter.
Any lingering hope I didn’t even know I had—gone.
Chapter 6
Santo
AcoupledaysatNovaRael,and I’m already in my element. I’ve met with every department head—development, security, finance, engineering—all the way down to sales.
The cybersecurity and finance departments are the only ones privy to the actual business operations. The rest? Just a front for the successful empire that is NovaRael.
With WesTech as our only real competitor, I have very little to worry about as I settle into my newly decorated office.
Miroslav’s abrupt departure only serves to benefit me, as I insisted that that the large wooden desk be removed before my arrival.
Now, sitting behind my sleek glass desk with multiple monitors perched on top, I survey the finances and operations of the company that is now under my control.
As I dig deeper into the files, one stands out. QUEEN. A single word, locked behind a firewall I can’t crack. My attempts to access it are denied, sending a flicker of irritation through me. I don’t like unanswered questions.
I search through Miroslav’s email for a hint—nothing. No mentions. No passwords. No explanation. Just silence.
I don’t trust silence.
I grab my phone and call the head of cyber security. “Find out what the hell ‘QUEEN’ is,” I order. “I want answers before the week is out.”
He assures me that his team will have answers soon. A sly smile creeps across my face, reveling in the satisfaction of being king over this vast empire. I have everything I want. Angelo gets the title he wants, I don’t have to run Cosa Nostra, I throw a credit card at my vapid bride, and I run surveillance intel for both Cosa Nostra and the Bratva, life could not be better right now.
Before I can get too lost in my thoughts, a persistent knock breaks through my concentration.
“Come in,” I answer as Luca walks into my office, a folder in his hand. The paper rustles slightly as he shakes it, causing me to tense up in anticipation.
