Chapter 4

The next day was my first official day back at work.

Lucas gave me top-level administrative access to the system.

He announced it in front of everyone.

"Elena is this family's true Donna."

After six years away, I had no idea where to start with the new computer system.

The staff whispered among themselves.

"Isn't she holding everything up? Ms. Bennett would've finished ages ago. I don't know what the Don is thinking."

That night, I studied alone in the office into the early hours before finally getting all the handover documents in order.

The next afternoon, something went wrong anyway.

A set of shipping codes I'd approved turned out to contain a serious error.

Because of it, a shipment on the southern route was seized by the coast guard.

In the main hall, every eye turned to me.

Chloe wore a look of guilt.

"It's my fault. Elena just took over the job. I should have double-checked it..."

I gave her a cold look.

"I checked that file three times. The original I sent out was fine."

In front of everyone, Lucas slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet.

He tore into Chloe.

"You were careless! Go to the lockup and think about what you've done!"

The staff muttered among themselves, upset on Chloe's behalf.

Still, no one dared to argue.

But once everyone had cleared out, Lucas shut the office door and turned to me.

"You were in a coma for six years. Of course you're struggling to keep up. A few minor mistakes are only natural."

I pushed his hand away.

"I told you, I didn't make that mistake. If you don't believe me, go ahead and take back my clearance."

Lucas sighed.

"Don't get worked up, Elena. Forget I said anything! I won't take away your authority. I promise."

But I knew he'd never believed me.

On the third day, the Bellini family, our rivals, launched a surprise attack on one of our hidden outposts.

In the chaos, the most secure checkpoint at the rear suddenly went offline.

That exposed Chloe's position, and their gunmen grabbed her on the spot.

They sent Lucas a taunting message.

"Six years ago, I took the woman you loved most from you. Today, I'll make you live through it all over again."

Lucas got the message.

His gun hand shook violently.

For two whole days, the other side stayed one step ahead.

Lucas tried to break through several times and failed. Chloe's life hung by a thread.

He stormed into my room.

His bloodshot eyes burned with barely restrained rage.

"Elena! You're the only one with clearance to change the rear defenses! You know where Chloe is, don't you?!"

I pressed a hand to my aching heart.

"I never touched the rear security system! And I have no idea where she is!"

"Elena!"

Lucas's voice was hoarse, and he was struggling to keep his temper in check.

"You're still lying. I should have taken back your clearance that day! If you want revenge, come after me! I'm the one who owes you everything. You shouldn't have dragged Chloe into this!"

I stared at Lucas, who was nearly hysterical.

Pain tore through my chest, but I no longer wanted to defend myself.

Then one of his men reported that they'd found Chloe's exact location.

Lucas ran out without looking back.

I threw on a coat and followed him.

I needed to see the truth for myself.

At East Port, gunfire erupted across the docks.

The sea wind carried the sharp smell of gunpowder.

Lucas drew his gun, dodged the bullets, and pushed forward, landing one clean headshot after another.

Every move was quick and precise.

It was exactly like the time he had risked his life to save me in the ruins.

Only this time, he pushed through the smoke and pulled someone else into his arms.

He shielded that person from the hail of bullets with his own body.

It was another woman.

Chloe was shaking all over with fear.

She clutched his collar and sobbed.

Red-eyed, Lucas cursed at her for being nothing but trouble.

At the same time, he cupped her face in a rough but familiar gesture.

He kissed her hard.

The docks were full of his armed men.

Not one of them looked surprised.

To them, Chloe was the woman the Don would give his life to protect.

I was the only one foolish enough to believe him.

I was still waiting for him to keep his promise and make up for the six years I'd lost.

Thunder cracked overhead, and rain came pouring down.

I turned to walk out into the rain.

A black umbrella appeared over my head without a sound.

It shielded me from the wind and rain.

A voice sounded close to my ear, firm but trembling.

"I'm sorry, Elena. I'm late."