Chapter 4

The head of VIP security on the cruise came over and patted my shoulder.

"No big deal, girl. I'll call my son right now—he's a Carone family member himself. He'll ride a solo cabin with you."

And he actually pulled out his phone.

I smiled and shook my head.

"Thank you, but I actually prefer the quiet. Being alone suits me."

After I got off the observation cabin, the three of them were gone again.

I didn't go scrambling through the casino like I used to, heart pounding, searching every corner.

I walked straight to the cruise terminal, hailed a black stretch Lincoln, and headed back to the Carone estate.

My father was in the study, reviewing downtown accounts from his leather chair. He looked up, surprised to see me back so early.

"Back already, Leah? What do you want for dinner? Where's Gabriel?"

I didn't answer his questions.

I walked over and sat beside him, resting my head on the old Don's solid shoulder, the way I used to when I was little.

"Father, I'd like to head to Zurich next week for advanced studies. What do you think?"

He set down his gold-rimmed pen.

"Of course, my child. The Carone family needs not just warriors who can draw a gun, but minds that can control Europe's financial arteries. It's good to get experience across the Atlantic while you're young. And with Gabriel going with you, I'm at ease."

I shook my head gently.

"Gabriel's not coming."

"We're both grown now. He has his own ambitions in New York's underworld. I can't drag him down a path he's not interested in just because I want company."

My father's certainty faltered. He paused, weighing his words.

"Darling, I've told you before—whether it's Lucas or Gabriel, whoever you choose will become the next Don..."

I shook my head.

"Dad, I think maybe I have better options out there."

He paused, then patted the back of my hand in agreement.

"My love, I trust you'll always make the choice that's right for you."

Near dusk, Gabriel finally made it back to the estate, dust and weariness clinging to him.

"Leah! We just ducked into the private bar on the cruise's lower deck for two drinks. Why'd you go and take a cab back by yourself?"

I was at my computer, double-checking visa and flight details for Zurich. Didn't even bother turning around.

"Too loud down there. Didn't feel like waiting."

After I submitted all the travel documents, I opened the chat app and found the group chat overflowing again.

They were deep in a heated discussion about vacation plans—what grade of bulletproof gear to bring, private yacht rentals, luxury hotel picks.

I stared at the screen for a moment, then typed a single message:

"Are you guys going somewhere?"

From somewhere in the quiet estate, I heard Gabriel yell: "Holy shit!"

He burst through my bedroom door a second later, panic flickering across his face.

"Leah! We booked vacation flights this afternoon—you left the cruise early, and we got so caught up planning that we forgot to book yours!"

"I'm calling the Gulfstream charter right now to get you a standby seat!"

Right then, Seraphina's voice note popped up in the channel, tinged with regret:

"Gabriel, did you forget? That private charter we booked for this afternoon is already full! Ugh, this is both of your faults—arguing in my ear all afternoon over hotel choices, and I completely forgot Leah's ticket."

I could already see them about to start another round of back-and-forth in the channel.

I typed calmly:

"Don't bother rebooking for me."

"The Caribbean's too sunny anyway. I'd rather skip the hassle."

Gabriel, sitting on the edge of my bed, let out a quiet, hidden sigh of relief and quietly closed the charter company's interface.

"The Caribbean really is brutal this season." He forced a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Leah. I'll send you plenty of scenic photos. And if I find any cool luxury pieces or designer souvenirs, I'll bring some back for you."

The day they left for the private airport—

My flight to Zurich was scheduled for the exact same day.

Right before heading out, Gabriel was still hovering in the living room, rattling off reminders:

"Don't drink too many cold drinks. Father's busy with downtown affairs. While you're alone at the estate, make sure the bulletproof security system stays on at all times."

Lucas came down the stairs carrying Seraphina's personal luggage and let out a scoff.

"Enough, Gabriel. Put away the nagging act. The private jet's already waiting on the tarmac. I'm heading out to meet Seraphina."

Gabriel clenched his jaw, grabbed the car keys, and followed.

Only when their black convoy of escort vehicles had fully disappeared beyond the estate gates—

Did I finally, slowly, pull my already-packed suitcase out of the bedroom and walk down the marble steps, one by one.

This time.

I could finally step out of their world for good.

No more being the extra one.