All Chapters of Surrogate For The Mafia Lord: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Killian stood by the large bay window in his study, his hands clasped behind his back. He appeared to be looking at some papers on his desk, but his eyes were actually focused on the garden below. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the manicured lawn, where two figures moved about energetically.Nora approached him from behind, her heels clicking softly on the hardwood floor. She placed a manicured hand on his shoulder, but he didn't turn to acknowledge her."Good news," she said, her voice silky smooth. "I spoke with the prosecutor this morning. He's agreed not to pursue charges for that gang fight incident as long as our marriage goes through as planned." She smiled, squeezing his shoulder lightly. "With my connections and your resources, the Serrano family business will be completely legitimate by this time next year."Killian didn't respond. His eyes remained fixed on the scene outside the window.Nora frowned slightly and followed his line of sight. Below, in the garden,

Lucas didn't appear intimidated by Killian's threatening stance. Instead, he stepped forward and gave his brother a slight push on the shoulder, his smirk never leaving his face."Don't be so serious all the time, brother," Lucas said with a lazy drawl. "You'll give yourself wrinkles before you hit forty."Killian didn't budge, his eyes cold and unblinking. "I told you to leave."Lucas casually reached behind his ear and pulled out a cigarette that had been tucked there. "I'm not here to fight," he said, twirling the cigarette between his fingers. "I'm here on business."He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver lighter, its surface gleaming in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the trees. The casual way he moved made it seem like he was completely unbothered by his brother's hostility."The deal is ready," Lucas continued, keeping his voice low as he put the cigarette to his lips. "Our partners are getting impatient."Bella clutched Angela closer to her side, trying

In the kitchen, Killian was cooking the pasta while Bella sat on a chair watching. The smell of garlic and tomatoes filled the air, making her stomach growl quietly. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until now."Thank you, Mr. Serrano," she said, watching as he stirred the sauce.He turned and tilted his head slightly, one eyebrow raised."I mean... Killian," she corrected herself, feeling her cheeks warm a little. It felt strange calling her boss by his first name, but he had insisted."You didn't have to cook," she added, feeling a bit awkward as he continued to watch her."It's alright," he replied, turning back to the stove. "I'm starving too."Bella noticed he was holding a small notebook in his hand, glancing at it occasionally as he cooked. It looked worn, like it had been used many times."What's that?" she asked, curious.He glanced down at the notebook. "My sister's recipe.""You mean... Angela's mom?""Yes," he nodded, adding a pinch of something to the sauce. "Our mom

They laughed at each other foolishly, the tension between them breaking for a moment. The strange pull they had felt seconds ago transformed into awkward chuckles as they realized how ridiculous they must look, frozen in place in the middle of a busy mall."Bella!" Angela called out, her small voice cutting through their moment. "What's happening? Are you coming?"Bella blinked rapidly, as if waking from a dream. She turned toward Angela, who was watching them with curious eyes beside the pink pony mascot."It's nothing," she said quickly, giving Angela a reassuring smile. She pulled away from Killian, feeling the warmth of his body leave hers as she created distance between them. Her heart was still beating a little too fast as she went to Pinkie's other side.Killian stood there for a moment, watching her walk away. He felt oddly disappointed, though he couldn't explain why. This was his employee, his sister's nanny. Whatever had just happened between them shouldn't have happened at

"Killian!" Bella called his name again, her voice shaking with fear and urgency.He paused, the stone still clutched tightly in his hand, poised to strike. His knuckles were white from gripping it so hard, and his eyes had a wild, dangerous look that Bella had never seen before. It was as if someone else entirely had taken over his body.While still on top of the fallen man, Killian grabbed his collar with his free hand, pulling the man's bloodied face closer to his own. The man's eyes were wide with terror, his nose still gushing blood that stained both their clothes."I don't care who sent you," Killian growled, his voice low and menacing, "but if you touch her again, I'll take your head off."The threat hung in the air, chilling in its simplicity and the absolute certainty with which it was delivered. Bella had no doubt that Killian meant every word."Dude, chill out!" the man sputtered through the blood, raising his hands in surrender. "Get off of me!"His eyes darted around despe