Semua Bab Contracted to the Mafia: A Plus-Size Bride: Bab 431 - Bab 440

Author's Pov.The next day, the atmosphere at Alexandro's office felt colder than usual. Marco stood in his position near the door, hands behind his back, face as flat as a statue. He'd arrived early, as always, and waited for the meeting to start.Cassian arrived on time. He walked in with confident strides, followed by two large bodyguards who immediately took positions outside the room. The man wore a dark gray suit, neatly styled hair, and a thin smile that never quite left his lips. His eyes immediately landed on Marco as he crossed the threshold—just a moment, but enough to make Marco's hair stand on end.Alexandro greeted him with a brief, professional handshake. They sat at the conference table, discussing the project proposal that had been submitted yesterday. Marco remained in his place, not moving, not speaking. Only his eyes followed every move Cassian made with vigilance.Cassian occasionally glanced toward Marco, but there were no words or suspicious gestures. The meetin

Marco didn't answer right away. He let Cassian's question hang in the air, like cigarette smoke that refused to dissipate.The candlelight on the dining table made their shadows dance on the glass walls—two silhouettes too close to be called mere conversationalists. Cassian still stood there, wine glass in hand, a thin smile that looked more like a challenge than a peace offering."I don't have time for small talk. Every hour I spend without making a move, someone disappears. Families are destroyed. If you're really on the same side as me, prove it," Marco said.Cassian raised an eyebrow, then laughed softly. He set the glass back on the table, stepping closer until their chests were almost touching. The scent of expensive perfume mixed with warm skin filled Marco's senses. He hated how his body reacted—his pulse quickening slightly, his breath hitching without permission."You think I'll hand over everything just because you're handsome and angry?" Cassian murmured. His fingers rose,

Leonardo pulled his hand back roughly, as if Cassian's fingers holding his wrist were something repulsive. His eyes still scrutinized Marco's face, half-covered by a black mask and a thin covering on his left cheek. There was something nagging in his gaze."Fine. If you say he can be trusted, I believe you. The meeting will start soon. Everyone in. No one is late tonight," Leonardo said.The upper deck control room slowly filled with people. Eight, nine, then twelve men and women in expensive suits—faces rarely seen in public but controlling shipping routes across entire oceans.Cassian pulled out a chair on the left side of the long table, patting the backrest of the seat beside him gently. Marco sat without comment. They were too close. Cassian's knee nearly touched his.Marco looked down as if adjusting his mask. His hidden fingers inside his jacket pocket pressed a small button on the device strapped to his waist. The thin earpiece in his right ear, barely visible, lit up with a s

Marco was already awake before sunlight could penetrate the cabin's round window. He put on the black mask and thin covering on his left cheek with quick, practiced movements, making sure there were no gaps that would reveal his real face.His jacket was still the same, the recording device at his waist remained active, the earpiece hidden in his right ear.Cassian was still fast asleep on the bed, his breathing steady. Marco looked at him for a moment, then opened the door quietly. The lock from the outside had already been opened—maybe the guards had changed shifts. He stepped out into the corridor, still quiet."Mr. Alexandro, I'm starting to move. The layout Cassian gave me isn't complete. I'll search one by one."Alexandro's voice answered immediately, hoarse from lack of sleep."Be careful. Leonardo is still on the ship. If you're caught, get out immediately. Send coordinates for every finding."Marco nodded even though it couldn't be seen. He started from the middle deck, openi

Night fell faster than Marco had expected. Cassian sat on the edge of the bed, still fully dressed, watching Marco standing near the round window.Marco checked the watch on his wrist. 9:40 PM. Alexandro and the FBI team should have started moving from the dock. An eight-hour window. Not much time.He walked toward the door.A metallic click made him stop. Cassian was already standing, his hand still on the doorknob. The door was locked from the inside."Open it," Marco said flatly.Cassian shook his head slowly. "No.""Cassian.""I said no. You're not leaving tonight."Marco turned fully. "Mr. Alexandro is coming with his team. They're already on their way. I need to get to the control room before they board. If I don't send a signal, everything could fall apart."Cassian just stared at him. "I don't care."Marco took a deep breath, then pulled out the pistol hidden at his waist. The black barrel aimed straight at Cassian's chest. His hand was steady."Open the door."Cassian didn't