Lahat ng Kabanata ng Collateral Heart : Owned By The Mafia King: Kabanata 21 - Kabanata 30

Kaiser wasn't surprised that Elder Sullivan who was usually calm and calculative was now openly attacking him. He was aware that Elder Sullivan wouldn't act in such a manner unless he was confident that council had cornered him.However, Kaiser was also completely prepared to counter the council. In fact he had a shocking truth to unveil to them today.Elder Sullivan rested his back on his chair and rested his calm gaze on Kaiser. "We have suffered a huge loss in our business recently because you stubbornly refused to permit the expenses of maintaining our previous shipping line." he said in a challenging tone.The Castillo Clan owned another successful private business that was used to cover the expenses of the clan. In recent days, the business profit margin declined and it was undeniable that Kaiser was responsible for it.In the process of solidifying his position as the clan head, Kaiser terminated the contract of the clan's shipping company which displeased the council. Moreover

The atmosphere in the room was controlled, not the calm kind, but the kind of control that expensive spaces often pretended to have. Sunlight filtered through the curtains in softened gold, and the air carried a faint scent of polished wood mixed with distant ocean salt. Even the IV drip maintained a steady clinical rhythm, as though the room itself insisted on order and precision. Everything here followed a system, everything except her—Elena Hart, lying unconscious on the bed.Kaiser stood near her bedside, his posture appearing relaxed at first glance, though the slight tension in his fingers betrayed him. One hand rested in his pocket while the other hung loosely at his side, yet every so often it flexed subtly, like a restrained impulse searching for permission to act. Elena had not moved since the doctor adjusted the IV, and the stillness only deepened the weight in the room.The doctor, a man in his mid-fifties dressed in a pale blue shirt matching the color of the clear skies

Kaiser didn’t respond as he didn't see any reason to justify her statement. And that— That made it worse.“That’s not a reason,” she continued, her frustration bleeding through now. “That’s not something you build a decision on—it’s not something you ruin someone’s life over.”Her breathing picked up slightly, but her eyes stayed sharp, locked onto his.“You don’t just take someone,” she said, each word deliberate, “...strip them of their freedom, lock them away, and expect them to accept it because you want them.”A beat pass“ Well let's make it clear, I don't want you and neither do I want to have anything to do with you ” She declared and silence followed. “You don’t get to decide this for me,” she added, quieter now—but no less firm. “So let me go.”Kaiser’s expression didn’t change. "No.” The word was immediate and absolute. His eyebrows furrowed into a deep frown Elena’s jaw tightened. “You don’t own me. What you are doing is against the law.”Kaiser's gaze darkened slightl

The afternoon sun hung high above Miami's bustling streets, casting golden reflections across the glass windows of the cafés and restaurants that lined the busy avenue. The city moved with its usual energy as pedestrians flowed along the sidewalks, cars rolled steadily through the traffic, and conversations blended together into the familiar soundtrack of urban life. Inside a small café tucked between two larger buildings, three young women sat around a circular table near the window, yet unlike everyone else around them who appeared relaxed and carefree, an atmosphere of growing anxiety surrounded their corner of the establishment. Several drinks rested untouched on the table. A caramel latte sat in front of Jessica. A strawberry smoothie rested beside Stacy. Meanwhile, Mia's iced coffee had long since begun melting as she stared at the phone pressed against her ear. Jessica and Stacy watched her closely, their attention fixed entirely on her expression as they silently waited

Mia's face had darkened considerably.Jessica looked stunned.Even Stacy, who was usually the most impulsive among them, appeared speechless.For several moments, nobody said anything.Then Mia exploded."That's a lie." The words came out so forcefully that several customers glanced toward their table.Mia didn't care. Her grip tightened around her phone. "Every single word of it is a lie."Derrick remained silent.Mia continued before he could respond. "Elena is not a gambling addict." Her voice trembled with anger. "And she certainly isn't some reckless troublemaker who spends her time creating problems for people."Jessica nodded immediately.Stacy looked equally furious.Mia pushed her chair back slightly and stood up. "Yes, Elena wasn't close to most of her family." Her eyes flashed with frustration.“But do you know why?"Derrick didn't answer."Because they treated her terribly."The words came out sharp and immediate."Because most of them spent years pretending she didn't exi