Just as Marco was about to make his way over to Alessia, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, checking the caller ID, and his expression turned serious. Andrew, his assistant, was calling.
Marco hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should let it go to voicemail. But something about Andrew's timing made him think that this might be important. With a slight sigh, he answered the call.
"What is it, Andrew?" Marco asked, his voice low and even.
As he listened to Andrew's response, Marco's expression grew increasingly serious. Whatever Andrew was telling him, it wasn't good.
Andrew's voice is low and urgent on the phone. "Marco, we have a situation. The Morano family has made a move against us. They've kidnapped one of our soldiers, and they're demanding that we meet their terms."
Marco's expression darkens as he listens. He knows that the Morano family has been trying to encroach on their territory for months, and this is a clear escalation.
"What are their demands?" Marco asks, his voice even but deadly.
"They want us to give up our control of the waterfront," Andrew replies. "They're threatening to hurt our soldier if we don't comply."
Marco's eyes narrow as he processes the information. He knows that giving up their control of the waterfront would be a devastating blow to their family's business interests.
"I'll take care of it," Marco says, his voice cold and determined. "Get the team ready. We're going to pay the Morano family a visit."
With that, Marco ends the call and turns to leave the event, his mind already focused on the task ahead.
Just as Marco was about to leave, Mr. Raymond appeared by his side, a jovial smile plastered on his face. "Marco, you're not leaving already, are you? Won't you stay a little longer?"
Marco's expression remained impassive, his eyes cold and unyielding. "I have urgent matters to attend to," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.
Mr. Raymond's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "Ah, of course, of course. Business never sleeps, does it?" He laughed nervously, but Marco's gaze remained unyielding, his eyes boring into Mr. Raymond's very soul.
Marco walked out on Mr. Raymond, his expression unreadable. He strode purposefully towards his black SUV, the only sound being the soft click of his shoes on the pavement.
As he reached the vehicle, he brought the engine to life, the rumble of the V8 engine a subtle reminder of the power that lay beneath. He eased the SUV out of the penthouse.
Just as he was picking up speed, he noticed a figure waving down at him from the sidewalk. Marco's instincts told him to keep driving, but something about the desperation in the person's gesture gave him pause.
He slowed the SUV to a stop, the tires rolling gently against the curb. Marco's eyes narrowed as he took in the figure, his mind racing with possibilities.
"Help me," Alessia whispered, her voice barely audible.
Marco's expression remained neutral, but he nodded curtly and unlocked the car door. Alessia slid into the passenger seat, her eyes fixed on Marco with a desperate plea.
As soon as the door closed, Alessia's body began to tremble. She started to touch herself, her hands roaming over her skin as if searching for something. Marco's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications.