The next morning, New York woke to chaos.
Headlines screamed across every major paper and online feed…"LORENZO VITALE SPOTTED ALIVE?" "THE DEAD MAFIA KING RETURNS." "AURELIA CORP UNDER FIRE."
Aria stood by the large glass window of her penthouse, watching the city lights fade under the pale sun. Her phone wouldn't stop ringing. Investors, journalists, board members, everyone wanted answers. But she had none to give. Not yet.
Elias entered with a tablet in his hand. "It's everywhere," he said flatly. "Someone leaked a photo of you at the pier last night. They're saying you were meeting him."
Aria's grip on her coffee tightened. "Of course they are. The world loves a scandal more than the truth."
Elias sighed, rubbing his temple. "We should have had security, Aria. He wanted you seen. This is part of his plan."
She turned, eyes sharp. "Then I'll make it part of mine."
He looked at her, unsure whether to be afraid or impressed. "What do you mean?"
