CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Lucas walked through the grand hall of the mansion to his study ,his footsteps echoing on the marble floors . As Lucas got to his study, Vincent walked in almost immediately , “Boss the men are ready. We’ve tightened security around the perimeter. Marco won't catch us off guard again”.

Lucas nodded, his face a mask of grim intimidation, “Good we need to stay one step ahead . Marco's not done yet. Keep a close watch especially around Olivia”.

Vincent gave a curt nod and moved to relay his orders.

…..🌵

Meanwhile, across town, Detective Harris was hunched over his desk, a determined look on his face. Harris had been on Lucas Moretti's tail for years, and he knew that Olivia Carter’s sudden disappearance was a significant lead.

The wall to his office lined with photographs , maps and notes all led to Lucas Moretti, the elusive mafia boss.

…….

Monica was sipping her early morning coffee , when her phone rang . Seeing an unfamiliar number, she hesitated before answering.

“Hello?”

“Monica, this is detective Harris from NYDP. I need to ask you a few questions about Olivia Carter”.

Monica’s heart skipped a bit, “What's this about, Detective?”

“It's about Olivia’s investigation into Lucas Moretti. We believe she might be in danger, can we meet”.

Monica, filled with anxiety agreed to meet Harris at a nearby café

Few hours later, Monica and Harris met in a bustling café , where they sat across from each other. Harris's intense gaze made Monica uneasy, but shectrued to stay calm.

“Monica, when was the last time you heard from Olivia?” Harris asked.

“A few days ago”, Monica replied, “She called to say she was okay, but didn't say where she was”.

“Did she mention anything unusual? Anything that might indicate where she is?”

“No, she just said she was working on something important , and she was safe”.

Harris jotted down notes , his mind racing. “Thank you, Monica, this helps a lot”

As they wrapped up their conversation, Monica couldn't shake the feeling of dread. She hoped Olivia was truly safe.

Back at detective Harris' office, Richard sat nervously at a dimly lit bar , his eyes darting around as he waited for Detective Harris. When Harris arrived, he got straight to the point, “Richard, I know Olivia is alive and I know she contacted you, where is she?”

Richard's eyes flickered with uncertainty . “I can't tell you that,Detective. She’s working on something big , and if I give her location away, it could jeopardize everything”.

Harris leaned closer, his voice low and urgent , “Listen, if Olivia is in Lucas Moretti hands, she's not safe. You need to tell me where she is, before it's too late”.

Richard sighed, his resolve wavering, “She’s at Lucas's mansion . She’s investigating him from the inside”.

Harris's heart raced,he had what he needed “Thank you, Richard, You did the right thing”.

As Richard left, Harris called for backup, This was the break he had been waiting for.

Detective Harris assembled a team and briefed them on the situation, they had to proceed with caution. Lucas' Moretti mansion was heavily guarded, and a direct assault could end in a disaster.

At the same time Harris directed his attention to Richard, He kept Richard under close watch , knowing that any slip-up could lead him directly to Olivia. Days turned into a cat-and-mouse game, with Harris trying to anticipate Richard's next move.

Meanwhile in Lucas mansion, the armed guards patrolled the perimeter . Inside the mansion, the atmosphere was tense, the high walls and security cameras were always on standby.

Lucas was shirtless in his private training room, his chiseled chest glistening with sweat. He wore only a pair of baggy pants , and black boxing gloves covered his hands. His hair was wet,dark strands plastered to his forehead as he relentlessly pounded a heavy punching bag.

Each punch was powerful, his muscles ripping with every movement.

Lucas was lost in his routine, his breath coming in heavy pants , the room echoing with the sound of his fist striking the bag.

Just then Vincent entered the room, his expression urgent, “Boss, we have a problem”.

Lucas didn't break his rhythm , landing a few more punches before stopping and turning to face Vincent, “what is it?” He said gulping on a bottle of water.

Vincent stepped closer, lowering his voice , “One of our informants at Harris's office called. Harris is planning to move into the mansion. He thinks Olivia is in danger”.

Lucas’s eyes narrowed,his jaw tightening. He ripped off the clothes and tossed them aside, his chest heaving , “Damn it”, he growled, Harris is getting close.

Vincent nodded, “What's the plan boss?”

Lucas wiped the sweat from his brow , his mind racing, “We need to be ready for anything,.Double the security , no one gets in or out without my aporoval”.

Vincent hesitated, then added, “And Olivia, what do we do about her?”

Lucas’s gaze softened for a brief moment,a rare vulnerability flashing in his eyes, “Keep her safe if Harris thinks she’s in danger, he might do something reckless. We can't afford that”

“Understood”, Vincent said, nodding.

Lucas watched as Vincent left the room, his mind already formulating the next step. He couldn't let Harris affairs jeopardize everything he had built. And he couldn't let Olivia leave his side.

Lucas paused, a thought forming in his head.

Lucas walked through the mansions, his step purposeful, he was still shirtless, his well built body glistening with sweat from his intense workout. His dark hair was damp, framing his chiseled figure. He headed straight to Olivia’s room.

Lucas knocked on her door, and waited, for her to answer.

He walked into the room. Olivia’s eyes were immadietly drawn to his chest , the sight of his shirtless masculine body made her heart skip a bit.

She couldn't tear her gaze away from his well defined torso and the beads of sweat that glistened on his chest.

“Olivia” Lucas called, his voice commanding yet softer than usual.

She looked up, meeting his gaze, “Lucas, what are you doing here?”

“I need you to get ready”, he said stepping into the room, “we’re going out for dinner”.