CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Marco paced the floor of his mansion ,sprawling , but less compared to Lucas' s. His frustration was palpable , his men glancing at him nervously as he muttered under his breath.

“Damnit”, Marco roared, slamming his fist onto the heavy oak desk in his study , “How did he find her so quickly?”

Marco turned his attention to the map on the wall, a detailed layout of Lucas’ mansion and surrounding properties. He’d been studying Lucas' movements for days, trying to find a weak spot. He knew Lucas' operation well enough, having once been part of them, but Lucas was always a step ahead.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, one of his men entered, his face grim.

“Boss, we just got word, One of our guys , the one who was holding the girl, he’s dead, Lucas got him first”.

He leaned back, running a hand through his dark hair, he knew Lucas cared about Olivia, it wasn't just about being an investigator.

Marco's second in command, a burly man named Salvatore , approached him, “Boss we need a new plan, Lucas is too well protected, we need to hit him where it hurts”.

Marco nodded, “get me all the information you can get about Olivia, her family, her friends…. everything”.

Salvatore nodded, and headed to carry out the orders.

Few hours later, Marco sat in his study, the room filled with the scent of cigar smoke and the faint hum of classical music playing in the background. His eyes scanned the report in front of him, it detailed Olivia's background, her family, and friends.

Marco’s gaze lingered on a particular name, Monica, Olivia’s best friend. A sinister smile spread across his face, as he realized he had found a new leverage point.

“Salvatore”, Marco called out, his voice echoing in the empty hall.

Salvatore appeared almost immediately, “Yes, boss”.

Marco tapped the report , “I want you to find this girl, Monica, She’s Olivia’s best friend . Bring her to me”.

Salvatore's eyes widened slightly , but he nodded, “Okay boss”.

Marco leaned back in his chair, his mind already racing with possibilities. He knew Lucas had feelings for Olivia, and if he could use Monica to manipulate her, It would be another crack in Lucas’ armor.

……,🌵

Monica had just dismissed from her day work. Monica is a fashion designer, and her dream of becoming a well known designer in New York City and around the world is always in her mind.

As she walked through the bustling streets of New York,with her bag hung on her shoulder, her mind occupied with the thought of Olivia, she hadn't heard from her , since the last time she called

As she turned a corner, to take a quick cab, she felt a sudden sharp prick on her neck.

Darkness instantly enveloped her , and she collapsed into the arms of her captors.

She woke up in a dimly lit room, her hands and feet bound. Panic surged through her as she struggled against the rope. The door cracked up, and Marco stepped inside, his presence commanding and intimidating.

“Good evening, Monica,” Marco said smoothly, his voice dripping with malice.

Monica glared at him, her heart pounding, “Who are you? What do you want?”

Marco chuckled, pulling up a chair, and sitting across from her, “My name is Marco, and I believe you can help me with something. You see, your dear friend Olivia has caused me quite a bit of trouble , and you might be the key to my plan”.

Monica's eyes widened in fear, at the mention of Olivia's name, what had Olivia gotten herself into?, she thought. “I don't know where Olivia is,I haven't spoken to her for days, And even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you”, She held her ground.

Marco’s smile faded , replaced by a cold, menacing stare, “You don't even need to know where she is sweetheart, I just need you to deliver a message”.

Marco sent a video to Vincent, knowing Olivia's phone was in Lucas's possession , with a satisfied smile, he pressed send, confident that his plan would force Lucas’s hand.

……🌵

Back at Lucas mansion , Vincent was in the middle of a conversation with one of the guards when his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his face darkened, as he watched the video sent to him by Marco. Without a moment’s hesitation he rushed to Lucas' office.

Vincent burst into the room, his face pale, “Boss, you need to see thisl”.

Lucas, who sat behind his desk, looked up, his expression hardening, “What is it?” Vincent handed the phone to Lucas.

Lucas’s expression hardened as he watched the video, when it ended, he called for Olivia. She arrived moments later , her heart pounding as she saw the serious look on Lucas face.

“What's going on?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Lucas handed her the phone, without a word . Olivia's eyes widened in horror and fear as she saw her best friend, Monica tied up, and terrified. Tears streamed down her face, as she read the caption attached to the video, “I have your friend, if you want her back, do as I say” .

Olivia turned to Lucas, desperation in her eyes.

“Please, Lucas,you have to save her, she’s my best friend”, Olivia said, her voice breaking.

Lucas’s jaw tightened, he nodded to Vincent, “Get the men ready, we leave in ten”.

Olivia grabbed Lucas's arm, “I’m coming with you”.

Lucas shook his head,his expression stern, “No, it's too dangerous, You stay here where it's safe”.

Olivia's grip tightened, “Please, Lucas, I need to be there,I need to know she’s Okay”.

Lucas looked into her tear filled eyes, and saw her resolve . He sighed, knowing he couldn't deny her this, “Fine, but you stay close to me, No heroics”.

They arrived at the warehouse, a desolate structure. Lucas' men moved swiftly surrounding the building. Lucas and some of his men entered cautiously , their eyes scanning the dark interior.

As they stepped forward inside, they saw Marco standing in the center of the room, holding Monica at gunpoint.