One night with the Mafia King

The next day he reached his office early as he needed to finish his work before four in the afternoon, because he will take Bella to get her something to wear for their visit to his parent's house.

A knock interrupted his reading of an important document. "Come in" he said in his cold tone. He is habitual to speak like this to his employees.

Lucas sat at his desk, the dim light casting sharp shadows across his face. Mark placed a thick file in front of him, his expression tense.

"This just came in," Mark said, his voice low. "Renato's more reckless than we thought."

Lucas opened the file, his sharp eyes scanning the photographs and reports. He froze when he saw Irina's face....a woman known for her fierce loyalty to her husband, Mikhail the Russian don. The accompanying details made Lucas's jaw tighten.

"Renato is sleeping with Mikhail's wife?" Lucas asked, disbelief lacing his tone.

Mark nodded but hesitated. "That's what the intel says. But... doesn't this seem off? Irina worships Mikhail. She wouldn't betray him like this."

Lucas closed the file, his mind racing. "Exactly. Irina's too devoted, and Mikhail is too watchful. There's no way this could happen under his nose unless..." He paused, the realization dawning on him.

Mark raised an eyebrow. "Unless it's Mikhail's own setup?"

Lucas nodded slowly, his voice measured. "Mikhail's testing Renato. Irina's likely a pawn in his game. He's baiting Renato to see where his loyalties lie....or worse, to set an example for anyone who dares cross him."

"You are right about this. But I don't think Irina is involved in this planning. I mean her having an affair with other man right under his nose is impossible. I guess Mikhail planned this to make them meet and then using them for his own benefit." Mark explained as he knew very well how cunning this man can be.

"You may be right. I meet her once during the peace agreement signing and she looked quite devoted to her husband. It will not be a surprise if she did this all because of her love for her husband." Lucas said wondering about what kind of trick Mikhail is planning.

Mark exhaled sharply. "So, what do we do? Pull out of the deal?"

Lucas shook his head. "Not yet. Mikhail's baiting Renato, not us. If we withdraw now, it'll raise suspicion. But I want surveillance on Renato doubled. If he's stupid enough to fall for this trap, we need to be prepared to sever ties."

Mark smirked faintly. "You think Renato will take the bait?"

Lucas leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Renato's arrogance will be his downfall. But for now, keep this under wraps." He glanced at the clock, his features softening slightly. "I've got to head out. Bella's picking a dress for meeting my parents, and I promised to help her."

Mark's smirk widened. "From mafia traps to lace and chiffon. You're really living two lives, aren't you?"

Lucas allowed himself a faint chuckle. "Life's complicated, Mark. Just make sure this doesn't blow up before I'm back."

As Lucas left the office, his mind churned with strategies for dealing with Renato. But as he stepped into his car, his thoughts shifted to Bella and the life he was trying to build with her....a life worlds apart from the shadows he navigated daily.