Lionel’s POV

“Something is really fishy here,” I snapped, tossing the report onto my desk. “Kate would never get married and settle down. I’m telling you, Ravi, these reports are bullshit.”

According to my PI, Katherine Amelia Xavier married some Italian business tycoon after dating him for six months and was now living somewhere in Italy.

But my gut screamed no. This wasn’t her. Katherine lived for power, control, chaos. She didn’t just step down. She thrived on making people’s lives miserable. Hell, that was her love language.

Still, there was one detail that stuck in my head.

Zane Costello.

I knew that name. I just couldn’t figure out from where.

“Zane Costello is an Italian mafia boss,” Ravi said, crossing his arms. “One of the five supreme mob leaders. I’m betting she married him to become Mafia Queen of Italy. You know how she craved power.”

Ah, there it was. That’s where I’d heard it. And yeah, the press called him ‘the most handsome mob boss’. Handsome, my ass.

“Hey! Are you even listening?” Ravi snapped his fingers in front of my face.

I glared at him coldly.

He gave a sheepish grin, knowing damn well I hated anyone’s hand coming near my face.

“The next time your hand enters my personal space, you’ll be fingerless,” I growled.

Then, like lightning striking my fried brain, an idea hit me.

“Damn, I’m a fucking genius,” I muttered.

Ravi tilted his head, silently waiting.

“If Zane Costello is one of the Five Supremes, then he’s definitely connected to the Capo di Capi. He might be our ticket to the top.”

I grinned like I’d won the lottery.

Ravi, however, wasn’t impressed. “And how exactly are you planning to meet Zane Costello?” he asked, sarcasm dripping. “Y’know, your ex’s current husband?”

My jaw clenched at those words. Kate and Zane had been in a live-in relationship before I ever joined Xavier Corp. The thought of him touching her still made my blood boil. I hated that feeling. I hated that I still felt.

I quickly masked the emotion and leaned back with a smug smirk. “That’s what you’re here for. You’re my PA. Get me the damn appointment.”

Ravi gave me his classic ‘are you fucking serious?’ look.

“Forget it,” he snorted. “I’m not suicidal.”

I slipped on my coldest business face. “Ravi. That was an order. Now move.”

He didn’t budge.

“Oh, you’re serious-serious?” he said, clearly fed up. “What do you want me to do? Walk up to a mafia don and say: ‘Hey Mr. Costello, remember the woman you’re married to? Well, her ex-boyfriend—the guy she dumped on his ass—is dying to meet you so he can ask your boss about a mysterious riddle!’ Are you out of your damn mind?”

I winced as a sharp bolt of pain exploded in my skull.

These headaches were getting worse.

“Just leave out the dumping, and riddle part,” I hissed. “And don’t show me your face again until you have that meeting set.”

Ravi stood still for a beat longer, then walked out, muttering under his breath.

I slumped into my chair, pressing my fingers to my temples. I needed painkillers. Now.

I searched the cabinet for Advil. Nothing. Of course.

I grabbed my keys and drove to the nearest pharmacy, all the while clutching my head. My vision blurred around the edges and every sound felt amplified. Maybe telling Ravi to disappear was a mistake. I could barely function.

I parked outside the pharmacy, stumbling out of the car like I’d taken a bat to the skull. The pain was unbearable. My breath grew shallow.

Another wave hit, stronger.

Black spots danced in front of my eyes.

I fell. Someone caught me. I could feel hands gripping my shoulders, a voice shouting at me to stay awake, to hold on. But my body had other plans.

Just before the darkness swallowed me whole, I saw a face I never thought I’d see again.

Andrew Sanchez.

Kate’s head bodyguard.