I paced the length of the room, trying to make sense of my uncle’s offer. My heart raced with every step. He wanted me to inherit the empire? The criminal underworld my father had built was far more extensive than I’d ever imagined, reaching deeper into politics, law enforcement, and industries I never thought possible.
I stopped at the window, staring out at the dark horizon. Control. Power. Freedom. It was all within my grasp-if I agreed to his terms.
But cutting ties with Ethan and Xavier meant walking away from everything, and the thought of it left a hollow ache in my chest.
The burner phone buzzed again, pulling me from my thoughts. My uncle’s voice filled the room the moment I answered.
“I hope you’ve thought about my offer, Alyssa. Time is running out.”
“Why now? Why me?” I demanded. “You disappeared for months. Why not take over yourself?”
He gave a low chuckle. “Because, dear niece, this empire belongs to you. Your father made sure of that. It’s your birthright. And besides, I prefer the shadows. You… you were born to rule.”
I gritted my teeth. Born to rule? It sounded like a sick joke. I’d been nothing but a pawn in other people’s games-Xavier’s, Ethan’s, and now my uncle’s.
“And what happens if I refuse?” I asked, my voice sharp.
His silence was heavy, like the calm before a storm. “You won’t refuse. You’re too smart for that.”
“What’s the catch?” I crossed my arms, trying to steel myself. There was always a catch.
“It’s simple, really.” His voice dripped with calculated calm. “Walk away from Ethan and Xavier. Cut all ties. Focus solely on the family. They’ll only drag you down.”
The choice was brutal. Ethan, who’d warned me about everyone, even Isabella-and who still held pieces of my heart despite everything.
Xavier, dangerous and possessive, but with a power that pulled me in more than I cared to admit.
“What if I say yes, but keep them close?” I asked, knowing the answer even as the words left my mouth.
“You can’t have both, Alyssa.” My uncle’s voice was stern. “This isn’t a game. It’s survival. You cut them out, or you die with them.”
I sank into the chair, pressing my fingers to my temple. The weight of the decision was suffocating. No matter what I chose, someone would get hurt.
“You don’t have much time, Alyssa.” His voice was like a ticking clock in my mind. “The empire is waiting. Don’t make me regret this.”
I ended the call, my hands shaking. Was this really the legacy my father wanted for me? Or was this just another trap, set by a man who’d always been more serpent than uncle?
The door creaked open behind me. I stiffened, expecting Xavier-but it was Isabella. She slipped inside like a ghost, her dark eyes unreadable.
“What did your uncle say?” she asked softly, leaning against the wall.
“He wants me to take over the empire.” I exhaled, feeling the enormity of the words.
Isabella’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “Of course, he does. You were always meant to wear the crown.”
“Why does everyone act like this was my destiny?” I snapped, the frustration bubbling to the surface. “I never asked for any of this!”
Isabella shrugged. “Power isn’t something you ask for. It’s something you take. Or it takes you.”
I stared at her, unsure whether she was warning me or manipulating me. Maybe both. Trusting her was a gamble-but so was trusting anyone at this point.
“If I say no, what happens?” I whispered.
Her gaze darkened. “If you say no, your uncle won’t let you walk away. He’ll kill you-and everyone you care about.”
The thought of Xavier’s cold smile sent a shiver down my spine. He’d already warned me that no one leaves him. And Ethan… God only knew what Ethan would do if he found out I was even considering this offer.
I rubbed my temples, exhaustion pressing down on me like a heavy weight. I was running out of time.
“One more thing,” Isabella said, her tone unreadable. “Ethan’s getting out.”
I froze. “What? How?”
“Mysterious circumstances,” she said, her smile thin. “Someone pulled some serious strings to make it happen.”
My heart pounded in my chest. Ethan was supposed to be locked away, out of reach. Now he was coming back-just as everything was about to explode.
“Who’s behind it? Xavier?”
Isabella shook her head. “It wasn’t Xavier. If I had to guess… your uncle.”
I sank deeper into the chair, the walls closing in around me. This wasn’t a coincidence. My uncle had orchestrated this-he wanted Ethan out for a reason.
“Why would my uncle do that?” I whispered, more to myself than to Isabella.
She gave a small shrug. “Maybe he wants to force your hand. With Ethan free, you’ll have to choose. There’s no middle ground anymore, Alyssa.”
The air felt heavy, suffocating. Every option led to betrayal, danger, or death. If I took over the empire, I’d lose Ethan and Xavier-and maybe even myself. If I ran, I’d be hunted by all of them.
And if I stayed… well, I didn’t trust Xavier not to break me.
The burner phone buzzed again, and my heart leapt into my throat. A new message from Ethan. I opened it, my pulse racing.
“I’m coming for you. Don’t let them take everything from us.”
I stared at the words, my hands trembling. Ethan was coming-and when he did, the final pieces of this dangerous game would fall into place.
I was standing on the edge of a knife, and the next step could change everything-or destroy me completely.