Two days had passed…
Rowan, Amara, Kyle, Harvey, and Lucas made their way to the private clubhouse.
The air was thick with unspoken fears, especially for Amara, whose heart hadn’t stopped racing since Vaughn had been taken.
She walked beside Rowan, who gripped her hand tightly in his, in order to reassure her that he would bring her son back.
The group entered the club, their shoes clicking against the polished marble floor, the atmosphere cold and foreboding.
They made their way to the top floor where the private rooms were, and as they approached the door, two guards blocked their way.
Their sharp eyes surveyed the group, pausing on Amara and Rowan before one of them spoke, his voice flat and impersonal. “State your purpose.”
Rowan’s eyes glinted coldly as he locked his gaze on the guard. His voice was devoid of warmth, but his authority was unquestionable. “Move.”
Kyle, standing just behind Rowan, wiped his brow discreetly. His nerves were frayed, but he knew better than to show it.
Stepping forward, he addressed the guards with a sharp tone, “Tell them inside, Rowan Falcone is here.”
The guards stiffened visibly at the name, exchanging quick, uneasy glances.
Rowan Falcone was not a man anyone wanted to cross, especially not in this territory.
After a moment of hesitation, one of the guards gave a brief nod and slipped inside the room.
The rest of the group waited in tense silence, Amara’s pulse quickening as her mind churned with thoughts of Vaughn. Rowan’s grip on her hand never faltered, a quiet reassurance amidst the storm.
Moments later, the guard returned, his face more composed but still cautious. He gestured for them to enter. “You may go in, sir.”
Rowan, Amara, Harvey, and Kyle stepped inside the room, their movements slow and deliberate.
The interior was lavish.
At the center, seated on a grand chair, was Bianca Gallo.
Bianca looked so beautiful, with dusky blonde hair that cascaded down her shoulders, and sharp grey eyes that gleamed with intelligence..
Her lean, pale frame was draped in an emerald green dress that hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her cold allure.
Her presence was magnetic, but her siren eyes gave her unapproachable look..
Beside her stood a woman, slightly older than Bianca, with wheatish brown skin and an orange dress that made her appear both bold and foreign in this setting.
She exuded a quiet confidence, her gaze fixed and assessing.
And standing a few feet away was Dante, the man who had shadowed Rowan in Venice. His demeanor was less composed than Bianca’s, his eyes were nervous as Rowan entered.
Amara barely registered Bianca’s beauty, her mind too consumed by the situation.
She wasn’t here to admire anyone…
She was here to demand answers.
Her gaze flicked to Rowan, who looked equally disinterested in the woman’s appearance.
His icy eyes were focused on one thing.. getting Vaughn released..
He still hadn’t let go of Amara’s hand as they moved to take their seats. Harvey and Kyle settled into the chairs beside them..
Bianca’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she observed the newcomers, a cold smile playing on her lips. “Why do you want to meet me, Mr. Falcone?”
Her tone was mocking, as if she already knew the answer but found it entertaining to watch them squirm.
Rowan’s expression didn’t change as he answered dryly, “Oh, I thought you already knew why I’m here today.”
A smirk curled at the corner of Bianca’s mouth, her amusement growing. “Are we playing a guessing game?” she asked, her voice laced with mockery.
Before Rowan could respond, Amara spoke up, her voice was filled desperation. “I’m here to ask about my son’s whereabouts.”
Bianca turned her cold and calculating gaze toward Amara, her eyes were fierce as she assessed Amara. “Your son?” She tilted her head, feigning ignorance. “What do I have to do with your son?”
Rowan’s gaze remained fixed on Bianca, his tone darkening. “Miss Gallo, I am here to ask about the whereabouts of my son, whom you ordered to be kidnapped four days ago.”
Amara’s heart skipped a beat as Rowan said the words ‘my son.’
For a moment, it felt like Rowan had already found the truth.. that Vaughn was his biological son. But she pushed the thought aside, focusing on the present danger.
Bianca’s eyes narrowed slightly, but her smirk didn’t fade. “Do you have any proof that I did it?”
Rowan’s stare hardened. He didn’t need proof.. his instincts told him everything he needed to know. But proof was what the world demanded.
Amara’s heart raced in her chest. They had no proof.. no such solid evidence that Bianca was behind Vaughn’s abduction.
The silence that followed Bianca’s question seemed to stretch for an eternity, the room’s atmosphere thickening with tension.
Bianca’s smirk widened. “Well, if you don’t have any proof, why are you wasting my time?”
Rowan stood slowly, his movements deliberate and controlled, but the dangerous energy rolling off him was palpable.
His voice was low, each word dripping with menace. “Listen here, I might not have proof right now… but you’re standing in my territory. If I find out you had anything to do with this, you’ll be dead before you can even beg for an explanation. And don’t forget, this isn’t Italy, Miss Gallo. You don’t make the rules here.. I do. So watch yourself, and send my son back.”
For the first time, a flicker of fear passed through Bianca’s eyes. She quickly masked it, her expression returning to its composed, icy demeanor, but the threat had shaken her.
The sheer dominance in Rowan’s voice left no room for doubt.. he wasn’t bluffing..
Amara watched the exchange silently, her heart pounding as she clutched Rowan’s hand.
Bianca finally spoke, her voice measured but tense. “I have nothing to do with your son’s kidnapping.”
Amara narrowed her eyes at the woman. “I hope that’s the truth. Because if it’s not, Rowan won’t be the only one you’ll have to deal with.”
Bianca’s lips pressed into a thin line as she regarded Amara, but she didn’t respond.
Rowan’s cold gaze slid over to Dante, who had been silently watching the interaction. Dante’s eyes dropped to the floor, avoiding Rowan’s stare.
The silent threat was clear. If Dante had any involvement in this, he wouldn’t survive what came next.
Without another word, Rowan stood, pulling Amara up with him, his grip on her hand firm as they exited the room.
Harvey and Kyle followed close behind, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger.
Once outside, Rowan didn’t waste any time. They reached his car, and as they settled into the back seat, Rowan turned to Kyle, who was already in the driver’s seat.
“Send some men to watch over both Bianca Gallo and Dante,” Rowan ordered, his voice as cold as ever.
Kyle nodded, immediately pulling out his phone to make the call. Rowan leaned back in the seat, his gaze distant as he stared out of the window.
His mind was already racing ahead, plotting his next move.
Rowan glanced at Amara, “Trust me okay..”