The Mafia Boss’s Brutal Question Humiliated Her Before Twelve Executives, Then Her Unexpected Answer Unlocked a Dangerous Obsession That Changed Both Their Lives Forever

Ronan stood up from the sofa smoothly, his entire aura transforming back into the cold, lethal mob commander in less than a second. The tender warmth that had filled his eyes moments ago vanished completely, replaced by a dark, terrifying obsidian glare.

"How many men did Dmitri send?" Ronan demanded, walking over to his desk and pulling a dark leather holster from a hidden bottom drawer.

"Over thirty armed mercenaries," Hendricks reported, his voice cracking with panicked desperation. "They’ve barricaded the main terminal at Pier 42 and are demanding you hand over the Queens real estate titles by midnight, or they execute the hostages."

I stood up from the couch, my heart pounding against my ribs as I watched Ronan check the magazine of his weapon with practiced speed.

"You can't go there alone, Ronan," I pleaded, stepping in front of his path toward the private elevator. "It’s an ambush! They know you'll come for your men!"

Ronan paused, reaching out to gently cup the back of my neck with his hand, pulling my forehead against his chest for a brief second.

"I built this empire on loyalty, Lena," Ronan murmured into my hair, his deep voice steady and unwavering. "If I abandon my men to save myself, I am no better than the trash trying to take my city."

"Then take me with you," I declared firmly, looking up into his dark eyes without a single tear in my gaze.

Hendricks gasped in shock. "Are you out of your mind, girl? This is an active war zone!"

"I know the financial manifests for the Brooklyn port better than anyone in this building," I insisted, grabbing my tablet from the table. "I know every entry access point, every hidden utility corridor, and every automated security override in that terminal."

Ronan stared at me for three agonizing seconds, searching my face for any sign of hesitation or fear, but finding only unyielding resolve.