Chapter 61 Chapter 61
Hailey’s POV
Isabella’s cold eyes swept between my mother and me, her expression one of utter disdain.
“I want neither of you around,” she said bluntly. “You’re both a distraction. You’re making Damien soft, preventing him from dealing with the real threats properly. And worse, you’re the reason the Morellis think they have leverage over the Crimson Syndicate.”
My mother’s face hardened, and I saw her spine straighten with indignation.
“The Morellis have been on your ass since long before we showed up,” Barbara fired back. “This rivalry has been going on for decades. Our presence here doesn’t change shit about that.”
“How dare you….” Isabella started.
But she was cut off by the sound of voices approaching from down the hallway.
Damien’s deep voice mixed with Lorenzo’s and another man. They were talking in low, urgent tones, their footsteps growing closer.
My mother shot me a quick look, then quickly excused herself. “I need to go to my room,” she said, heading for the hallway before they could round the corner.
Isabella’s entire demeanor changed in an instant. Her hand flew to her forehead, and she swayed slightly, as if suddenly dizzy.
“Oh,” she murmured, stumbling slightly.
I stared at her, recognizing the performance for what it was.
Damien appeared in the doorway with Lorenzo and a man, and immediately noticed his mother’s distress.
“Mother?” he said, moving to her side. “What’s wrong?”
“Just a bit dizzy,” Isabella said weakly, though I could see the calculation in her eyes. “It came on so suddenly.”
“Nina!” Damien called out. “Nina, I need you here.”
The household manager appeared almost immediately.
“Please take my mother to her room and make sure she has everything she needs,” Damien ordered. “Call the doctor if the dizziness doesn’t pass.”
“Of course, Mr. Alejandro,” Nina said, gently taking Isabella’s arm.
I watched as Isabella allowed herself to be led away, shooting me one last cold glance over her shoulder that made it clear her “dizziness” was entirely fabricated to avoid the awkward confrontation with Damien.
As they disappeared down the hallway, Damien turned to Lorenzo and the man
“Let’s continue this in the sitting room,” he said.
They headed in that direction, and I hesitated for just a moment before following at a distance, trying to look casual and innocent.
They settled into the sitting room, and I positioned myself just outside the doorway, close enough to hear but out of direct sight.
“The operation was a complete success,” Lorenzo was saying. “We hit them hard and fast. They never saw it coming.”
“Casualties on our side?” Damien asked.
“Minimal,” Lorenzo replied. “Two injured, none seriously. But their side…” He paused. “Let’s just say they won’t be using that warehouse anymore.”
“The property downtown on the east border?” The second man asked.
“Yes,” Damien confirmed. “That warehouse was one of their major distribution points for moving product through the city. Taking it out sends a clear message.”
“We also left our mark,” Lorenzo added. “Ammunition crates with the Crimson Syndicate symbol. They’ll know exactly who hit them.”
My heart was pounding as I listened, the reality of what they were discussing settling over me like ice water.
Damien had just ordered an attack on a Morelli property. People had been injured, maybe killed.
“Turn on the news,” Damien ordered.
I heard someone moving, then the sound of a television clicking on.
A reporter’s voice filled the room, professional and urgent.
“We’re coming to you live from the east border district, where a massive fire is currently engulfing what appears to be a commercial warehouse. Fire crews are on scene, but the blaze is so intense that officials say it may be hours before it’s fully contained.”
I carefully peeked around the corner and saw the three men watching the screen, which showed flames shooting high into the night sky, black smoke billowing upward.
“Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire,” the reporter continued. “While officials have not confirmed anything yet, sources tell us that evidence at the scene suggests this may have been an intentional act of arson.”
Damien’s phone rang, and he pulled it out, glancing at the screen.
“Kai,” he said, answering. “Report.”
I could hear the faint sound of Kai’s voice through the phone but couldn’t make out the words.
“Good,” Damien said. “Make sure everyone’s accounted for and get them back to base. We’ll regroup in the morning.”
He hung up and turned back to Lorenzo.
“The job’s done,” he said simply.
I couldn’t help it, a small gasp escaped my lips before I could stop it.
Immediately, all three men turned toward the doorway where I was standing.
I stepped into view, trying to look calm despite the fact that my heart was racing.
“Hailey,” Damien said, his expression unreadable. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Just a moment,” I lied. “I was looking for you. I need to talk to you about something.”
Lorenzo and the man exchanged glances, clearly uncomfortable with my presence.
“Gentlemen,” Damien said, not taking his eyes off me. “We’ll continue this discussion later. Thank you for your work tonight.”
They both nodded and left, Lorenzo giving me a long look as he passed.
Once we were alone, Damien turned to face me fully.
“What did you hear?” he asked quietly.
“Nothing. I’m here to talk with you for something else.”
“What’s that?”
“I need a tutor,” I said, changing the subject abruptly. “For my classes. I’ve missed too much, and I can’t afford to fail out completely.”
Damien’s expression shifted to something like confusion. “A tutor?”
“Yes,” I continued. “Benita and I met someone today while we were shopping. He offered to help us catch up on what we’ve missed.”
Damien went very still, his eyes narrowing slightly.