Chapter 43

Seraphina

Thursday, Afternoon

The clock ticked closer to Friday. The parties were only hours away, and everything needed to go according to plan. I sat at the small café on campus, pretending to sip on my coffee as I looked over my phone. My mind was elsewhere, reviewing the logistics for the weekend.

I had already coordinated with my contacts, the ones who weren’t directly involved in the Big 5 but had their own networks, their own connections. I trusted them to cover the ground I couldn’t be everywhere at once. As much as the three mafia heirs had eyes on me, I had eyes on everything. This wasn’t just about the abductions; it was about taking back control. My control.

I leaned over my phone, typing out quick messages and updates. I was using the next few hours wisely—setting up contingencies, ensuring everyone knew exactly what to do if things went sideways. I couldn’t afford any surprises. Not now, not with Genovese’s reach everywhere.

The first party would be at Sigma Phi, an old favorite. The second, at a private mansion near campus, was going to be much more subdued, a gathering for only a select few. The third one was a trap, an extravagant celebration designed to keep the students distracted while the real moves were made. I knew that. Genovese’s people would be there. I’d be watching them too.

A message pinged. Damon.

Damon: “What’s going on, Seri? I’m getting a weird vibe from you today. Where are you?”

I sighed, setting my phone down. Of course, he was still keeping tabs. He didn’t know how close he was, and that was part of the problem. He’d already managed to poke through the cracks, but I couldn’t let him—any of them—find out too much too soon.

Me: “Just finishing up some assignments. It’s a busy day. I’ll be on campus later. Why?”

It wasn’t a lie. I did have assignments, but that wasn’t where my focus was today.

I quickly typed out a message to my contact. Men were already moving into position for Friday’s events. They had orders to stay close to the exits, to blend in with the crowd, and to follow anyone who seemed to be in danger—especially the girls. I couldn’t let anyone get snatched without a fight.

The door to the café creaked open, and I looked up to see Tyrone walking in. He didn’t spot me immediately, his sharp eyes scanning the room for something—or someone. My breath caught in my throat.

I quickly turned back to my phone, pretending I didn’t notice him, but I knew better than to think he hadn’t already figured out where I was. His gaze lingered on the room before landing on me.

He made his way over, that confident stride of his unmistakable, as if he owned every inch of space he walked through.

“Seraphina,” he said, his voice as smooth as ever.

I gave him a brief, teasing smile. “Tyrone. You’re looking particularly tense today.”

He took a seat opposite me without waiting for an invitation, his eyes narrowing slightly as he surveyed the table. "What's on your mind?" he asked. There was a quiet authority in his tone, the same tone that sent a shiver down my spine.

I glanced up from my phone, meeting his gaze. "Just business. I’ve got a lot to manage for Friday. It’s going to be a busy weekend."

He didn’t respond immediately, just leaned back in his chair, watching me. I felt the weight of his gaze, like he was measuring my every word, every movement.

“I noticed something odd about you today,” Tyrone said, his voice dropping lower. “You've been acting different, more... secretive.” He looked at me, studying my face, as if searching for something I wasn’t ready to reveal.

I forced myself to relax, leaning back in my chair. “You’re imagining things. Nothing has changed.”

“Are you sure?” His eyes softened, but I could tell he was pressing. “Seri, I’m looking out for you. You’re... important to me. And if something’s going on, I need to know.”

I held his gaze, unsure how to answer. He wasn’t just playing his usual game. There was a real concern in his eyes, something I didn’t want to face. But I wasn’t going to let him get too close to the truth.

“I’m fine,” I said, my voice firm. “I just have a lot to take care of. I’ll be fine.”

He nodded slowly, but I could see the tension in his posture. He wasn’t convinced. “If you say so,” he said, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty. “Just... don’t do anything reckless this weekend. Promise me.”

I could feel the weight of his words, like a warning. But it wasn’t just about the weekend—it was about something deeper. He wasn’t asking out of simple concern. He was asking because he knew, or at least suspected, something was going to happen that would change everything. Something was coming, and he wanted to be prepared.

“I promise,” I said, the words sounding hollow even to me. I didn’t know what was going to happen. I only knew that I had no choice but to make my move.

Tyrone stood up, his gaze lingering on me for a moment longer. “I’ll be watching. All of you.” His words were quiet, but the implication was clear.

I watched as he left the café, my heart racing. I had to stick to the plan. No matter what.

Once he was out of sight, I sent another quick message to my men.

Me: “The parties are in motion. Stick to the plan. Be ready for anything. Watch the exits and stay alert. If any girl is taken, follow them. Do not lose them.”

I set my phone down, taking a deep breath. I was walking a dangerous line, but I couldn’t turn back now. This was bigger than the men, bigger than the families, and bigger than the game I’d been forced into. It was about reclaiming control, about finally being free from the chains that had held me captive for so long.