Chapter 113: Swapping Heaven and Earth

Morning sunlight slipped through the gaps in the floor-to-ceiling windows and fell across the bedroom.

Leo opened his eyes. Chloe was still asleep beside him.

Last night had been intense, and now the usually poised and elegant Rosenberg family heiress lay curled up against him like a satisfied little cat.

Her golden hair spread messily across her skin, and a faint flush still lingered on her delicate cheeks.

Leo gently pulled his arm free and started to get up.

Chloe let out a lazy murmur and instinctively tightened her slender arms around his waist.

"Don't go... stay a little longer..."

Her voice was husky from sleep, her eyes still closed.

Leo smiled and leaned down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. "I need to get ready to leave."

The word "leave" snapped her wide awake.

She opened her bright blue eyes and grabbed his hand tightly. "You... you're leaving today?"

"Yes."

Leo nodded. "The sooner I leave, the sooner I'm back."

Chloe bit her lip, her eyes going a little red. "I... okay..."

She held back her feelings and sat up in bed.

The sheets slipped down, revealing skin covered in kiss marks.

She didn't bother feeling embarrassed. She padded barefoot across the carpet to the walk-in closet and pulled out a tailored black suit.

"Come here."

She walked over to Leo, her voice soft. "Let me help you get dressed."

Leo stood by the window and let Chloe dress him.

Her slender fingers fastened each button on his shirt, slow and careful.

Then came the tie, the vest, the jacket...

Chloe worked through every detail with quiet focus, as if she wanted to burn this moment into her memory forever.

"There."

She stepped back and looked at him.

The black tailored suit fit perfectly around Leo's strong frame, bringing out that natural air of power he always carried.

"You look great."

Her eyes were full of longing, and full of reluctance too. "Leo... please come back safe..."

"I promised you I would."

Leo reached out and pulled her close. "When I get back, I'm marrying you."

"Okay..."

Chloe held on tight, and the tears she'd been holding back finally fell.

One hour later.

The Rosenberg Mansion. The main study.

Leo sat in a leather chair. Across from him stood the butler and several key members of the family.

"While I'm gone, raise the estate's security to the highest level."

Leo's voice was low and steady. "Chloe and Lily's safety comes first. Above everything else."

"Yes, Mr. Ashford."

The butler replied respectfully. "I've already arranged round-the-clock personal bodyguards. Shadow team snipers have also been positioned around the perimeter of the estate."

Leo nodded. "As for the Rosenberg family's business interests in New York — wrap up what needs to be wrapped up, let go of what needs to go. Don't get into any conflicts with other families."

"Understood."

"And one more thing..."

Leo paused, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "If anyone dares to move against the Rosenberg family while I'm away..."

"Kill them on sight."

"Yes, sir!"

The butler snapped to attention, a slight tremor running through him.

With everything settled, Leo stood and threw on his black trench coat.

"Olivia."

"Here!"

Olivia stepped out from the shadows.

"Get ready to move."

"Yes, sir!"

......

Two hours later.

New York Harbor.

"Boss, the decoy is in the air."

Olivia held the car door open for Leo and lowered her voice. "The Pentagon received our false intel. A C-17 military transport disguised as your personal aircraft took off from Andrews Air Force Base ten minutes ago, headed straight for Europe. Every man on that plane is one of ours — people we trust with our lives."

"Good."

Leo settled into the back seat, a cold smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "Those Jewish rats in Washington are probably glued to their radar screens right now, waiting for a fireworks show over the Atlantic. Let them wait."

Everyone assumed Leo would fly to Europe on a military high-speed transport.

But those high-and-mighty power brokers would never understand — the Reaper didn't come from their world. He didn't play by their rules.

The Maybach didn't head toward any airport. It rolled quietly through Brooklyn and pulled into a heavily secured private deep-water port.

A large luxury cruise ship sat docked at the pier.

It was an Italian vessel — the Mediterranean Star — running regular routes between New York and Italy.

Leo strolled up the boarding ramp, hands in his trench coat pockets, a cigar between his teeth.

Olivia, Ivy, and Serafina followed close behind.

Three stunning women walking in his wake drew stares from everyone on the dock.

"Who is that guy?"

"No idea, but he's got a serious presence..."

"Three gorgeous women with him, too. Some people have all the luck..."

Amid the whispers, Leo and his group boarded the ship.

On the deck, a middle-aged man in a white captain's uniform stood waiting.

He was tall, deeply tanned, with a jagged scar running across his face.

When he saw Leo, his eyes lit up and he walked over quickly.

"Leo!"

He threw open his arms and pulled him into a bear hug. "Damn, you actually came!"

"When have I ever broken a promise?"

Leo clapped him on the shoulder, a smile tugging at his lips. "Marco. How have you been?"

Marco Monroe.

Former Italian Navy special forces. Retired and became a merchant ship captain.

Five years ago, his ship was attacked by pirates in the Caribbean.

Leo happened to be running a nearby operation at the time. He brought the Shadow team in and got there just in time, saving everyone on board.

Marco owed Leo his life.

After that, the tough Italian never forgot it. The two became as close as brothers.

"Good, thanks to you."

Marco laughed openly, then glanced at the three women behind Leo with a knowing look. "I have to say, Leo — you are one lucky man."

"Cut it out."

Leo flicked ash from his cigar. "Did you take care of the Pentagon side of things?"

"All handled."

Marco gave a thumbs-up. "I had someone tamper with the military's system. Pentagon records now show you boarded a military transport bound for Ramstein Air Base in Germany."

"Perfect."

Leo gave a satisfied nod. "Show me around the ship."

"With pleasure!"

Marco rubbed his hands together eagerly. "Come on, let me show you my pride and joy!"

The Mediterranean Star was a massive luxury cruise ship — over a hundred thousand tons.

She had everything on board: a casino, a theater, a pool, a gym. You name it.

Marco led Leo and the others on a tour of the ship.

"She carries three thousand passengers and has fifteen hundred cabins."

Marco said proudly. "New York to the port of Genoa, Italy — takes about seven days."

"Not bad."

Leo scanned his surroundings. "Where are our rooms?"

"Follow me."

Marco took them up to the very top deck.

This was the most exclusive section of the entire ship, home to just three presidential suites.

Marco pushed open the middle door. "After I got your message, I cleared the entire top deck — what we call the Imperial Deck. Best views on the ship, most private too. Private pool, gym, and wine cellar included. No one sets foot up here without your say-so."

Leo walked in.

The suite was over two hundred square meters of pure luxury.

Living room, bedroom, study, gym — and even a private pool.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the Atlantic stretched out as far as the eye could see.

"Satisfied?"

Marco asked with a grin.

"It'll do."

Leo nodded. "Olivia, sweep the room."

"Yes, sir!"

Olivia pulled out professional counter-surveillance equipment and began checking every corner of the suite.

Ten minutes later.

"All clear, boss."

Olivia reported.

"Good."

Leo turned back to Marco. "For the next seven days, we'll be training here. I don't want any interruptions."

"Don't worry."

Marco patted his chest. "This deck is locked down. Nobody gets up here but you."

"Good."

Leo reached inside his coat and pulled out a black briefcase, tossing it to Marco. "That's your deposit."

Marco opened it — and his eyes went wide.

It was packed with cash. American dollars, wall to wall.

"Leo, this is... this is way too much..."

"Keep it."

Leo said simply. "You did me a big favor."

"Leo!"

Marco's eyes welled up. He grabbed Leo's shoulder with both hands. "Anything you need, ever — just say the word!"

"I'll hold you to that."

Leo let a small smile cross his face.