Chapter 88 Disdain

Chapter 88 Disdain
Anna's POV

Xavier looked at me. "For now, nothing."

I blinked. "Nothing?"

"I need to find Lucas before they do."

My stomach twisted. "Please don't tell me you're going there."

His silence was answer enough.

"Oh my God."

"I have to."

"No, you don't."

"Yes, I do."

"Xavier—"

"Anna." His tone immediately shut me up. "I have to."

I looked away. Every instinct told me this was a bad idea.

Nothing about that sounded smart. "What if it's a trap?"

Xavier smiled. The expression somehow made me even more nervous. "Then Zack finally learned something from me."

I groaned. "I'm serious."

"So am I." He finished his drink and set the glass down. "I'm only telling you because people will notice when I leave."

My chest tightened. "What do you mean?"

"The moment they realize I'm gone, they'll look for someone to take charge."

My stomach sank. "No."

His eyes met mine. "You represent me."

I nearly choked. "What?"

"You heard me." A few people nearby glanced in our direction.

I lowered my voice. "No, Xavier. Absolutely not."

"You'll figure it out."

I grabbed his arm. "Xavier." For a second, neither of us spoke. Then I said quietly, "I can't do this."

His expression softened slightly. "Yes, you can."

"I'll mess it up."

"You won't."

I stared at him. He actually believed that.

Somehow, for reasons I couldn't understand, he genuinely believed I could handle it. "Xavier—"

But he was already stepping away. Moving toward the exit.

My heart sank. "Xavier!"

He didn't stop, didn't turn around, didn't even slow down. A few seconds later, he disappeared into the crowd.

Leaving me standing there alone.

Suddenly responsible for an entire room full of criminals.

I stared after him. Then muttered under my breath, "Shit."

And silently prayed the party continued exactly the way it had before.

One of Xavier's men approached me. He bowed slightly before saying, "It's tradition for the head of the house to address the guests during a banquet. Xavier left orders that you would be the one doing it tonight."

My stomach immediately tightened. I took a deep breath and asked, "When?"

"Not now, ma'am. Soon enough."

I nodded. "Alright, let me know when it's time."

"I will." He turned and walked away.

The moment he was gone, Serena returned carrying a glass of wine. "Where's Xavier?" she asked.

I sighed. "He went after Lucas. Apparently, he's somewhere in Zack's territory."

Serena's eyebrows rose. "Ooh. That sounds bloody."

"I hope it's bloody enough that Zack shows up and Xavier kills him."

Serena laughed lightly. "Or maybe it's a trap."

I frowned. "Why would you say that?"

"Lucas could actually be working with Zack."

I immediately shook my head. "No. That's not possible."

"Why not?"

"Because Lucas might be many things, but he would never sell Xavier out to Zack."

Serena tilted her head. "For you, maybe."

I swallowed. "No. If Lucas was willing to do that, he would've done it already. Instead of kidnapping me, he would've simply handed Xavier over."

Serena thought about it for a moment before nodding. "Fair point."

Then she glanced toward the exit. "I'll be leaving soon."

"No." The word left my mouth before I could stop it.

She raised an eyebrow. "No?"

I sighed. "I could use your presence when I address the people in this hall."

"I'm not helping you talk to a room full of criminals."

I laughed nervously. "I don't need you to help me. I just need you to be here."

She studied my face. "Seeing me would be motivating?"

I nodded. "A little."

A smile appeared on her lips. "Alright. I can do that."

Relief washed through me. A few minutes later, I spotted the same man who had spoken to me earlier.

He stood across the room. Our eyes met. Then he gave me a small nod.

My heart nearly stopped. It was time. I looked at Serena. "It's time."

The music volume began dropping almost immediately. People slowly stopped talking.

Someone climbed onto the makeshift podium in the center of the hall and tapped a spoon against a glass.

The ringing sound echoed through the room. "Attention everyone."

Conversations died down. The crowd slowly gathered around.

I felt my palms becoming sweaty. "I don't know what to say," I whispered.

Serena smirked. "Tell them what they want to hear."

"I don't know what they want to hear."

"Crime lords like hearing about successful crimes. Blood spilled over money. Victory, power, greed."

I stared at her. "I don't think I've ever given that kind of speech before."

She laughed. "There's a first time for everything." Then she grabbed my arm and gently pulled me forward.

My legs suddenly felt heavier. The closer I got to the podium, the more aware I became of the people surrounding me.

Murderers, traffickers, cartel leaders and mercenaries. People whose names inspired fear.

And somehow I was expected to stand in front of them and speak.

I climbed onto the podium. Immediately, I felt the hostility. It wasn't subtle. Some didn't even bother hiding it. Their faces said everything.

"Who does she think she is?"

"Why is she here?"

One man shouted it openly. "Where's Xavier?"

Several others nodded. "He's the Don."

"Not her."

"Why are we listening to her?"

The words stung more than I wanted to admit. For a moment, I felt small. Completely inadequate. Like a child pretending to belong in a room full of giants.

I could feel dozens of eyes judging me. Measuring me. Waiting for me to fail.

I almost stepped back. Then I remembered Xavier. The way he had left me in charge.

The way he trusted me enough to stand here.

I took a deep breath. Then another. Slowly, I let it out.

And when I finally spoke, my voice came out stronger than I expected. "I can see the disappointment on your faces." The room became quieter. "You feel Xavier should be standing here."

A few people nodded. "And I agree one hundred percent." That earned a few surprised looks. "He's the Don. I'm well aware of that."

The room remained silent. "But I am the Don's wife." I paused. "And nobody here has that privilege."

The effect was immediate. The hall went completely quiet.

Even Serena raised an eyebrow.