Chapter 94 All In Favour
Anna's POV
The capos exchanged thoughtful looks.
One of them finally nodded. "It's a brilliant idea. I support this."
Another rubbed his chin. "But luring Zack out won't be easy."
I rested my elbows lightly on the table. "Then we give him something else he can't resist."
Their attention shifted back to me. "If Lucas alone isn't enough to lure him out..." I paused. "...then use me."
The room immediately erupted into murmurs.
One of the older capos shook his head. "And risk Xavier's wrath if something goes wrong?"
He scoffed. "That's not a good idea."
I shrugged. "It's not like Xavier hasn't used me as bait before."
Lilly immediately cut in. "That was before you became his wife."
She looked directly at me. "Things are different now." She shook her head. "I don't support the idea."
"It's far too risky."
"I think we should stick with using Lucas."
"If that doesn't work, we'll find another way."
Several capos nodded in agreement. "I agree."
"So do I."
"It's the safer option."
I knew I wouldn't convince them. At least not today.
Instead, my eyes drifted toward Ghost. He hadn't spoken since giving his report. "You've been awfully quiet."
He looked surprised that I'd addressed him directly. "What's your opinion?"
Ghost cleared his throat. "I honestly don't think Zack would fall for it."
"Why?"
"Because Zack doesn't need to risk himself." He folded his tattooed arms. "He has men."
"He can send them."
He looked around the table before continuing. "Yesterday, Xavier personally entered Zack's territory because the matter involved Lucas."
"If Lucas wasn't involved..."
"I'm certain the Don would've sent soldiers instead."
He met my eyes. "I think Zack would do the same. It's the most logical move for him."
I nodded slowly. "Well spoken. Thank you for that."
A faint smile crossed my lips. "But I still think it's worth trying, better than doing nothing."
The capos looked at one another.
Finally the oldest among them nodded. "It costs us little to test the theory."
Another agreed. "We'll put preparations in motion."
"We'll report back once we have something solid."
I smiled. "Good. Thank you very much for your absolute support."
I looked around the table one last time. "Is there anything else that requires discussion? Now is the best time to say it, before I call it a day."
Silence. Nobody spoke, nobody raised another concern.
I nodded once. "In the absence of any further matters..." I started. "This meeting is dismissed."
Everyone rose to their feet. One after another, the capos filed out of the conference room.
Within moments, only Lilly and I remained. The heavy doors closed behind the last man.
I leaned back in Xavier's chair and released a long breath. "That went surprisingly well. I expected it to be more difficult than that."
Lilly laughed softly. "Better than well." She smiled. "You somehow convinced Xavier's capos that you're worth following. I would say Xavier was right to put you in charge."
"Hmm, well I think they support me for now. That doesn't mean I'm not a suspect in their eyes."
I stood from the chair. "Although, their confidence in me is the least of my worries. I have something else I'm worried about."
Lilly frowned. "What's bothering you?"
I began walking slowly around the room. "Xavier believes Zack has spies among his capos."
"I think he might be right. I can feel it very strongly in my gut."
Lilly considered that. "If that's true, then I don't see how today's plan succeeds. It would be a waste of time."
She folded her arms. "The spy is simply going to tells Zack we're setting a trap."
"Exactly." I smiled.
"And that's what I'm counting on."
She blinked. "I don't understand."
I sighed. "Well, all I need is confirmation that a spy exists. So If Zack somehow avoids our trap... I'll know for sure that information was leaked."
Lilly stared at me. "So...This isn't really about catching Zack?"
Yes, it's about the capos." I smiled again. "It's about flushing out the bad eggs."
Understanding slowly spread across her face.
She stood from her chair. "Let's assume Zack receives the information. How do we identify which capo leaked it?"
I walked toward the conference room door. "It's very simple." I glanced over my shoulder. "We give every capo different information."
Her eyebrows lifted. "Different information?"
I nodded. "When Zack reacts... We'll know exactly which version reached him. And we'll know exactly who leaked it."
Lilly stared at me with open admiration. She let out a quiet whistle. "That's... actually brilliant."
She hesitated before asking another question. "Have you done something like this before?"
My heart skipped. For a fraction of a second, I almost froze.
Questions like that were dangerous. Very dangerous.
I forced a small shrug. "Not really." The lie came out smoothly. "I've just read enough detective novels."
Lilly laughed. "I should start reading those too."
Together we left the basement.
The mansion felt much brighter than the underground meeting room.
Sunlight poured through the tall windows. Servants hurried about their duties.
Everything appeared normal.
As we entered the main hall, I immediately spotted someone waiting near the staircase.
Serena. She was dressed elegantly, as though she'd been there for quite some time.
The moment our eyes met, she smiled.
I turned toward Lilly. "Thank you. I'll take it from here."
Lilly bowed respectfully. "If you need anything, Mrs. Anna, I'll be in my office."
"I know." She walked away.
Only after she disappeared down the corridor did Serena approach me.
She folded her arms with a teasing smile. "Nice to see you sitting in the Don's chair."
I chuckled. "It's not nearly as interesting as it looks."
I studied her expression. "I know that look."
She tilted her head innocently. "What look?"
"You're not here to congratulate me. You came because something happened."
Her smile widened. "You really are learning."
I crossed my arms. "So..."
"What is it?"
Serena leaned closer, lowering her voice until only I could hear. "I found Lucas."
My heart stopped for a beat.