Chapter 64: Unease

Chapter 64: Unease
Joella

"You sure you want to do this? I already told you when you're ready to come back, the job is yours," Josh replied warmly over the phone.

I’d already sent in my resignation letter. It had been months since I’d physically gone into the office, yet paychecks still arrived regularly. It didn’t sit well with me. I hadn’t earned that money; it was purely goodwill because I knew the owners. Anyone else would’ve been let me go by now.

"Yes, I'm sure. It just seems like a waste of company resources," I said, leaning back against my pillows and switching the call to speakerphone.

"Nonsense," Josh insisted. "In the short time you were here, you made incredible contributions. You caught things that would’ve cost the company billions. Hell, Dad was talking about a big promotion for you when you returned."

I sighed softly. "I don't know, Josh. A lot has happened. My mom is still recovering from her surgery, I'm pregnant, and there's a wedding to plan."

"Take all the time you need," he reassured gently. "We’ll be here when you're ready. The marketing team constantly raves about how helpful you've been over email. Your insights are invaluable, Joella. We really don't want to lose you."

"Okay, well, at least stop paying me. I haven’t even been there long enough to qualify for maternity leave." My eyes shifted to the bedroom door as Haden entered, looking exhausted. The moment his gaze met mine, though, his expression softened, and a faint smile touched his lips. I smiled back instinctively, momentarily distracted by his presence.

"Joella, it’s honestly okay," Josh pressed. "You’re still contributing. I’m more than happy to keep paying you."

Haden settled onto the bed, gently placing a kiss on my stomach before resting his head comfortably in my lap. "Just take the money," he mumbled softly, adjusting his head slightly.

Josh chuckled on the other end. "See, something Haden and I agree on."

Haden rolled his eyes, a playful smirk lingering on his lips.

"Alright," I conceded, smiling down at Haden. "I guess I’ll see you when I see you."

"Congrats again on the engagement," Josh added warmly. "Hope I get an invite to the big day." The call ended with a soft click.

Looking down, I caught Haden already watching me closely.

"No," he said firmly, face serious, causing me to laugh lightly.

"I wasn't even about to say anything."

"Sure," he teased. "You hungry?"

"Very."

Laughing softly, he stood and helped me to my feet, guiding me gently towards the door. "What sounds good?"

"A cheeseburger with fried pickles," I answered immediately.

He chuckled again, interlocking his fingers with mine as we walked. "Cheeseburger it is."

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Luca

"Hey, Grandpa, you wanted to see me?" I asked, closing the study door behind me.

"Yes. Have a seat," he replied, glancing up briefly from the papers scattered across his desk. Tension lined his features.

"Everything okay?" I asked cautiously, studying his face closely.

He sighed heavily, removing his glasses and leaning back into his chair. "All things considered, it could be worse."

I nodded slowly. Discovering who had betrayed us had taken a toll on everyone, especially Grandpa. Many of the traitors were men he'd known for decades. Men Haden and I grew up calling uncle. Knowing they'd willingly harm Ella, understanding the agony that would cause Haden, was a bitter realization. How could we trust anyone if those we considered family could betray us so coldly?

"Yeah, it’s been rough on everyone," I acknowledged. "But I'm guessing you need something specific?"

Grandpa nodded thoughtfully, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the desk as he stroked his beard. "You're going to need to be Capo for the Russos," he said bluntly.

Surprise flickered through me. "Uh, why me?"

"You don't want it?" A shadow of concern crossed his face.

"I'm not saying that. I just assumed you wanted Haden in that position."

"Haden will be Don," Grandpa clarified patiently. "He can't hold both titles."

That made sense, yet more questions bubbled to the surface.

"Go ahead, Luca. Ask your questions," Grandpa encouraged knowingly.

"Why offer the Capo position to Haden if his fate was to become Don?"

"I didn't know initially. I thought Gianna would choose her other son, Rob, as successor."

"Why didn't Rob become Don?"

"Rob enjoys his freedom," Grandpa explained. "He prefers living life without the responsibilities leadership demands. Brad built his own empire and has shown no interest. Haden might not have sought the role, but he didn't refuse it either. Accepting the Capo position here convinced Gianna he was ready."

"Sounds like Haden didn't have much of a choice," I mused aloud.

Grandpa shrugged, leaning back again. "With Haden’s character, he was bound for this life. He’s charismatic enough for boardrooms and ruthless enough for the underworld. He’s uniquely suited to be Don."

"Careful, Grandpa. I might think you have a favorite," I teased.

He burst into laughter, his warm smile contagious. "I love you all equally, Luca. And I trust you. You've done excellent work with Haden, and I know you're more than capable. We'll increase security for Morgan and Logan and announce your position once Gianna makes Haden’s title official."

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Joella

"I'm sorry, did you say two dresses?" I asked, confusion clear in my voice.

"Yes, ma'am," Alicia, the designer's assistant, confirmed with a polite smile. "Mr. Cooper called and requested two dresses, one for the ceremony, one for the reception. He provided details and had his mother send some silhouettes that he prefers. You already approved the first one, now it's just about the details. You have final say on both and can decide their order."

Mom leaned over my shoulder, admiring the sketches Alicia handed over. She chuckled softly. "The boy has great taste. That one’s stunning," she noted, pointing at a mermaid-style gown.

"It really is," I agreed, examining the intricate detailing.

"What embellishments are those?" Mom asked curiously.

"Japanese beads and Swarovski crystals," Alicia explained, offering a completed, more detailed sketch. It featured an elegant train and veil.

"This one can definitely be for the ceremony," I decided, handing the sketches back.

As Alicia moved away, an eerie chill crept down my spine. Instinctively, my gaze snapped to the shop’s entrance. Across the street stood a figure, unmistakably familiar. My heart froze as a smirk spread across his lips.

Maxim.

My pulse quickened painfully as a semi-truck stopped briefly, blocking my view. As it moved again, the spot was empty. Panic surged.

"Joella? Baby, you okay?" Mom asked, gripping my shoulder gently.

"We need to leave," I said urgently, quickly sending an SOS text to Haden.

Within seconds, my phone rang sharply.

"Haden?"

"What's wrong?" Haden demanded, voice tense.

"I think I just saw Maxim," I said breathlessly. Mom’s hand immediately tightened around mine.

"Tony should be outside now," Haden reassured, barely masking his concern.

Tony was already stepping from the SUV, vigilant eyes scanning the street. "Haden called," he said, his gaze hard yet comforting. "Let's go. You know I'll protect you both."

As we walked quickly to the car, the sense of being watched prickled sharply along my spine, a chilling reminder that Maxim’s threat was far from over.