As Lia stepped out of the cafeteria, a tall, eerily pale student approached her. His movements were jittery, his eyes darting around as if he were being watched. He barely met her gaze before blurting out,
"Someone's waiting outside for you."
Then, without another word, he turned on his heel and bolted, vanishing into the sea of students.
Lia frowned.
Her first instinct was to dismiss it as some stupid prank, but something about his urgency unsettled her.
Who would be looking for her?
Rhys? No. If he needed to see her, he would have called.
Ranye? Unlikely. He would have texted first.
Her fingers instinctively brushed over the earrings Rhys had given her during their last, passionate night together. A small smile played on her lips. The memory was still fresh, still warm.
She pulled out her phone and dialled his number.
No service.
That was odd.
Rhys always kept his line open for her, no matter what he was doing. Even if he was in an important meeting, he would put the other person on hold just to answer her call. He was never unreachable.
Her stomach tightened.
She quickly typed out a message:
Hey, so, did you send someone to come pick me up, or did you come yourself?
She hesitated for a second before hitting send.
Maybe it was nothing. Maybe he was just busy.
Still, a strange, unwelcome feeling gnawed at her as she made her way to the front of the school.
The black SUV waiting there was sleek and unfamiliar.
As she approached, the door suddenly swung open, revealing Jasmine.
Her face was ghostly pale, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. Panic shimmered in her wide eyes.
"Something bad has happened," Jasmine whispered. "Have you been able to reach Rhys?"
Lia's heart slammed against her ribs. The fear in Jasmine's voice was real—too real.
"What happened? Where's Rhys?"
She lunged forward, gripping Jasmine's hands. She didn't care about whatever complicated history they had—Jasmine's feelings for Rhys, her own territorial jealousy. None of it mattered.
Right now, something was wrong.
Tears welled up in Jasmine's eyes, spilling over as she choked on her words.
"I've been trying to reach Rhys and Andy all day. They left early this morning to go see Gammy at the hospital. But they never showed up. I called, over and over. Nothing."
Lia's blood ran cold.
Her fingers trembled as she redialled Rhys.
Straight to voicemail.
She tried Andy.
No answer.
Jasmine sniffled, wiping at her nose.
"Gammy's still at the hospital. She's panicking. I tried to calm her down, but nothing's working. The doctor said her stress levels are too high, and it's affecting her health. I didn't know what else to do, so I came to you. Maybe you'd have better luck?"
Lia's mind raced.
"Why would she listen to me? You're closer to her than I am."
Jasmine let out a sharp breath, visibly frustrated.
"That's exactly why she won't. She's used to me—she doesn't take me seriously. But you… you're different. You're Rhys'—"
She hesitated, then continued,
"She trusts you. If you talk to her, she might actually listen."
Lia exhaled, rubbing her temples.
She was worried sick about Rhys, but right now, she had no leads, no direction.
The only thing she could do was try to calm Gammy down.
"Fine," she muttered, tucking her phone into her bag.
She climbed into the SUV, glancing one last time at Jasmine, who was still tear-streaked and visibly shaken.
It was rare seeing her like this.
For once, they were on the same side—both terrified for the same man.
The door shut behind her with a heavy thud.
Before she could even process what was happening, a black hood was yanked over her head.
She barely had time to scream before a sharp sting pricked her neck.
Her body went numb instantly, her vision tilting, darkening.
The last thing she heard before slipping into oblivion was the sound of tires screeching against pavement and the muffled, distant voice of Jasmine speaking.
Then—
nothing.
*******************************************************************
"Donna, Rhys is outside right now," Tim said wearily after bowing.
Donna's brows lifted slightly in surprise, but then a slow, amused smile curved her lips.
"Oh? He's got guts, surely."
With Tim behind her, she wheeled herself into the living room.
There he was, lounging on the arm of the sofa, looking every bit as composed as ever.
The guards held their breath.
The tension in the air was thick enough to slice through.
"Rhys Zirachi, to what do I owe this... stupidity?" Donna's voice dripped with sarcasm, her cold smile unwavering.
Rhys mirrored her expression, though his eyes remained void of humour.
"Oh, you owe plenty for this... stupidity."
Her laughter crackled through the air like dry leaves catching fire.
Just then, the doors swung open, and Fado strode in, a smug grin plastered on his face.
Andy's fists clenched at the sight of him.
"Long time no see, little bro," Fado said with a smirk.
"Oh, hi there, traitor. Hard to see you when your life span keeps getting shorter every day, standing next to a literal life-sucker," Rhys's voice was laced with venom.
Fado chuckled, genuinely amused.
"Wow. Who hurt you?"
Rhys exhaled sharply, unimpressed.
"Do I really need to answer that?"
"Boys, boys, please, let's not wrinkle our pants. Rhys, I assume you didn't come here for a catfight, so state your business."
Donna leaned back, her amusement barely concealed.
Rhys's face darkened.
"Settling old scores."
The words had barely left his mouth before he pulled out his gun.
Instantly, Donna's guards mirrored his movement, aiming their weapons at him.
Donna sighed dramatically.
"Oh, Rhys, how stupid do you have to be to pull this craziness here?"
"Well, you know me. I match crazy with crazy. Speaking of which, don't you have something you want to say to me?"
Donna's smirk faltered for a split second before she regained control.
"I see. So that's what's got your panties in a twist." Her voice turned icier. "Hand over the video recording."
Rhys scoffed.
"You must think your words are magic, that the world bends to your will the moment you speak. Try again—with sincerity this time—and I might actually take you seriously."
That cracked her composure.
Her eyes gleamed with restrained fury.
She flicked her wrist.
Jasmine materialised, dragging an unconscious Lia forward, her fingers twisted cruelly in the girl's hair.
Rhys's entire being stilled, his blood running ice cold before boiling over into a red-hot rage.
His eyes darkened dangerously.
"You thought you could keep her safe from me?" Donna cooed. "Rhys, you of all people should know my temperament. I never hesitate to eliminate nuisances—just like I did with your mother and everyone else who stood against me."
She tilted her head.
"Your grandmother's also waiting. Clock's ticking, Rhys. Bring me the video, and I might consider making your death less gruesome than I originally intended."
Rhys's grip on the gun tightened, his jaw clenching.
Then, suddenly, he smiled—an unnerving, bone-chilling smirk.
He lazily scratched his head with the tip of his gun.
"Donna, you've grown old and lost your touch."
He turned to Andy.
"Did you get all of that?"
Andy grinned, adjusting his glasses.
"Crystal clear, Padrino."
Donna's smile finally vanished.
"Surprised? It's the latest tech in town. Indetectable cameras. Your security checks didn't stand a chance."
Rhys turned back to Andy.
"Make the call. Tell Biyi it's time."
He turned around.
"Oh, by that I meant finish off Viktor's little crew. As I speak with you now, his ass is being dragged back to the Moretti Clan. You know as well as I do that his death is certain."
He chuckled loudly and proudly.
"Shoot them all!" Donna shrieked.
But no one moved.
Surprised, she turned around.
"Tim?"
Rhys clapped mockingly.
"You are really getting old, Donna."
He smirked.
"You bound your guards, framed them or forced them to commit a crime, something you can hold them to should they dream of leaving you. I guess you never thought that loyalty is born from blood and companionship. But here's the thing—you planted a deep spy in my camp, but I did the same. Your most trusted aide. He's been working for me. How easily did you think I convinced these men here to switch sides?"
Tim stepped forward, his expression unreadable.
Donna's voice wavered for the first time.
"Tim, I treated you well, no?"
Tim's lips curled in disdain.
"You never treated anyone well, Donna. The slightest provocation from you means certain humiliation or, worse, death. Eddy was my father. You orchestrated his murder, and he was your nephew. You schemed against your own father and brother and got them killed just to take over the Khaos Family. How much more myself and the other guys? Donna, you are cruel. You scheme against everyone, never trusting anybody and seeing everyone as a pawn on your chessboard."
Donna's face paled slightly.
"Eddy had another son?"
"Yes, Grand-aunt. I found out before I became your aide, but that man was a serial r***ist and a cruel murderer. After he found that my mother didn't get rid of me like he wanted, but had me instead, he killed her. Now, the video evidence of you killing the mayor, Rhys's mother and sister, and countless others has been released. That pristine image you worked so hard to maintain—it's gone."
Donna chuckled in disbelief, but she wouldn't give up.
"Fado, get rid of these fools."
She said as Fado stepped forward, pointing the gun at a nonchalant Rhys, a sickening smile on his face.
But soon, he uncocked the gun and stuffed it back into his pocket as his smile turned generous.
"Sorry, Donna, but taking out the Padrino—the consequences are something I cannot afford to bear on my pretty little shoulder."
He said before sauntering off to stand behind where Rhys sat.
Donna let out an incredulous laugh.
It dawned on her that the people she planted beside Rhys had long since shifted sides.
She looked over at her daughter, who seemed to have a small smile on her face.
"You too?"
She asked.
"Disappointed, Mother?"
Jasmine let go of Lia gently, limping in front of Donna with a cold chuckle.
"Would you look at that?"
Jasmine whispered, a little chuckle escaping her lips, watching as the guards stood farther away from the Donna.
Her voice trembled, but not with fear—with something that had festered for years.
"The Almighty Donna.''
She continued sarcastically
''You know, I looked up to you. You were untouchable. I tried so hard to be just like you, but it was never enough. You used me, discarded me when it was convenient, and shot me when I questioned you. You never valued me. And now?"
She gestured to the guards.
"Not a single one of them is willing to die for, or save you."
Donna's gaze swept the room.
She saw it.
The betrayal.
The shift in power.
"All I wanted was to be free. All I asked was to be free to live my life without being in this life. But you wouldn't let go. You just had to be the boss of everything and everyone. You played God so badly because you thought you were above everyone. You had everything under control. Never did you think that the person who you thought you were playing as a puppet all along was the person who was pulling the strings. He found all the evidence you had against everyone and easily bought their loyalties by destroying them. No matter how dangerous this industry was, he was willing to use his brains to give people what they wanted the most to earn their loyalty—freedom and a little leeway. Something you could never allow. I hope when you get to hell, you will atone for the countless lives you took and maybe—just maybe—get a slice of your humanity."
Donna nodded, defeated, as she looked at the faces surrounding her.
None of them was friendly.
They looked like a pack of hyenas circling their prey.
She recognised this was the end of the road for her.
A clean image was what she fought for. If that was destroyed, there was no reason for her to keep breathing—to watch the whole world humiliate her.
Her mind was too afraid to think about the bashing, cursing, and nastiness that would follow.
She really couldn't handle it.
Before anyone could react, Donna pulled out a gun and shot herself.
The smile never left her face.
Her body slumped over in the wheelchair, the finality of it settling over the room like a heavy fog.
Nobody moved.
They all just stared at her lifeless body, their eyes bearing no emotions whatsoever.
Jasmine whispered,
"Serves you right."
*******************************************************************
Lia woke up with a start, her head pounding like a drum.
Blinking against the dim light, she tried to make sense of her surroundings.
The room was unfamiliar—larger than hers, more lavish.
Panic flared in her chest until she turned and met Rhys's steady gaze.
His eyes, warm and intense, were locked onto hers with a look that made her breath hitch.
She gasped and instinctively yanked the covers up to her nose, scooting back—only to lose her balance and nearly tumble off the bed.
But before she could hit the ground, Rhys lunged forward, catching her with swift precision.
His arms wrapped around her, pulling her against his chest.
"Are you okay?"
His voice was low and urgent, laced with concern.
His hand found her face, gently tilting it up so he could inspect her properly.
"Is your head hurting? Any other pains?"
She blinked, her heart hammering.
The proximity was dizzying.
He smelled intoxicating—clean, masculine, and wholly Rhys.
Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out.
She was too busy marvelling at how utterly breathtaking he looked.
Even in the soft, moody light, he was unreal—sharp jawline, tousled hair, and eyes that burned with something she couldn't quite name.
Realising she was staring, she swallowed hard.
"I—I'm fine."
A slow smile ghosted across his lips.
"You don't look fine. You scared me back there."
Something in his voice made her chest tighten.
She hesitated, then raised her hands, brushing her fingertips against the shell of his ear.
A visible shiver ran through him.
Emboldened, she let her hands slide to the back of his head, threading through his thick, short twists.
He let out a quiet, shaky breath as she pulled him closer.
Then she kissed him.
It was slow at first—testing—but when he responded…
God, when he responded…
It was fire.
He deepened the kiss, his lips moving over hers with aching tenderness, yet barely contained hunger.
His hands tightened around her, fingers pressing into her back, as if he never wanted to let go.
He tasted like warmth, safety, and everything she never knew she needed.
A knock on the door shattered the moment.
Rhys let out a frustrated groan, pressing his forehead against hers before reluctantly pulling away.
"Whoever that is, they'd better have a damn good reason."
Nancy's voice came through the door, all too chipper.
"Rose asked me to bring something up for Lia."
Rhys exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair before standing up and swinging the door open.
Nancy, grinning from ear to ear, handed him a tray of warm pepper soup.
She had since changed her attitude towards Lia, probably thought it for the best after Jasmine moved out.
"She made it herself," she added, eyes twinkling knowingly before sauntering away.
Rhys shut the door and returned to Lia, setting the tray on the bedside table.
"Come on, sit up," he murmured, helping her.
He took the bowl and blew on the soup before lifting a spoon to her lips.
She blinked at him in amusement.
"You're feeding me?"
"Obviously." He smirked. "Now, open up."
She obliged, taking a sip.
The warmth and spiciness spread through her, comforting and familiar.
Then a thought struck her.
"Did you have anything to do with why Rose is suddenly treating me differently?"
Rhys shrugged, licking his lips before offering her another spoonful.
"Maybe."
She narrowed her eyes.
"Rhys."
He grinned.
"I may have told her that you're the only one who can get it up."
She choked on the soup, coughing as she gaped at him.
"Huh?!"
His expression was far too smug.
"Something like that."
Before she could protest, her phone buzzed.
She glanced at the screen—Ranye.
"Oh no," she whispered, putting a finger to her lips, silently begging Rhys to let her handle this.
Too late.
"Lia, I swear to God, you are shortening my lifespan! What the hell? Why was your phone off?"
Ranye's panicked voice shrieked through the speaker.
Rhys, unimpressed, snatched the phone from her.
"My girlfriend and I are in the middle of something, and you're interrupting."
Then, without another word, he hung up and tossed the phone onto the nightstand.
Lia stared at him, stunned for a moment, before bursting into laughter.
The sheer absurdity of this powerful, dangerous man pouting like a child over a phone call was too much.
His expression softened at the sound of her laughter, but before he could say anything, his own phone rang.
He groaned, reaching for it, but Lia beat him to it.
Grinning mischievously, she answered and put it on speaker.
Andy's voice filled the room.
"The NS project has been taken care of. The mayor says he'll sign off on it, but only if you take on the project solely. As for the money, some has been returned to the Romano Syndicate, some to the Khaos family treasury, and now every other family branch is vying for your favour after what happened to Donna."
"Oh, and about Seyi—he's taken over Eddy's branch. Jasmine and Fado are preparing to move away from the country to start a new life. Jasmine said to tell you and Miss Lia she would not apologise, and Tim resigned. He doesn't want anything to do with this life anymore."
Andy cleared his throat.
"That's all for now, Padrino."
Then, without waiting for a reply, he hung up, clearly not wanting to push his luck.
Lia smirked at Rhys.
"That sounded important."
Rhys, unfazed, grabbed the phone from her hand and tossed it onto the floor.
"Not as important as this."
Before she could react, he captured her lips in another kiss, pulling her flush against him as they melted into the bed.
He kissed her like he had all the time in the world.
Like she was the only thing that mattered.
And at that moment—
she was.
"We're not done here," he whispered against her lips.
Rhys silenced her laughter with another kiss, pulling her back into the bed.
Meanwhile, her phone buzzed with an email from Professor Daphne.
'Lia, unfortunately, I have been trying to reach you for a while to discuss the next step. As you have failed Sociology and Criminology, you'd have to resit the exam for this course. If you have any issues or issues, reach out to me at once.'