Tanaka Family Pov
Darius, Aiden, and Tyler watched the Moreau family's private jet ascend into the night sky, a collective sigh of relief escaping them. "Good riddance," Darius muttered, glad that their initial concerns had seemingly been unfounded.
Aiden nodded. "At least they didn't cause any trouble while they were here."
Tyler remained silent, his gaze thoughtful. Despite the apparent departure, Darius couldn't shake a nagging feeling of unease. Something about the Moreaus' sudden appearance and departure felt… off.
His suspicions were confirmed moments later when a frantic call came in. "Sir," the voice on the other end crackled, "one of our warehouses… the one for the Crimson Daggers… it's been attacked! Their shipment's gone, and someone's taken over their operations."
Darius's face hardened. "What?!" he roared, his voice booming with fury. "Who the hell would dare attack us? And why wasn't I informed sooner? And where the hell is Hayden?"
Aiden stepped forward, his expression grim. "The maid said Hayden was out on business. He sponsors the Crimson Daggers."
Darius's anger intensified. "Out on business? At a time like this? We're losing valuable product! That gang brought in a significant amount of revenue." He slammed his fist on the table. "Lock down the city! I want answers, and I want them now. I'm calling a meeting with all the other Mafia families in S City. Tonight!"
Meanwhile, in the grand living room, Tina sat on a plush sofa with her daughters, Lori and Kira. Kira was practically vibrating with excitement.
"Mom, I still cant believe it! We met an Alister!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "Nyara Alister! She was our art class teacher. She's so pretty, and her daughter is absolutely adorable!"
Lori rolled her eyes, but Tina's expression softened." Kira honey you told me these already."
"I'm going to try and set her up with Aiden!" Kira chirped, oblivious to the tension in the room. "She'd make the perfect sister-in-law!"
Lori shook her head in exasperation. Tina sighed, a weariness settling over her features. "Kira, it's wonderful that you made a friend, especially someone like Nyara Alister. But it's… selfish of you to try and force her into a relationship with your brother, just to make her your sister-in-law."
"Don't you realize how dangerous our lives are?" Tina continued, her voice firm. "To bring someone who knows nothing about the Mafia, someone innocent, into our family… especially as a romantic partner for Aiden, the heir to the Tanaka family… that's like painting a target on her back. You know the rules. We don't involve innocent people in our personal lives."
Lori nodded in agreement. "Mom's right, Kira. We're friends with Nyara. There's no need to drag her into our family drama. And definitely don't feed Dad's obsession with the Alister's. He's been trying to forge connections with them for years. The last thing we need is for Nyara to think we're just using her."
"I'd like to continue being friends with her," Lori added, "and keep her as far away from our family's Mafia business as possible."
Kira sighed, her initial enthusiasm dampened. "You're right," she conceded. "I got carried away. I guess I'm just a huge fan of the Alisters because I only ever see them on TV and social media."
Far away, in a secluded mansion, Hayden paced impatiently. He was waiting for his men to deliver Nyara and Iyla. Finally, he thought, a cruel satisfaction twisting his features. She'll be mine. She'll do anything I say, especially after I threatened her with her daughter.
His anticipation was cut short by a call. It was from his father. "Everyone must be present," Darius barked. "There's an emergency meeting."
Hayden slammed his fist on his desk, his face contorted with rage. "Damn it!" he cursed. He had to go. But he consoled himself with the thought that Nyara would be waiting for him when he returned.