XXXI

I can't bring myself to understand Marco, he does more foolish things than me. One minute, he hates me, and the next, he protects me. But why?

I wish I knew what he really thinks of me. Whether his hatred for me overpowers the love he once felt.

Mom relied on me to keep the ball amiable, and I feel like I have let her down in a way.

I know I wont be pissed at Marco forever, I cant be. Especially considering the fact that the fight wasn't all his fault, but I think I need some time away from him.

He will thank me for it later.

It's been several minutes since Marco walked out, leaving me alone in this boundless hall. To be totally honest, I was nervous to face Mom at first. But then I thought hard and realised that in a few days nobody will actually care about a silly little fight that broke out.

So I put my mask back on and make my way back into the hall.

I strut through the ballroom, feeling the eyes of the crowd on me. I can feel the energy of the room, the admiration of the people around me. I'm in control, and I'm feeling sexy and powerful - even after what just happened.

I glance around and quickly realise Marco is nowhere to be seen, as well as his sister.

I slowly walk over to my mom, feeling a mix of anticipation and dread. This is the moment I have been worrying about, but I know I have to face it. I take a deep breath and say, "Mom, I swear that wasn't meant to happen." I pause for a moment, gathering my courage. "Now I don't apologise much, but I am sorry."

She looks at me for a long moment, the original disappointment visualised on her face disappearing.

"We have bigger things to worry about." She explains, pulling her phone from her pocket and holding it in my face. I look at it and then at her, trying to make sense of the situation.

"What am I looking at?" I question, looking at her phone and the image plastered on it. The picture was that of a man, sat on a chair facing away from the camera.

"That man is the same man Marco got into a fight with earlier tonight - he also just happens to work for Martínez."

Shit.

My eyes widen and I snatch the phone from her.

"Where is he? When and where was this photo taken? How do you know he is working for Luca? Why was he at the ba-"

She cuts me off. "Milana. Stop with the swarm of questions. I understand you are Don and have the right to all of this information, but we have to act fast."

"Just tell me what is going on!" I yell.

She retrieves her phone from my hand and zooms in on the picture. I lean in for a closer look.

"He is currently being held in the dungeons and being carefully observed. The security is tight and he has no chances of escaping. It took a while, a lot of violence, and a few threats, but he finally spilled that Luca sent him here." She explains.

I suspiciously nod and carefully process all of the information, taking notes in my head. Luca wants to play with me? I'll fucking play.

He sent him here, but why? Why did he come on to me at the bar?

"Do you know why he was sent here?" I ask.

She immediately takes a deep breath and nods, watching as my brows furrow.

"He was armed, Lana. He was sent here to kill you."

Now, if any other person heard those words, they would automatically freak out. But the amount of people that want me dead is actually insane, so nothing surprises me anymore.

"Okay, well maybe Luca isn't as smart as he thinks he is. Not even bothering with backup or taking any caution whatsoever." I blurt out, glancing between each of my family members, who now surround me.

I turn around to realise that I raised my voice so much, people have been to gather around us with curious expressions on their faces. I spin around to them and lower my mask. "This doesn't concern any of you, so fuck off." I snap.

Mom shakes her head and sighs in response.

It takes a moment, but eventually they make their way back to the dance floor.

"He doesn't care about his men, he cares about taking over the city." Francesca says, pulling her mask away from her eyes.

I nod, alongside Mom who is barely paying attention, as she is typing away on her phone.

"Do we make a move?" James asks, finally speaking up. I pause for a moment.

"No." I eventually say.

He cocks an eyebrow.

"Are you sure that's the best idea?" He questions.

"Making a move now would be stupid. We have to let him think his plan worked. Let him think that I'm dead."

Their uncertain expressions don't falter.

"But if we are doing this, everyone has to believe it. We can't have word around that I'm still alive." I explain.

"Not even-"

I cut Francesca off as I clear my throat.

"I mean it, Fran. Everybody has to think I'm dead. That way, Luca won't expect it when we eventually attack." I say. She opens her mouth to speak but instantly backs down and nods. "That could actually work." Mom adds.

And she was right, if this plan goes smoothly, it will work. Luca will be unprepared when we attack, making it a whole of a lot easier to take him down.

And we will take him down. No matter how far we have to go. This is it now, no more messing around, we are going for all or nothing.

Time is all we need now.

There is one problem though. Everyone will think i'm dead aside from family. That even includes Tanya, Amelia and... Marco.

I don't know how he will take that.

But I can't let it bother me. After all, he has tried to kill me numerous times.

"Should we put the plan in action at the end of the night? That way nobody will be suspicious." James suggests. The rest of us collectively nod before parting ways. I catch sight of my Mom walking onto the dance floor before I disappear back to the bar.

***

*A few hours later*

The night is almost over, and after a few dances, a little conflict, and a shit ton of alcohol, I have managed to get through it.

Marco still hasn't showed, nor his sister, and the rest of his family have disappeared one by one. Me and James have been texting back and fourth, going over the plan. He is definitely more sceptical than I am, but I think this plan could potentially work with the right resources.

The plan follows me being snatched in the night after the ball, held at gunpoint, and shot on sight.

Sounds silly but it's the best we've got.

The plan isn't what matters though. All that matters is how and if we pull this off. There can be no loose ends so we must be prepared for any sudden questions.

Luca will have questions too. Hopefully, he will assume his plan worked if I turn up 'dead', but we need to give him some kind of proof.

I have leant to expect anything. People can surprise you at any given point in life, turning on you in more ways than one. A murder comes with questions, alongside expected proof.

Proof is what we need. It will take a lot for people to really believe this.

Mom approaches me.

"You ready?" She asks, smiling ever so slightly. I finish my drink in one last gulp and stand up from the stool. "Yes." I reply. She turns her head to the main entrance, which is now surrounded by people pouring out of the ballroom. She glances at me once more for some reassurance and I nod.

Well here goes my social life. I can't even speak to Tanya for at least a week, it's not safe and I refuse to let this plan fall apart.

I have to put the Mafia first.

And we are going to take Luca Martínez down.

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