Chapter 2 - The Shadow of the Syndicate
Tyler jumped in violent surprise, his finger snapping back from Clara’s face as if he had been burned. He whipped his head around, his face flushed with arrogant anger, ready to scream at whatever stranger had dared to intervene in his private dinner.
"Mind your business, pal!" Tyler barked, shoving his chair back as he stood up to his full height. "She’s with me! We're having a private conversation!"
But as Tyler’s eyes adjusted to the looming figure above him, his voice died in his throat.
Matteo Romano did not move. He stood like an immovable mountain of power, flanked by two towering bodyguards who stepped out from the ambient shadows of the restaurant. The dark tattoos rising from Matteo's collar signaled absolute authority in the underground world—a man whose name made governors, judges, and billionaires tremble.
Matteo slowly leaned down until his mouth was inches from Tyler’s ear. The lethal intensity in his eyes made the room’s temperature drop to sub-zero.
"She asked for help," Matteo whispered, his voice dropping into dangerous, terrifying authority. "That makes it my business."
Tyler’s face drained of color in an instant. A cold, prickling sweat broke out along his spine. He looked from Matteo to the two armed enforcers standing behind him, realizing he was utterly outmatched and completely cornered.
"Fine..." Tyler stammered, his arrogant bravado evaporating into pathetic panic. "Fine... we’re leaving."
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Tyler reached out to grab Clara’s wrist, attempting to drag her away from the table before the scene escalated further.
👉 Click to continue reading and see how Matteo stops Tyler from touching Clara.
