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“Aria.”

“I found something,” I say, my voice steady.Straight to the point. No hesitation.

His attention sharpens instantly. The phone is forgotten as he leans forward, eyes locked onto mine

“What did you find?”

I sit across from him, my heartbeat hammering against my ribs. The folder replays in my mind like a film reel—over and over again.

“Nicolas is planning to take over the entire terrain.” The words feel heavy leaving my mouth, but I push through. “He’s mapped out every step. Where his men will be stationed. Which families he’ll target first. He’s already set things in motion.”

Marco leans back, studying me. His expression unreadable. He doesn’t look convinced.

“Show me.”

My fingers tighten around my phone. For a second—just a second—I hesitate. I don’t knowwhy. Maybe because once I show him, there’s no going back. Maybe because a part of me already knows what this means for Nicolas.

“Aria?” Marco’s voice cuts through my thoughts.

I take a slow, steady breath. Then, finally, I hand him the phone.

He takes it, but his gaze lingers on me. His brows pull together slightly.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

Marco nods, but his eyes linger on me for a second longer before turning his attention to my phone.

I watch.

His eyes widen as he takes in the information. Then—slowly—asmilespreads across his face. And after few more seconds, he starts laughing.Full-blown cackling.He even holds his stomach, like this is the funniest damn thing he’s ever seen.

The reaction unsettles me. Idon’tlaugh. I just watch silently as unease coils my stomach. By the time he finally stops, my hands are trembling, and I’m more confused than I’ve ever been.

“What? Is something wrong with the information?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “Not at all, dear sister.” His grin is sharp. Cruel. “I’m just imagining the look on Nicolas’ face when I bring his empire down and make him kneel before me.”

A sick feeling twists in my chest.

That’s not a good image in my head, so I shake it off.

“How did you get this?”

I swallow. “I found it in his office.”

Marco raises a brow. “He just kept this lying around?”

I nod. And he laughsagain. The soundgratesagainst my skin.

“Oh my.” His smirk deepens. “That man is even dumber than I thought.”

He’s not dumb, I almost say. But I bite my tongue. I’mthisclose.So close I can almost taste it.I just need tohold my tongue.

He leans forward, grinning at me like I’m his most prized possession. “This is good work, Aria. Really good work.”

I swallow hard. “Now that you have what you need, when can I come home?”