Chapter 5: Caught in the Crossfire

Devon slowly lowered his fork as the tension inside the private dining room changed instantly.

Luca Romano remained standing beside the door, his normally composed expression unusually grim.

"Boss," he repeated. "The convoy from Italy was ambushed thirty minutes ago."

"Casualties?" Marco asked calmly.

"Four men injured. One critically."

"The cargo?"

"Gone."

"And the message?"

Luca hesitated before answering.

"They specifically mentioned Devon Hamilton."

Devon's eyes widened.

"Me?"

"That doesn't make any sense," he said, looking between the two men.

"I've never met any of your enemies."

Marco remained silent for several seconds.

Then he slowly stood from his chair.

"Neither have I," Devon continued. "I don't even know what's happening."

"That's exactly why this concerns me," Marco replied.

"Someone is trying to send me a message."

"Using you."

"But why?"

"Because they believe you matter."

"I don't."

Marco looked directly into Devon's eyes.

"You do now."

Those words made Devon's heartbeat quicken.

Luca placed a folded piece of paper on the dining table.

"This was left at the scene."

Marco unfolded it carefully.

Only one sentence had been written in black ink.

"Stay away from the Hamilton heir... or the next shipment won't be the only thing you lose."

Marco folded the note again.

"Interesting."

"You know who sent it?" Devon asked.

"Not yet."

"But I intend to find out."

"This has to be some mistake."

"I wish it were."

Marco turned toward Luca.

"Increase security around the warehouse."

"Double the men guarding the docks."

"And find out who leaked today's route."

"Already working on it, Boss."

Marco nodded once before dismissing him.

The door closed, leaving Devon and Marco alone again.

"You should leave," Devon said quietly.

"If I'm putting your business at risk..."

"You're not."

"Then why would someone use my name?"

"Because they know curiosity is dangerous."

"They want me distracted."

"Instead... they've made me interested."

Devon rubbed both hands across his face.

"I came here expecting lunch."

"Now people are attacking shipments because of me."

"Welcome to my world."

Marco sat back down as though nothing unusual had happened.

"Eat."

"I don't think I can."

"You'll need your strength."

"For what?"

"Whatever comes next."

Devon stared at him.

"How can you stay so calm?"

"Because panic has never solved a single problem."

"Preparation has."

For the first time since meeting Marco, Devon noticed something unexpected.

Behind the confidence...

Behind the power...

There was discipline.

Every word Marco spoke was measured.

Every decision was calculated.

Nothing about him felt reckless.

It was completely different from the violent mafia boss Devon had imagined.

"You're not what I expected," Devon admitted.

"Most people say that."

"Should I be disappointed?"

Marco smiled faintly.

"That depends on your expectations."

Their conversation was interrupted by Devon's ringing phone.

Benjamin Hamilton.

Devon sighed.

"You should answer," Marco suggested.

"It'll only become worse if I don't."

Devon reluctantly accepted the call.

"Where are you?" Benjamin demanded immediately.

"Having lunch."

"With Marco De Luca?"

"Yes."

"Leave immediately."

"No."

"Devon! Do you have any idea who you're sitting with?"

"I'm starting to."

"That man destroys people."

Marco calmly continued eating while listening to every word.

"Father," Devon said firmly, "I'm capable of making my own decisions."

"Clearly not."

"If you don't leave right now, don't bother returning to Hamilton Group tomorrow."

Devon remained silent.

"Did you hear me?"

"I did."

"Then answer."

"I quit."

Silence.

Complete silence.

Even Marco looked up from his wine glass.

"What did you just say?" Benjamin whispered.

"I said I quit."

"I'm done letting you control every part of my life."

"Devon, don't be ridiculous."

"Goodbye, Father."

He ended the call before Benjamin could respond.

His hands were shaking.

"Congratulations," Marco said calmly.

"On what?"

"Your first real decision."

"I'm terrified."

"That's normal."

"I don't even know what I'm doing anymore."

"Neither does your father."

"That's why he's afraid."

Devon laughed nervously.

"You really think so?"

"Powerful men fear losing control more than losing money."

"Today... your father lost control."

Those words lingered in Devon's mind.

Maybe Marco was right.

For the first time, Benjamin Hamilton couldn't dictate what happened next.

As lunch came to an end, Marco stood.

"Come with me."

"Where?"

"Somewhere safe."

"Safe from what?"

"From whoever attacked my shipment."

"You honestly think I'm in danger?"

"I don't take chances."

Before Devon could answer, loud screeching tires echoed outside the restaurant.

Marco instantly became alert.

His expression hardened.

"Stay behind me."

"What's happening?"

"Trouble."

One of Marco's bodyguards burst through the dining room doors.

"Boss!"

"Several armed men just surrounded the building!"

"They're demanding that Devon Hamilton be handed over..."

"Or they'll start shooting."