“Now listen to me very carefully, baby.
I need you to seduce the Don.” Livy frowned.
“Mother, what are you talking about?
Is this a joke?
Do you understand what you just said?” “I know what I said,” Mara replied calmly.
“No, you just asked me to seduce a murderer.
The same man who is keeping us locked up.” “You married him.
Whether you wanted this marriage or not, you are now connected to the D’Angelo family.” “Mom…” “Antonio has enemies, Livy.
Powerful enemies.
And once that year is over, what happens to you?
You walk away, and you become an easy target.” Livy stared at her.
“That man is powerful enough to protect you for the rest of your life.
You need to make sure he has a reason to keep protecting you.” Livy shook her head.
“Mom, what are you saying?” “Give him a child.” Livy’s mouth fell open.
“A child will tie you to him forever.
You will be the mother of a D’Angelo heir.
His family will never abandon you.” Mara squeezed her hand.
“Don’t think about the one year, baby.
Think about your life after it.” ”Are you insane?” Livy pulled her hand back.
“Did someone put you up to this?” “Just think about it.
That’s all I’m asking.” “No, I won’t think about it.
He murdered someone.
That’s why we are in this situation in the first place.” Mara hesitated for a second, her expression softening.
“Have you ever asked him why?” she asked.
“Why would I need to know why he would murder someone?” “Because you don’t know the whole story.” Livy shook her head.
“I know what I saw.” “Maybe you do,” Mara said quietly.
“But before you decide what kind of man he is, at least ask him why.” “Mom, I can’t believe you’re defending him.” “I’m not defending him.
I’m thinking about you.
Him marrying you had putten you in danger, can’t you see?
At least just think about it.” Livy said nothing.
Then, lowering her voice, she asked, “Did you hear anything from Agent Cross?” Mara shook her head.
“No.
I’m not allowed to make any phone calls.
Even if I were, I wouldn’t know how to reach him anyway.” Livy lowered her eyes.
“I wonder if he’s still looking for me.” “I’m sure he is,” Mara whispered, pulling her into a brief, comforting hug.
They continued talking for a while, catching up on everything they had missed and enjoying the little time they had together.
Hours later, as Livy sat at the backseat being driven away from the diner, her mother’s words came to her.
Why would she suggest something so absurd.
She was never going to do something so dispicable.
Having a child with Antonio just to secure his protection?
Even sleeping with him was definitely out of the question.
Right now, all she wanted was for the Don to let her leave the penthouse.
Maybe she could find a job or at least have something to do.
She was going crazy being locked up all day.
But would Antonio ever allow it?
Meanwhile, across the city, Nathan Cross sat alone at a bar, nursing a drink.
His eyes were fixed on the glass in front of him, but his mind was somewhere else.
He couldn’t stop thinking about Livy.
A man suddenly appeared taking the seat beside him.
“Do you have it?” Cross asked him.
“Are you sure about this Nathan.
This could get you into trouble.” ”Just hand it over,” Cross said coldly .
“I’ll worry about the trouble.” “My money first.” ”You know the drill, I need to confirm if the information is credible.” ”Are you kidding me?
Do you know what I had to do and how much I had to pay to get this?” the man hissed back, leaning in close.
Cross glared at him, saying nothing.
He wasn’t about to hand over cash for a blind promise, especially not when getting Livy back depended on destroying D’Angelo.
After a tense, silent standoff, the man finally let out a defeated sigh.
Then he reached into his jacket and pulled out a small pen drive and placed it on the table.
Cross stared at it for a moment before picking it up.
“Once I confirm what’s on this, you’ll get your money.” The man gave him a warning look, then stood up and left, disappearing quickly into the shadows of the crowded bar.
Cross didn’t waste a second.
He slipped the pen drive into his pocket, paid for his untouched drink, and headed straight out to his car, eager to see what secrets Antonio D’Angelo’s men were trying to bury.
Cross went straight to the FBI office, where Assistant Director Miller was waiting for him.
They made their way to the IT room where a technician sat surrounded by glowing monitors and stacked electronics.
Cross handed him the small pen drive.
“Okay, let’s see what we have here.” The technician plugged it in, his fingers flying across the keyboard before he paused, muttering something under his breath.
He looked up, frowning.
“There’s nothing here.” Cross stepped closer.
“What do you mean, there’s nothing there?” “It’s just gibberish files and a bunch of meal recipes.” “Are you saying he played me?” “It would appear so.” Furious, Cross pulled out his phone and immediately dialed the number.
The line rang twice before a tense voice picked up.
“What game are you playing, you idiot?
Cross snapped.
“You gave me nonsense.” “Look, Nathan,” the man replied defensively on the other end.
“This information could get me killed.
I need the two million you promised.
Money first, then I hand over the real drive.” “Why do you got to do me like that?” Cross said.
“Have I ever not paid you?” “This is two million dollars we’re talking about.
It’s going to help me disappear.
Once I give you the real intel, they’ll know it came from me.” “You know I can’t get you that kind of money unless I verify what you’re selling is credible.” “Then we have no deal, Cross.” The line went dead.