Cross stared at his phone as the dead dial tone hummed in his ear.
“Did he hang up?” Miller asked, turning away from the glowing monitors.
Cross shoved the phone back into his pocket, his jaw tight.
“He wants the full two million upfront before he hands over the real drive.
Claims the risk is too high.” Miller crossed his arms, frowning at the screens glowing in front of them.
“And we have no way of knowing if he’s actually bluffing or if he’s just protecting himself.” “I guess not,” Cross said.
”So how do we get him to hand it over without handing him the money blind?” Miller asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Bureau policy won’t sign off on a two-million-dollar wire transfer for a ghost drive.” Cross’s eyes narrowed as he thought through his next move.
Back in the penthouse…
Livy opened the bedroom door and walked in.
She sat on the bed, took off her shoes, and lay down to rest.
After sleeping for what seemed like hours, Livy woke up around a quarter past seven in the evening with an empty stomach.
As soon as she got up, she noticed a nicely wrapped gift box sitting right on the bed.
“Where did this come from?” She studied the box carefully, then untied the ribbon.
When she lifted the lid, her eyes widened.
Inside was a breathtaking gown with a daring slit running high along the thigh.
Running a hand over the expensive fabric, she let out a whistle.
“Wow.
This probably cost a fortune.” She picked up the small card resting on top of the dress and read the short message: Wear this.
I’m taking you out tonight.
-A Livy stared at the note.
As much as she wanted to tell him to go to hell, she had to consider that he had kept his word about taking care of her mother.
She let out a long sigh, setting the note down on the mattress.
Frustrating as it was to admit, she didn’t have much of a choice, not when her mother’s safety was in Antonio’s hands.
Without wasting any more time, Livy picked up the gown and headed for the bathroom to get ready.
Thirty minutes later, dressed in the daring gown with its high slit and low neckline, she stepped out into the hallway.
Marco blinked, his eyes widening.
“Words fail me, Livy.” “Always so…
flattering,” she replied with a smirk, adjusting the gown’s fit.
Marco handed her a fancy mask.
“Don Antonio is waiting downstairs for you,” he said, gesturing toward the hallway.
Taking a deep breath, she slipped the mask on and followed Marco.
Antonio’s Rolls-Royce was parked outside.
Marco opened the door, Antonio was seated making a call.
She hadn’t seen him for four days.
She had to admit, he still looked effortlessly breathtaking.
He was talking in a low tone.
He didn’t notice her when she entered and the driver moved.
Her eyes moved to his lips.
She found herself wondering what it would feel like to kiss him.
She was suddenly very thirsty.
Damn Livy, get a grip, she scolded herself.
It was her mother’s fault for putting such nasty thoughts in her mind.
Antonio’s voice broke the silence, pulling her back to reality.
”You look beautiful,” he said, his gaze fixed on her.
Panic fluttered in her chest.
Had he noticed her staring at him?
She quickly looked away, fighting to keep her expression cool.
”Thank you,” she murmured, hesitating for a moment before adding quietly, “And…
thank you for letting me see my mother.” Antonio watched her for a moment.
“You’re welcome.” After a few minutes of heavy silence, the Rolls-Royce slowed to a gentle halt.
Marco hurried around to open the door on Livy’s side, extending a hand to help her step out.
As she emerged into the cool night air, she looked up and caught her breath.
They were parked in front of an exclusive, high-security private club, its entrance illuminated by soft amber lights and guarded by men in sharp suits.
Antonio stepped out from the opposite side, walking smoothly to her and offering his arm.
She noticed he didn’t wear any mask.
Without a word, Livy hesitantly slid her hand into the crook of his elbow, and together, they walked toward the glowing entrance.
Together, they walked inside.
The ballroom was magnificent.
Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, music filled the air, and masked guests moved across the polished floor in elegant gowns and tailored suits.
Ramus Albrecht’s grand party celebrating the launch of his new company had been the talk of the town for weeks.
The moment Livy entered, a few heads turned, as people took in her appearance.
The daring combination of the low neckline and the high slit commanded attention, making her stand out among the more traditional, sweeping ballgowns around them.
Antonio didn’t seem to mind the extra attention at all.
”Stay close,” he murmured quietly, his gaze sweeping over the sea of masked faces.
Just then a man in a velvet tuxedo and a gold-trimmed domino mask stepped into their path.
He placed a friendly hand on Antonio’s shoulder.
“Antonio,” he said.
“I didn’t think you’d make it tonight.
And who is this stunning companion of yours?” “Meet my date for the night, Eliza.” Livy’s eyes widened in surprise.
Antonio simply shrugged, completely unfazed.
”This is Ramus, the host,” Antonio added calmly.
Ramus was the heir to the Albrecht Group and a young billionaire known for his involvement in several businesses.
There were also persistent rumors that he was involved in drug trafficking and secretly ran a small mafia group.
Those rumors were, in fact, true.
His smile grew wider beneath his gold-trimmed mask.
He looked at Livy, his eyes moving over her with deep interest.
”A pleasure to meet you, Eliza,” he said smoothly.
“Antonio has good taste after all.” Someone called his name from across the room.
“Excuse me.” He gave them a polite nod before walking away.
Livy immediately turned to Antonio.
“Eliza?”