A deal with the devil.

                                    

                                          
Author's POV
In the heart of the city, towering above the streets in his opulent skyscraper, Devillian sat at the head of a polished mahogany table, his cold gaze sweeping over the men seated around him. The room exuded luxury-crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the sprawling city below. But beneath the surface of wealth and elegance, a darker current ran through the air.
The men across from him were some of the most powerful figures in the underground world, and while their tailored suits and polished shoes spoke of business, the tension in the room was undeniable. They weren't here for legitimate deals-they were here for something far more insidious.
Devillian leaned back in his chair, one hand casually swirling a glass of whiskey while the other rested on the table. His expression was unreadable, his aura commanding the room in a way that made everyone present feel on edge. He had a reputation-cold, ruthless, and calculating-and they knew better than to let their guard down around him.
"So," Devillian began, his voice low and smooth, carrying the weight of authority, "you're ready to move forward with our arrangement?"
One of the men, a burly figure with tattoos snaking up his neck, nodded, though his voice carried a hint of hesitation. "Yes, Mr. Giordano. We've got everything in place. The money will be laundered through the real estate investments and funneled into legitimate business ventures. No one will be able to trace it back."
Devillian's lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. "Good. That's exactly what I expect." His eyes flickered toward another man at the table, one of the financiers. "And the offshore accounts?"
The man shifted nervously, clearing his throat before speaking. "Already set up. The funds will flow seamlessly between accounts, with no paper trail. On the surface, everything will look clean."
Devillian nodded, seemingly pleased, though his satisfaction was always laced with a sense of danger. "Perfect." He leaned forward, setting his glass down with a quiet clink against the table. "Gentlemen, you know how this works. I keep you protected. Your businesses thrive. But remember-if anything goes wrong, if anyone draws unwanted attention, you'll answer to me."
His tone was calm, almost casual, but the underlying threat was unmistakable. The room fell into an uneasy silence as the men exchanged glances. They knew Devillian's reach was long, his wrath unforgiving.
Devillian, sensing their fear, leaned back again, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of his chair. "I don't like messes. Keep everything clean, and we'll all come out on top."
The deal was set. His black money, generated from countless illicit activities, would be washed clean through a series of intricate schemes. Real estate investments, shell companies, and offshore accounts-all carefully crafted to make millions look as pristine as freshly laundered linen. Devillian had done it a hundred times before, and each time, it had been flawless.
The men nodded in agreement, rising from their seats one by one. "Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Giordano," one of them said with a nervous smile, extending a hand.
Devillian took it, his grip firm but brief. "Likewise. Don't disappoint me."
As they left, Devillian remained seated, his mind already moving beyond the deal. The money was important, of course, but there were other things occupying his thoughts. Namely, the girl who had entered his world so unexpectedly-Siana. She was connected to this life now, whether she knew it or not. And Devillian wasn't one to leave loose ends.
With the deal done and the money flowing, his next move was already in motion.
.........................................................
Siana paced back and forth in her room, her excitement palpable as she held the phone to her ear. Her voice was filled with enthusiasm, a huge smile lighting up her face as she spoke to her father.