He shrugged, a faint smile on his lips. “Enough to make sure I feel at home wherever I am.”
She mumbled, “Must be nice to have a mansion in every city.” Beneath her comment, a fleeting thought crossed her mind—what would life really be like as Leo Salvator’s fiancée, fully part of his world? She quickly shook off the thought, embarrassed at her own whimsy.
Leo raised an eyebrow. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”
“Nothing!” she said quickly, cheeks warming. “Just… admiring the décor.”
He chuckled, clearly amused. “You’re a terrible liar.”
That evening, they worked side-by-side in the mansion’s study, going over blueprints and discussing project details. Mina stayed focused, trying to absorb everything and prove herself capable.
Midway through their work, Marco knocked on the door, stepping in with a grave expression.
“We’ve tracked down Ryan, the investor who pulled out and stirred up the protests,” Marco announced.
Leo’s gaze sharpened. “Perfect. Time to remind him who he’s dealing with.”
Intrigued, Mina watched as Leo stood to leave. She followed him out, only a step behind.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
He turned, his eyebrow arched. “You’re not coming with me, Mina.”
“Why not? I can help,” she protested, assuming he meant to negotiate with Ryan. “We can handle this professionally, right?”
A mischievous smile tugged at his lips. “Professional? Let’s just say I plan on doing more than just talking.”
Mina gulped, but a spark of defiance flared. “Well, I’m coming anyway.”
Leo paused, his gaze softening slightly as he looked at her. “No. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the mansion. Tomorrow, we’ll meet with the project team.”
Later, Leo walked her to her room. He paused at the door, his expression thoughtful.
“Tomorrow’s another big day,” he said gently. “Get some rest.”
“Goodnight, Leo,” she whispered, her heart fluttering as he gave her a parting smile and turned to leave.
Once he was gone, Mina felt a thrill at the thought of exploring. She wandered the halls, marveling at the mansion’s elegance, until she finally stepped onto the rooftop terrace. The view of Paris took her breath away—the Eiffel Tower stood illuminated against the night sky, casting a warm glow over the city.
Overcome with awe, she pulled out her phone to capture the scene and immediately messaged her best friend, Ji-eun, sharing the surreal moment. 
*
The night was dark and thrumming with bass as Leo, Marco, and a few of their men moved quietly through the crowded nightclub. Leo kept to the shadows, steering clear of attention—a method that always served him well in delicate matters. Tonight’s target, Ryan, sat in the VIP section, reveling in his self-assured victory with several young women draped around him, raising his glass as he boasted about his soon-to-come wealth. His voice was loud, his words soaked in arrogance, and he remained blissfully unaware of Leo’s approach.
With a subtle nod from Leo, Marco moved forward, clearing away the women with a dismissive wave, giving Ryan no choice but to face him. The self-satisfied expression on Ryan’s face faded into one of apprehension as he registered Leo’s presence. His face paled as he saw Leo sit across from him. Marco slipped in beside Ryan, draping his arm around Ryan’s shoulders as if they were old friends. However, the cold barrel of Marco’s pistol pressed into Ryan’s ribs made it clear there was no camaraderie here.
Leo leaned forward, his voice a low, dangerous murmur. “Shall we take this outside?”
Ryan gulped, his confidence crumbling as he nodded, trembling. Leo rose, gesturing for him to follow. Marco kept close, ensuring Ryan wouldn’t try anything reckless. They made their way to the parking lot, where the thrum of the club was muffled, leaving them enveloped in an unnerving quiet.
The instant they reached a secluded corner, Marco punched Ryan hard in the stomach. Ryan doubled over with a choked gasp, clutching his stomach. He lifted his head, eyes wide and pleading as he stammered out an apology.
“Leo, I—I can explain.”
Leo’s eyes narrowed, his expression betraying only cold disinterest. “Explain why you went behind my back?” His voice was soft, but there was an edge to it, one that made Ryan’s mouth go dry.
A flicker of defiance sparked in Ryan’s gaze as he straightened, letting out a bitter laugh. “You’re not the only one who knows how to make an offer, Salvator. Someone’s paying big money to make sure your project fails. More than you ever paid me,” he sneered.
Leo’s jaw tightened, his fists clenched. “Who?” he demanded, his voice as frigid as steel.
But Ryan’s smirk widened, fueled by spite. “Even if you kill me, it won’t change anything,” he said, his tone mocking. “There are people out there who want you to fail, Leo. This is bigger than you.”
Leo’s gaze darkened, but his expression remained composed. He pulled out his phone and, with a single button press, held it out for Ryan. From the speaker came a chilling sound—a woman’s desperate sob, followed by the whimpering cry of a child. “Daddy, help!”
The color drained from Ryan’s face as he recognized the voices of his wife and daughter. He stumbled back, his bravado gone, replaced with pure terror. “No… Please, don’t hurt them. They have nothing to do with this,” he begged, his voice thick with desperation.
Leo’s lips curved into a cold, thin smile. “I don’t hurt the innocent unless I’m given a reason. But remember, Ryan, everyone is collateral when it comes to betrayal.” He paused, letting the threat sink in. Then, a gunshot cracked through the speaker, and Ryan flinched, horror contorting his features.
“Stop!” Ryan’s voice broke. “Please, don’t. I’ll do anything. I’ll fix it. I’ll make it right.”
Leo leaned in, his voice a cold whisper. “Good. Because if I have to come looking for you again, that shot won’t be a warning.”
Ryan nodded frantically, his defiance shattered, his body trembling as he sank to his knees. “I’m sorry, Leo,” he stammered. “I swear I’ll stay loyal. It was a mistake. I should’ve never… I’m so sorry.”
Satisfied, Leo straightened, his expression unreadable as he looked down at the broken man before him. “Clean up your mess, Ryan. This is your last chance.”
With a final nod to Marco, Leo turned and strode away, leaving Ryan kneeling in the darkened lot, broken and shaking. Another betrayal was quelled, and Leo Salvator walked away with his power reinforced, the warning clear to anyone who dared cross him.
*