Chapter 53
Theo and Daphne sat frozen in the dim interior of his car, the weight of the pressing down on them like a slow, crushing force. The faint glow of the dashboard illuminated Theo's face, sharpening the hard lines of his jaw and the tension pinching his brows. His hands rested limply on the steering wheel, his knuckles pale and stiffâlike they hadn't yet received the message to relax.
He wasn't looking at her. He wasn't looking at anything. His gaze was distant, locked somewhere beyond the windshield, as though if he stared long enough into the darkness, he might make sense of what they'd just heard.
"Theo," Daphne finally whispered, her voice tentative, breaking the stillness.
His head turned slightly toward her, but he didn't say anything. He looked almost unrecognizableâstripped of his usual sharp confidence, his calm veneer shattered by the truth he hadn't seen coming.
"Your family.....they're..." she began, but the words failed her. Saying it out loud felt too big, too heavy.
"I know," Theo said abruptly, though his tone was hollow, like he didn't really believe it himself. He dragged a hand down his face, exhaling shakily, his shoulders sagging under an invisible weight. "I didn'tâI had no idea, Daphne. I swear."
Daphne turned in her seat to face him fully, studying him for any trace of doubt or denial, but all she saw was raw disbelief. The way he satâstiff, tense, like the reality hadn't quite settled into his bones yetâmade her chest tighten.
"How could you have known," she murmured, more to herself than to him.
"No." Theo's voice cracked, low and uneven, and he shifted in his seat like he was trying to find solid ground in a space where none existed.
"I mean... maybe I should've. All the things that never made sense growing upâall the questions I never askedâbut I didn't know."
The silence that followed was sharp and suffocating. Daphne's heart ached as she watched him, his confidence shaken in a way she'd never seen before. Theo Silvanoâthe unshakable, intimidating, larger-than-life Theoâlooked utterly lost.
"You're still you," she whispered softly, almost afraid to break him further.
Theo laughed bitterly, a hollow sound that sent a chill up her spine.
"Am I?" His head turned toward her then, his dark eyes glinting with something unreadable. "Because if that's true, then what does that make me, Daphne? What does that make them?"
Daphne bit her lip, her fingers curling into the hem of her sweater. She didn't have answers, not for him, not for herself. All she knew was that she'd never seen Theo look so... human. Vulnerable. The weight of his family's truth sat between them, as immovable as stone.
"Your dad said he left that life behind," she said softly. "You and your siblings have nothing to do with that part of his life."
Theo's gaze searched hers for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a shake of his head, he leaned back against the headrest, his hands falling away from the wheel as if surrendering to the moment. "This is all so insane."
The quiet stretched on, the air heavy with things left unsaid. Outside, the world continued as though nothing had changed. But inside the car, everything had shifted, and neither of them knew what to do with it.
Daphne reached out hesitantly, her fingers brushing against the back of Theo's hand where it rested on his lap. The contact was light, tentative, but it was enough to make him glance her way, his eyes softening just slightly.
"I'm still here," she whispered.
Theo didn't respond right away, but he didn't pull away either. Instead, he let out a slow, unsteady breath, like he was grounding himself in that small, simple truth.
"And if you want to leave," Theo said, his voice tight as if the words caused him physical pain. "I would understand."
"Leave?" Daphne asked in confusion. "Why would you think I want to leave?"
"Did you not hear them?" Theo tilted his head slightly. "My father, my grandfather, our entire town in Italy run organized crime families."
"That's not you," Daphne said. "You are not a part of that."
"That's not how life works," Theo shook his head. "My father is delusional if he thinks he got away without any consequences for his past actions. Something is going to go wrong and someone is going to come knocking at our door and it's not going to be anyone good."
Daphne bit down on her lip and sat still, watching Theo's temper slip.
"God fuckin damn it!" He said, hitting the steering wheel. "Angelo makes so much sense now. So many things make so much sense now."
The silence that followed was thick, suffocating, broken only by Theo's ragged breathing as his knuckles turned white against the steering wheel. Daphne flinched at the sudden outburst but stayed rooted in her seat, watching him carefully.
"Theo," she tried softly, her voice steady but quiet, as though she were speaking to a wounded animal.
He didn't look at her, his eyes fixed on the dashboard as he gripped the wheel, shoulders tense like a coil about to snap.
"I won't blame you if you want to leave," he muttered, his voice low and rough, as if he were fighting against the words as they came out. "You don't need to get pulled into this. You don't deserve to be anywhere near it."
Daphne frowned, the faint crease between her brows deepening. "Don't do that."
"Do what?" Theo shot back, his eyes finally turning toward her. They were sharp, full of frustration that bordered on despair, but his gaze softened the moment he took in her face. "Protect you?"
"No." Daphne held his gaze, unwavering. "Push me away."
Theo blinked as though her words had startled him, as though he couldn't quite believe she was still sitting there. Still here.
He ran a hand over his face, his movements slower now, like he was unraveling at the edges.
"Daphne, you don't get it. This isn't some misunderstanding or rough patch in my family's history. This is who they are. It's what they are." He let out a bitter laugh, one devoid of humor. "You think you want to stick around when people come looking for my father or Uncle Daniel?"
"That's not fair," Daphne whispered, but Theo didn't stop.
"What happens when someone does come knocking?" he pressed, his voice rising slightly. "What if this family bullshit spirals, and suddenly you're caught in the middle? Do you think I'd be able to live with that? Do you think I'd forgive myself ifâ"
"Theodore."
Daphne's voice cut through the storm building inside him, pulling his focus back to her. His chest rose and fell sharply as he tried to catch his breath, the quiet of the car amplifying everything he was too afraid to say.
"I'm still here," Daphne said again, firmer this time.
Theo stared at her, searching her face as if waiting for her resolve to crack.
"Why?" he finally asked, his voice barely above a whisper. It wasn't a demand, but a raw, desperate questionâlike he couldn't fathom why someone would choose to stay when everything around him was going to hell.
Daphne didn't flinch under his gaze. "Because this doesn't change who you are," she said simply. "Your family's past doesn't rewrite the person you've chosen to be."
"You don't understandâ"
"No, I don't," she admitted, her voice softening. "But I know you. I know the man that you are. The one who takes care of the people he cares about, even if he doesn't always say it out loud. That's who you are."
Theo's throat bobbed as he swallowed, the tension in his jaw loosening just slightly. "Daphne..."
"You're not your father. You're not your grandfather," she said quietly, her hand reaching out to brush over his forearm, grounding him. "And I'm not going anywhere."
Theo stared at her hand on his arm, his expression unreadable, before letting out a slow, uneven breath. He looked utterly lost, like he was standing on the edge of a cliff, unsure of whether to take a step forward or fall.
"You should," he muttered, though his voice lacked conviction now.
"Well, you're not the only stubborn one," Daphne replied with a faint, wry smile, though her eyes were earnest. "You've kind of ruined me, remember?"
For a long moment, Theo didn't say anything. He just looked at her, his gaze softer now, as if he were seeing her for the first time.
Finally, Theo shifted slightly, letting his head fall back against the headrest with a heavy sigh. "You're too good for this, you know."
"I don't know about that," Daphne laid her head against the seat. "I just want to be with you."
The air between them felt different now, less suffocating, though the weight of everything that had been said still lingered. Daphne didn't let go of his arm, and Theo didn't pull away. He didn't say thank you, but he didn't need to. She could feel it in the way he let her stay close, in the way his breathing finally began to slow, like her presence alone had eased something heavy inside him.
After some time, Theo let out a deep sigh and started the car's engine. In silence, they drive to his apartment, the city a haze as their minds try to make sense of everything Luca and Daisy had revealed to them.
Once they arrived to the luxury apartment complex, Theo parked the car outside and looked toward Daphne.
"Are you hungry?" He asked.
Daphne shook her head.
"I'm starving," Theo said. "Let's grab something to eat and then head upstairs. Or do you want to cook dinner at home tonight?"
Daphne hesitated. It wasn't muchâjust a flicker of uncertainty as her eyes dropped to her lapâbut it was enough to make Theo pause. He caught the subtle shift in her demeanor, the way her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sweater, and suddenly, the lightness in his voice faded.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
"I..." Daphne started, her voice soft, almost unsure. She glanced up at him, and the words she was about to say hung heavy in the air between them. "I think I want to go back to my apartment tonight."
Theo blinked, his brows furrowing just slightly. He didn't speak right away, as if he was trying to understand exactly what she meant.
"Not because of... this," she added quickly, motioning to the unspoken weight of his family revelations, her words rushing out to soften the blow. "It's just... I think we should take things slow."
There it wasâslow. A word he'd thrown at her before. A word that had shattered everything between them the first time he said it.
Theo's stomach dropped as the memory hit him like a punch to the chest. The night they'd broken up, the frustration in his voice when he told her they were moving too fast, that he needed space. That she was too much.
He exhaled sharply, his hand running over his face, regret clawing at his throat.
"Daphne," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm so sorry. For everything. I was a fucking idiot. I said awful things, and I hurt you when you didn't deserve it."
"Theo, it's notâ"
"No," he interrupted gently but firmly, holding her gaze. "Please, let me say this. You weren't too much. You were never too much. I just... I couldn't handle what I was feeling. I was overwhelmed, and instead of leaning on you, I shut you out. I pushed you away because I was scared."
Daphne's lips parted slightly, her expression softening, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
"I wasn't mad at you," she said, her voice a quiet balm, though the hurt lingered underneath. "But your words... they did hurt. I understand, though. You've been under so much stress. You still are."
Theo's jaw clenched as he absorbed her words, the ache in his chest deepening. "I hate that I hurt you," he murmured. "I hate that I made you feel like you were anything less than everything to me."
Daphne reached out, her fingers brushing against his cheek. "We'll be okay," she said softly, a small, tentative smile tugging at her lips. "We'll figure this out. But I think we just need to take our time right now. No pressure, no expectations. Just us."
Theo covered her hand with his, turning his face into her touch as if seeking absolution in her warmth.
"I wish I could take it all back," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. His eyes locked onto hers, full of raw emotion. "I don't want to lose you again, Daphne. I'll do whatever it takes."
She leaned up, pressing a soft kiss to his lips, a gesture of forgiveness and hope. "You're not losing me," she whispered. "But let's take this one step at a time. We'll find our way."
Theo nodded, pulling her closer, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in his world. The pain of their past lingered, but in the quiet embrace, there was a promise of healing, of moving forward together.
After some time, Daphne slowly pulled back and tucked back her hair, secretly wiping away her tears but Theo knew they were there.
"Let's go," she said gently.
Theo nodded and started the engine once more.
The drive back to Daphne's apartment was quiet. Theo's hand was on the wheel, but his other hand reached for Daphne's without hesitation, his long fingers sliding between hers and holding on like it was the most natural thing in the world. He didn't look at her when he did it, didn't need to. It was instinct, the kind of gesture that spoke more than his words ever could.
I'm here. I'm sorry. Don't pull away.
And Daphne didn't. She let him hold her hand, let herself feel the warmth of his palm against hers, let her thumb brush against the ridge of his knuckles absentmindedly as they drove through the darkened streets. Every streetlight flickered across his face in flashesâsoft jawline, furrowed brow, the way his eyes seemed distant but never truly gone.
Daphne watched him out of the corner of her eye, her heart swelling in her chest.
I love you.
The thought came so easily.
No matter how complicated this wasâno matter how messy, how uncertain, how painfulâshe loved him. She loved the way he held her hand without thinking twice, like it anchored him in place. She loved how he kept apologizing, not because she asked him to but because he needed her to know that he understood, that he felt it.
Her gaze drifted to their hands. His grip was firm but gentle, like he was afraid to let go and lose her. She squeezed his fingers slightly, and though Theo didn't say anything, she saw his shoulders loosen just a little. The tension in him was always thereâlike a taut string ready to snapâbut right now, he let himself relax just enough to let her in.
"You okay?" he murmured, breaking the silence. His voice was low, rough around the edges.
Daphne nodded, her lips curling into the faintest smile. "Yeah. I am."
Theo turned his head briefly, just enough to glance at her, his expression softening in the dim glow of the dashboard lights. "Good."
That was all he said, but it was enough.
Daphne turned her gaze back out the window, watching the world blur past them. The air between them still felt differentâlighter, somehowâbut the weight of everything that had been said lingered, like the echo of a storm that had finally passed. She knew this wasn't over. There were still questions, still fears, still the shadows of Theo's past pressing in on them. But right now, they were here, together. And that was enough.
By the time Theo pulled up in front of her apartment building, he didn't let go of her hand immediately. He sat there for a moment, his thumb brushing the back of her hand in slow, deliberate strokes, as if memorizing the feel of her.
"I'll call you tomorrow," he said quietly, his voice more tender now, like he was afraid of breaking the fragile moment between them.
Daphne nodded, unbuckling her seatbelt. She didn't want to let go of his hand either, but eventually, she did.
"Okay," she said.
"Can I walk you to your door?" Theo asked, his eyes hopeful.
Daphne frowned, "It's late.....you should go get some sleep."
Theo nodded.
Daphne sat still for a moment, her fingers hesitating on the door handle. Her gaze flicked to Theo, whose profile was etched with a quiet intensity, his hand still loosely holding hers.
She paused, biting her lip as she turned to face him fully. "Are you going to be okay being alone tonight?" she asked, her voice gentle.
Theo's heart clenched at her concern, but he quickly masked the ache with a small, reassuring smile.
He couldn't tell her the truthâthat the thought of her walking away tonight left a hollowness in his chest. He wanted to tell her to stay, to share that he was pretty sure she was the woman he was going to marry one day. But he swallowed it all down, respecting her wish to take things slow.
"Yeah," he said softly, his tone even and measured, though it cost him. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."
Daphne studied him for a moment, as if searching his face for cracks in his composure. Finally, she nodded, her expression still tinged with uncertainty.
"Okay. I'll call you tomorrow," she murmured, her voice carrying a warmth that only made it harder for him to let her go.
"I'll be waiting," he said quietly, his voice laced with tenderness, careful not to shatter the fragile moment between them.
Daphne hesitated as she reached for her door once more, her fingers lingering as if letting go of him was something she wasn't ready for. But eventually, she unbuckled it, the soft click reverberating in the car like a finality neither of them wanted.
Her fingers brushed against his for just a moment longer before she pulled her hand away. "Good night," she whispered.
___________
Lily
Lily balanced the hefty laundry basket against her hip, her other hand clutching the edge to keep it steady as she navigated the parking lot of the dorm. She had come back from Thanksgiving break to find out the laundry room in her building was out of service. She had no choice but to sneak into the building next door.
The warm, clean scent of detergent and fabric softener lingered in the air, mingling with the faint ocean breeze. Her oversized t-shirt hung loose around her body as her hair stuck to the the sweat on her neck. Lily was itching to go back to her room and take a cold shower. Being in Aspen, she had forgotten what California weather could be like.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice the figure that stepped forward as she neared the door. The collision was gentle but enough to make her stumble back a step, the basket wobbling precariously before she steadied it.
"Whoa, easy there," Jake said, his hands instinctively reaching out, brushing lightly against her arm to ensure she was steady.
"Shit," Lily gasped. "Jake! Hi!"
"You okay?" Jake asked. His smile was the kind that seemed to radiate warmth, his teeth flashing as he tilted his head.
"Yeah, sorry," Lily laughed, feeling a flush creep up her neck. "Wasn't looking."
"No harm done." Jake's voice was low and smooth, carrying the easy charm he seemed to wear like a second skin. He stepped back, his hazel eyes taking her in with a spark of something she couldn't quite place. "But carrying all that on your own? That's a crime. Here, let me help."
Before Lily could protest, he lifted the basket from her arms as if it weighed nothing, cradling it effortlessly against his chest.
"Lead the way," he said, grinning. "I insist."
Lily blinked, feeling herself blush harder. "You don't have toâ"
"I know I don't have to," Jake interrupted, his grin widening. "But I want to. Can't have you breaking your back over a pile of laundry."
Lily laughed despite herself, her initial awkwardness softening under his easy charm.
The parking lot buzzed faintly with the sounds of distant traffic and the occasional laughter from nearby dorms. Jake fell into step beside Lily, the laundry basket balanced effortlessly in his arms as they made their way toward the door. His hazel eyes sparkled under the fading sunlight, and he seemed perfectly at ease, as though carrying her laundry was the highlight of his day.
"So," he said, his voice smooth. "How was the break? Eat too much pumpkin pie?"
Lily laughed, brushing a damp strand of hair from her forehead. "Something like that. Spent most of it with my family in Aspen."
Jake whistled low. "Aspen? Fancy. You don't look like the ski lodge type, though."
She smirked. "What type do I look like?"
"The type who's too good for boring ski trips and would much rather be out doing something exciting." His grin widened, teasing yet sincere. "Like sneaking into other dorms for laundry."
Lily rolled her eyes, but she couldn't hide her smile. "Desperate times."
"Do you need to check your mail?" Jake asked as they neared the outdoor mail lockers.
"Good idea," Lily quickly pulled out her keys.
"Yeah, figured," Jake set the basket down gently and leaned against the doorframe, his posture relaxed. "Mine was stuffed. I accidentally ordered all my shit to the dorm."
"Oh no," Lily frowned. "Yeah, that must have sucked."
"I survived," Jake shrugged.
"How was your break?" Lily asked as she opened her mail locker and pulled out a few deliveries.
"Can't complain," Jake said. "My parents have a beach house in Florida. We were there."
"Do you have family there?"
"Not really," Jake said. "It was just us."
Lily smiled, wondering what else she should say or ask to keep the conversation going. She liked Jake but he also made her nervous, in an innocent schoolgirl crush way.
"You know," Jake started, saving Lily from her awkward pause. "I was thinking... I haven't really asked you out on a proper date."
Lily bit down on her bottom lip and tilted her head. "Really? Is that so?"
Jake chuckled, his hazel eyes locking onto hers with a warmth that sent a flutter through her chest.
"Yeah, really," he said, his tone playful but edged with sincerity. "I mean, don't get me wrong, the movie and the trip to the ER were great, but I think you deserve more than just laundry banter and mail-room chats."
Lily's cheeks heated, and she looked down at the small stack of envelopes and packages in her hands, a smile tugging at her lips. Before she could respond, a movement behind Jake caught her attention. Her gaze lifted over his shoulder, and her heart lurched.
Gabriel.
The low rumble of the engine rolled into the parking lot, commanding attention like a quiet storm. Lily's eyes darted past Jake to the motorcycle slowing to a halt near the edge of the lot, the machine gleaming under the fading sunlight. The engine purred one last time before cutting off, leaving the air heavy with a charged silence.
Gabriel swung his leg over the bike with effortless grace, planting his boots firmly on the ground. He tugged off his helmet, shaking out his dark, slightly disheveled hair, and his gaze immediately found hers. A playful smile tugged at his lips, as if he'd caught her staring, as if he were silently asking, What's got you so riled up?
Lily's breath caught, her pulse quickening against her will. He didn't move, didn't call out to herâhe didn't have to. His presence alone was chaotic, the kind that demanded her attention even when she desperately wanted to look away.
Her cheeks heated, and she tore her eyes back to the stack of envelopes and packages in her hands, fumbling slightly. She hoped Jake hadn't noticed the sudden flush spreading across her face. But the momentary falter in her composure only seemed to amuse Gabriel more. When she glanced up again, his smile deepened, his dark eyes glinting with mischief as he leaned casually against his motorcycle, his helmet dangling from one hand.
Lily's grip tightened on her mail. Her glare aimed to communicate what her words wouldn't: Why are you here?
But Gabriel didn't flinch or look away. Instead, he tipped his head slightly, as if amused by her frustration, his calm confidence a sharp contrast to the chaos bubbling inside her.
Jake, oblivious to the silent exchange, continued speaking, his voice a distant hum in Lily's ears. She nodded absently at whatever he was saying, her focus still caught by the evil demonic creature that seemed to be haunting her. Every nerve in her body felt like it was on edge, a mix of annoyance, frustration, and something more complicated that she did not care to address.
Jake shifted, oblivious to her inner turmoil, and her focus snapped back to him. He was watching her expectantly, his charming smile still in place. She realized he was waiting for her answer.
"Yes," she blurted out, the word tumbling out before she could overthink it. Her voice sounded breathless even to her own ears, but she forced a wider smile to cover her nerves. "Yes, I'd like that."
Jake's face lit up, his grin bright and unguarded. "Really? Great. How about this weekend?"
"That sounds perfect," Lily said quickly, her words spilling out in a rush. She could still feel Gabriel's presence like a shadow looming behind Jake, but she refused to let her gaze wander back.
Jake picked up her laundry basket, his expression radiating triumph. "It's a date, then."
As they walked toward her dorm, Jake chatting easily about weekend plans, Lily sneaked one last glance over her shoulder. Gabriel was gone.
_________________
Mason and Wendy
The office was exactly what Levi expectedâsleek, polished, and imposing. Don had always maintained an air of professionalism, even when they were younger and Luca used to bring Mason and Levi to work. The space felt like it belonged to someone who controlled the room, and that was Don in a nutshell.
Levi stood by the window, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. He gazed out at the city skyline, but his mind wasn't on the view. The quiet hum of the office seemed far too loud in his ears, each tick of the clock marking time he didn't feel he had. He was never one to get anxious, but today was different. There was too much at stake.
He glanced at Evie, sitting across from Don's desk. Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap, her legs crossed in a way that made her seem smaller than usual.
"You all right?" Levi asked.
Evie met his gaze, her lips pressed together in a tight line. "Just... a lot to take in." She glanced down at her hands, the discomfort palpable.
Levi slowly walked over toward her and reached out. Placing his hand on her chin, he tilted her head back to look into her eyes.
"It's going to be okay," Levie said. "I promise."
The office door opened with a soft click, and Don walked in, a folder in hand. He was a round man dressed in an expensive Italian suit. His eyes were sharp but his mind sharper. He had worked for Luca for years. Levi knew Don had to be his first attempt to finding a solution.
Levi's body was rigid with tension. Every minute felt like a lifetime as he waited for answers. Evie was still sitting across from Don's desk, her posture straight but tense, the weight of everything pressing down on her. She hadn't said much since they arrived, but Levi knew she was struggling to keep it together.
"Ah, Levi," Don said. "Good to see you after such a long time. You too, my dear."
"How are you?" Evie tried for a small smile.
"I could be better," Don sighed, setting the folder on the desk and looking at them both with quiet intensity.
"Thank you for meeting with us," Levi said. "And thank you for keeping it between just us."
"I work for the Silvano family," Don said. "You're a Silvano."
Levi nodded.
"Well," Don began. "I've gone through everything."
Levi held his breath. He didn't take his eyes off of Don as the man took a seat and opened the files.
"I looked over your father's financial records, Evie. The investments, the deals, the debts. And I reviewed the case the British government is building against him." Don paused, glancing at Evie, then back at Levi. "It's bad."
Levi could feel his heart rate pick up, the quiet buzzing in his ears suddenly deafening. He glanced at Evie, who was staring down at her hands, her knuckles white from the tension. Her lips were pressed together in a tight line, and Levi could see her chest rise and fall with each shallow breath.
Don continued, his gaze focused now on the papers in front of him. "The British government is looking to make an example out of Jason. They're using him as leverage to send a message to other foreign businessmen. You have to understandâthey won't just let this slide. It's more than just a financial mess. There are political implications. And that's going to make it very difficult to get him out of this."
Levi clenched his jaw, the reality of the situation settling heavily in his chest. He had known it wouldn't be easy, but hearing Don lay it out so plainly made it feel that much more impossible. Jason's troubles weren't just financialâthey were becoming a matter of national security. And that made any attempt at a clean solution feel out of reach.
Evie spoke up, her voice measured, her eyes meeting Don's. "So, what does that mean for my father? Is there nothing we can do?"
Don's expression softened, though not by much. "It means your father is in deep, Evie. The government will do everything they can to make an example out of him, and that could result in prison time, heavy fines, and more. His assets will be frozen. It's going to take a miracle to undo any of this."
Levi felt his stomach drop.
He turned his gaze back to Evie, who was staring at Don, trying to process the information. She looked pale, her lips trembling slightly. The last thing she needed was more bad news, but it felt like they were drowning in it. Levi stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Evie," he said softly, placing a hand on her chin, gently tilting her face up to meet his eyes. "I know this is a lot. But we're going to find a way out of this. I promise. We'll figure it out."
She swallowed, her voice barely audible as she responded, "How? If Don can't help... "
Levi looked at Don, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. "Is there really nothing we can do?"
Don's expression remained neutral, but Levi could see the hesitation in his eyes. "We could try to get him a lighter sentence, but that's a long shot. And even that would require cooperation from people who are already in deep with your father's situation. There's not much leverage we can use right now."
Evie let out a soft, strained breath, her shoulders slumping. The weight of her distress was almost too much to bear. Levi didn't have the answers she was looking for, but he had to be strong for both of them. He had to give her hope, even if he wasn't sure where it was going to come from.
Don let the silence hang in the air for a moment before speaking again, his voice deliberate and heavy with the weight of the situation.
"The only possible way we can help your father, Evie," Don said, his gaze shifting between her and Levi, "is if you have connections in the British government who can keep the case from reaching court. Or, at the very least, someone who can take the attention away from it. Right now, the government's putting all its energy into making an example out of Jason, and soon the media will eat it up. Public pressure is only going to get worse from there."
Levi clenched his fists at his sides, the weight of Don's words settling like a lead weight in his chest. The only connection they had to the British governmentâHarry's familyâwas more of a curse than a blessing. The very people who held sway over the government and could make this situation disappear were the same ones who were using their power to manipulate Evie into marrying Harry. It was infuriating.
His mind raced, the thought of Harry and his family, their influence, and their cruelty twisting his gut. Harry's family didn't care about Jason. They saw only an opportunity to tighten their grip on Evie, to trap her in a marriage that would benefit them. The thought of how they were using her father's situation to force her hand made Levi's blood boil.
He paced a few steps across the sleek office floor, hands running through his hair in frustration.
Evie let out a soft, strained breath beside him. She looked so small in that moment, as if the burden of her father's fate and the looming marriage were too much to bear. Levi wanted nothing more than to take all of it from her, to make it go away.
Levi's jaw clenched, his teeth grinding together. The helplessness in her eyes was almost too much to handle. He could feel the anger rising in his chest like a wildfire, but he refused to let it consume him. Not now. Not when Evie needed him to stay calm. He took a deep breath, willing the tension to ease, though it was hard.
"Thank you, Don," he said, his voice tight with frustration. "I'll talk to Theo and see what he has to say."
Don nodded, "Can I give you a piece of advice, Levi?"
Levi's eyes flickered toward Don, his frustration still boiling under the surface. He didn't want to hear any more advice. He just wanted answers, and he wanted them now. But Don's calm demeanor, that ever-present neutrality, made Levi hesitate. There was something in Don's eyesâsomething knowingâthat made Levi pause, just for a moment.
"Of course," Levi muttered, his voice tight, but his curiosity getting the better of him.
Don leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of him as he regarded Levi with an almost calculating expression. He exhaled slowly, as if weighing his words carefully.
"Talk to your father," Don said, his voice quiet but firm. "Luca would know what to do."
Levi's brow furrowed in confusion. He opened his mouth to respond, but Don's gaze stopped him, sharpening as he added,
"Luca might know how to maneuver this situation," Don said.
Levi knew Evie was against involving too many people. They couldn't let Harry catch wind of what they were trying to do.
"I know you probably don't know what I'm talking about," Don continued, his voice steady, almost apologetic, "but if you want to find a way out of this messâthis situation then your fatherâhe's your best bet."
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