𝟸𝟶. "... 𝙸'𝚖 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐"

ADRIAN'S P.O.V

I picked up the papers from the table and the headlines was the first thing I saw:

Breaking News: Prime Minister Cesare Rizzo Assassinated at Venetian Accord Summit

Venice, Italy.

A tragic and shocking event unfolded at the Apex of the Venetian Accord as Italian Prime Minister Cesare Rizzo was assassinated while delivering a speech at the historic Palazzo Reale di Venezia. The gathering, which brought together world leaders and diplomats, was abruptly thrown into chaos when a single bullet shattered the glass ceiling above the stage, striking the Prime Minister.

Moments after the fatal shot, panic spread through the crowd as security forces moved swiftly to secure the area. In the ensuing confusion, further gunfire erupted within the venue, resulting in multiple casualties. Several officials and attendees were injured, though the exact number remains unconfirmed. Authorities have yet to determine whether the shooting was coordinated or if it was a reaction to the initial attack.

Government officials have urged the public to remain calm as investigations are underway. No official statements have been made regarding potential suspects or motives. The Palazzo Reale di Venezia and surrounding areas have been placed on lockdown as security teams conduct thorough searches and review surveillance footage.

With Prime Minister Rizzo's passing, the nation enters a period of uncertainty. Leaders from across the world have expressed their condolences, while Italian authorities work to ensure stability in the wake of this devastating event. Further updates will be provided as more details emerge.

Why didn't this surprise me?

"Morning"

I tore my eyes from the paper and looked up at my wife, she walked in, her heels clinking on the floor as she tried to put her hair up in a bun.

"Morning" I answered and she walked past, circling the counter. "Do you want some coffee?" She asked and I hummed in reply before returning back to the papers.

"You shouldn't read that" she called and I proceeded to open to the next page. She appeared before me, straightening out a mug. "It's only filled with bad news"

"It's still news" I replied, taking it from her. She retreated back to the counter, "Italy is in chaos. Like it always has" she muttered and I took a sip first before placing it down.

"The Prime Minister is dead" I mentioned. "Cesare was never the people's choice. We all know know how he got into power" she said and I exchanged looks with her.

Already knowing where she was heading with this.

"Where are the kids?" I inquired, diverting the topic as I returned back to the papers. "Getting ready. I'll drop them off but you'll have to pick Jackson up for his practice-"

"I can't today, my schedule is full till noon" I informed and she let out a resigned sigh before walking to me.

I lowered the papers as she reached to fix my tie. "I don't want you stressing so much, we should get an attendant"

She let out another sigh, not meeting my eyes. "I'm not gonna let a stranger take care of my kids" she disagreed as always. "They won't be strangers"

"Please don't push it" she pleaded and I stopped, letting out one final breath. She met my eyes, her fingers grazing my stumbles. "Thought you already had the deal done. Why is your schedule still packed?" She asked, leaning down to kiss me.

"He's back"

She leaned away and threw her head back, letting out a long groan. I chuckled at her reaction, "You've handled things really well, why is he back?" She demanded in frustration.

"I'm just overseeing" I reminded. "You've done more than overseeing, you deserve the credit" she disagreed, moving away from me.

"Hillary..." I called her, exasperatedly.

"You read the papers, right? You know everything there has him involved" she stated. "You can't say things you're not certain of"

"I know you'll say that, you always do this..." She murmured, walking to the other side and my eyes followed her. "He's family" I reminded and she scoffed in disbelief.

"My family. And I've done a great job not getting involved in whatever they have going on back there. And you're not getting dragged in too!" She stated and I just stared at her.

The frustration evident in her features, as she turned away from me and began pacing back and forth. This conversation never ends well, it always got her that way.

"Daddy!"

I turned around immediately to see Jocelyn running towards me, "hey pickle" I answered, getting up and picking her up from the floor.

"You're all dressed up for school" I commented and she giggled. "I'm wearing pink!"

"And you look so pretty in pink. Where's your brother?" I asked, glancing back. "Jackson's in bed!"

"Not again" Hillary said, already stomping to go meet him but I caught her by the wrist before pulling her back and planting a kiss on her lips. She was taken aback for a moment, her eyes meeting mine. "Stop being silly" she said, a little smile tugging on her lips and I grinned.

➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪➪

"Good morning, Mr. Easton," the receptionist greeted as I walked past. I acknowledged her with a curt nod, barely breaking stride as I headed toward the elevator.

Staff members stepped aside, offering their respectful nods, but I paid them little attention. The moment the doors slid shut, I exhaled, loosening my tie slightly. A glance at my watch told me the meeting was only minutes away.

I didn't know what to expect. He was back. But was he even here? His movements had become erratic-calculated yet unpredictable.

Over the years, he handed me control of major firms worldwide, keeping me occupied while his priorities shifted toward something else-something darker. Something unethical.

I understood Hillary's fears. She didn't want me dragged into the life he now lived. And for years, I hadn't been. But now? Now, I wasn't so sure.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing a bustling hallway. I stepped out, my gaze fixed on the office door at the end. For a moment, I hesitated. I didn't know who he was anymore. The Travis we once knew was gone, replaced by a man none of us could recognize.

I reached for the handle, inhaled sharply, then pushed the door open.

Inside, two figures sat at the desk. Travis was exactly where I expected him to be-calm, focused, his presence commanding as always. The man beside him was just as I remembered, the same shadow at his side.

They barely acknowledged my arrival. Travis continued speaking in low tones, issuing orders as the other man swiftly gathered the documents and descended the stairs. Our gazes met briefly before he brushed past me without a word.

I stepped closer to the desk. Travis was still signing papers, barely sparing me a glance.

"You came back this time," I said.

"I've been occupied," he answered flatly.

I placed 𝚊 newspaper on the table, obstructing his work. He leaned back, scanning the headlines before his eyes met mine.

"You need to fly to Washington," he said.

"For what?"

"To oversee what Trent is doing there," he replied, checking the time.

I didn't respond immediately. I had been out of the loop for too long, and I could feel it.

"Don't we have a meeting?" he asked.

"Yes."

That was all he needed. Without another word, he shrugged on his jacket and headed for the door, expecting me to follow.

I did.

We stepped into the main hall, and instantly, the entire floor stilled. Staff members moved aside, clearing a path for us. I walked beside him, feeling the weight of unspoken words pressing between us.

Travis never did anything without a reason. If he was back, it meant something. And I had the sinking feeling that, whether I liked it or not, I was about to be part of it.