Chapter 7 Primo's laughter cut through the night air , but I caught the tremor of uncertainty beneath it . His eyes darted between Adrian and me , searching for some sign this was all a bluff . " This is your revenge ? Bringing some random guy into our world ? " He straightened his jacket , trying to regain his composure . " You have no idea what you're doing . This isn't some game where you can just drag civilians into our business . " I kept my hand on Adrian's arm , feeling the coiled strength beneath his suit . He hadn't moved , hadn't even flinched at Primo's words . " You think he knows who we really are ? What our families do ? " Primo's voice dropped lower , more menacing . " You're going to get him killed , Asteria . Is that what you want ? To watch another man die because of your stupid choices ? " 80 % 19:02 1/7 Chapter 7 " I don't care who you are . " Adrian's voice carried across the parking lot , quiet but firm . Each word precise , measured . " Your family connections mean nothing to me . I'm marrying Asteria ." The simple declaration hung in the air between us . No flowery promises , no dramatic declarations just absolute certainty . Primo's face twisted . " You don't care ? You hear that , Yesha ? This fool doesn't care . " He took a step forward . " Do you have any idea what you're stepping into ? " Adrian didn't budge . " I believe I made . myself clear . " The calm response seemed to infuriate Primo more than any challenge could have . His knuckles went white where they gripped his car door . " Clear ? Nothing about this is clear . You think you can just walk in here and- " " Yes . " Adrian cut him off . " That's exactly 80 % 19:02 2/7 Chapter 7 what I think . Now , if you'll excuse us , I believe this conversation is finished . " Primo slammed his fist against the car hood . " Here's how this ends , Asteria . You marry me , complete the merger , and once it's done , I'll give you your precious divorce . Then you can fuck whoever you want . " His eyes narrowed at Adrian . " But if you try to ruin this by marrying someone else or running to your family - I'll destroy them . One . By . One . " My breath caught . The parking lot lights cast harsh shadows across his face , transforming him into something barely human . " You have no idea how far my reach . extends . The big five families ? They're all in my pocket . Your family's empire would crumble before morning . " He straightened his tie with steady hands . " So what's it going to be ? " The threat hung heavy in the air . I knew Primo . He never made empty threats . The 80 % 19:02 3/7 Chapter 7 memory of what he'd done to others who'd crossed him flashed through my mind . My family's faces floated before me . One wrong move and they'd all disappear . But I couldn't let him win . I lifted my chin , met his gaze . " No. " The single word dropped like a stone between us . Primo's face went completely still , the kind of stillness that preceded his worst violence . " What did you say ? " " I said no . " My voice stayed steady despite my racing heart . " I won't let you control me anymore . " Primo's laughter rang out again , this time with a cruel edge that made my skin crawl . " Look at you , trying to act tough . We both know how this ends , Asteria . " He stepped closer , his cologne mixing with the night air . " You're going to marry me . That's it . I don't care what you do after that run 80 % 19 02 417 Chapter 7 away , cry , fuck whoever you want . But the marriage happens . " My throat tightened . The worst part was , he wasn't wrong . My family meant everything to me . The thought of them suffering because of my choices … " Your brave face will crack soon enough ." Primo's voice softened , almost gentle . " You've always put family first . That's what I love about you . So loyal , so … predictable ." Yesha smirked from beside his car , clearly enjoying my internal struggle . She knew as well as I did that Primo had me cornered . I felt Adrian's arm tense under under my hand . " The Bratva sends their regards , " Adrian said quietly . The words hit like a physical blow . Primo's face drained of color . Even Yesha's smirk vanished . " What did you say ? " Primo's voice came out barely above a whisper . 80 % 19:02 5/7 Chapter 7 " You heard me . " Adrian's tone remained conversational , but something dangerous lurked beneath it . " Should I mention the Yakuza as well ? Or perhaps the Triads would interest you more ? " I stared at Adrian , my mind racing . Those weren't just random names he was throwing out - they were the three major criminal organizations that even the big five families feared . Primo took an unconscious step back . " Who are you ? " " Someone you really don't want to threaten . " Adrian's gray eyes had gone cold as steel . " Now , I believe you were leaving . " Primo stepped back , one hand resting on his car door . " You think dropping those names scares me ? " His shoulders shook with mirth . " Please . " Yesha slid into the passenger seat , her lip curled in a sneer . " It's obvious he's bluffing . 80 % 19.02 6/7 Chapter 7 No one connected to those organizations would be stupid enough to announce it in a parking lot . " I watched Adrian's face , searching for any sign that they were right . His expression remained impassive , that steel - cold gaze never wavering . Primo's eyes narrowed as he studied Adrian . For a moment , doubt flickered across his features before he masked it with another laugh . " Take this loser and go home , Asteria . " He dropped into the driver's seat , his fingers . drumming against the steering wheel . " In a month , you'll be walking down the aisle , and this merger will happen whether you like it or not . " The engine roared to life . Through the tinted window , I caught Yesha's triumphant smirk before they peeled out of the parking lot , tires squealing against asphalt .