Chapter 15 The next morning , Delilah was seated at her aunt's kitchen table , enjoying a plate of scrambled eggs and toast . Her aunt , Mary , had gone for her oncology appointment , leaving Delilah alone in the apartment . With the place to herself , she propped her phone up on the table and watched the news stream across the screen . It didn't take long for the story to appear : Chairman of Bayou Group Found Dead in a Gruesome Scene . The reporter droned on , describing the " grisly discovery " and the police's confusion over the brutal nature of the murder . Delilah's lips curled into a satisfied smile . " Perfect execution , " she thought , her pride swelling as she watched the details of the murder unravel on the broadcast . She was still smiling when she heard a sudden knock at the door . Her brow furrowed . ODOBL 331173 Chapter 15 Mary shouldn't be back for hours . You her She set her fork down , wiped her hands on a napkin , and stood to answer the door . When she opened it , her expression quickly shifted from curiosity to guarded surprise . A group of men stood there , all dressed in black suits , their eyes shaded by dark sunglasses . Gino , the one she recognized , stood at the front , his hands clasped behind his back . " Marco sent us , " Gino said , his tone businesslike . " He ordered me to help you bring your luggage to his place . " Delilah blinked , taken aback . She glanced behind him , noticing the other guards waiting patiently . } " What ? " she managed to say , her voice laced with confusion . " Why ? " Before she could continue , Gino gave a signal , and the other guards pushed past her into the apartment , moving quickly and efficiently . They began scanning the place , clearly intending to pack up her things . 11.04 % 13:11 Chapter 15 1200 Mizushers Delilah , recovering from her initial shock , crossed her arms and leveled a sharp glare at Gino . " Excuse me ? " she said coolly . " I don't remember agreeing to this . 11 Gino merely shrugged , his face impassive . " I'm just following Marco's orders . He said it's compulsory for you to come . " A scoff escaped Delilah's lips . " Compulsory ? " She muttered under her breath , " Like grandfather , like grandson . " Thinking quickly , she crafted an excuse . " Well , I can't just leave . I have to take my aunt to her oncology appointment later today . And besides , I run a café , and it operates from- " A deep , husky voice interrupted her . " Seven a.m. to six p.m. , isn't that right ? " Delilah froze , her head whipping toward the speaker . Stepping out from the shadows was Marco himself , casually leaning against the wall . His presence immediately filled the small space . Gino , sensing the shift , stepped aside and quietly excused himself , leaving Delilah standing face - to - face with Marco . 23.02 % 13:11 298 Vouchern Chapter 15 Delilah's eyes narrowed as Marco moved closer , his sharp features and dark clothing coming into full view . He was as commanding as ever, his confidence oozing from every step . " How long has he been there? " she thought , her heart rate picking up a notch . " Are you stalking me ? " she asked , raising an eyebrow , her voice steady despite the uneasy feeling creeping into her thoughts . " Stalking ? " Marco repeated , a smirk playing at the corner of his lips . He stepped closer , his eyes never leaving hers . " Not exactly . Just a little background check . I like to know who I'm dealing with . " Delilah's pulse quickened , her grip tightening around the door . What had he found ? She forced a smile , her voice steady , masking the anxiety bubbling beneath . " A background check ? That sounds a little ... invasive . " Marco's smirk deepened , his gaze sharp , as if he enjoyed her discomfort . " I prefer thorough . And it's always enlightening to discover that someone isn't quite as innocent as they appear . " Innocent ? The word gripped her , twisting her stomach into knots . 36.210 13.11 Chapter 15 He knows . 11 Her thoughts raced to the situation with Mr. Bayou . How deep had he dug ? The air between them felt thin , stifling . Delilah's voice came out sharper than she intended . " What are you talking about ? " Instead of answering , Marco reached into his jacket , producing a folded photograph . He held it up , his expression unreadable , then slowly flipped it toward her . Delilah's heart skipped as she caught sight of the image . It was her- dressed in a mini dress , standing next to the luxurious club's entrance , the lights illuminating her sharp features . She looked dangerous . Confident . The kind of woman who belonged in Marco's world . " I found this ... interesting , " Marco said , his voice smooth as velvet . " It's not the picture of a quiet café owner , is it ? " Panic surged through her , but she pushed it down , letting her boldness take over . 50.59 % 13.11 Chapter 15 Th With a sudden burst of confidence , she snatched the picture from his hand , their fingers brushing in a moment that sent an electric jolt through her . " Good , " she said , her voice cold but steady . " I'm glad you found out . It saves me the trouble of explaining myself . " Marco's eyebrows lifted slightly , clearly taken aback by her brazen response . " So you're not even going to deny it ? " " Deny what ? " she shot back . " That I'm more than just some boring café owner ? I'm not ashamed of who I am , Marco . " Silence hung between them , thick and charged . Marco studied her , his eyes dark with an intensity that made her want to squirm , but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction . Finally , Marco's smirk returned , but there was an edge to it . " Bold of you . But this is why I want you to come with me . To my place . " } Delilah blinked , her unease returning . Why does he want me there ? She narrowed her eyes , scrutinizing him , trying to peel back the layers of his intentions . " Why are you so eager for me to come with you ? You can send Gino to move my luggage , but that doesn't mean I'll go . " Marco's expression darkened , and for a fleeting moment , she saw the 62.19 % 13.11 Chapter 15 cracks in his façade . 129 He was struggling , fighting against something she couldn't yet decipher . But she wasn't done . " You could take up the entire apartment if you want , " Delilah continued , her voice dripping with confidence . " But that won't get me to follow you . ' For a moment , Marco just stared , clearly shocked by how boldly she was pushing back . His control , his smooth confidence - she was chipping away at it , and she relished it . But there was something else in his eyes , something deeper , almost primal . He wasn't used to being challenged like this . Then she remembered his earlier words : If you think you can scheme your way out of this marriage , you're mistaken . It won't work , Delilah . Not unless I've gotten what I intend to have . It clicked . It's about his grandfather , she realized . Elder Donato may have promised Marco the capo position - if he married 77.79 % 13.110 Chapter 15 her . 284 Muchers But clearly , things hadn't gone as planned . Maybe Marco needed to bring her to his mansion to prove something , to show his grandfather that she was truly part of his life . Delilah's lips curled into a smirk . " If Marco thinks he can use me , he's got another thing coming . " She could play this game . She could play it well . She stepped closer to him , her voice soft but laced with seduction . " If you want me to come with you , Marco , " she said , her fingers lightly collar of his shirt , " then maybe ... you could make it worth brushing the my while . " Marco's jaw tightened slightly , his eyes locking onto hers . " Worth your while ? " 3 She leaned in , her breath warm against his ear . " You know what I mean . If you really want me ... you'll have to earn it . " 89.67 %