Page 59 of Dark Prince

It's all I need.

Time slows, every sense heightened, as I make the split-second decision. My finger tightens on the trigger, and I take aim at Connor’s forehead, precisely hitting my target.

It’s over.

Epilogue I

MAURA

I step out of the car, my hand instinctively resting on my significantly rounded belly, feeling the lively kicks of my baby boy. It's a sensation that never ceases to amaze me, a constant reminder of the life Luk and I have created together. Elena hops out of the car after me.

“You look ready to pop, babe,” she teases, a smirk playing on her lips.

“I feel ready to pop!” I tell her. I can't help but laugh, and she joins in, the sound echoing lightly in the cool air. “But we've still got a good week until the due date,” I remind her, though part of me is hoping our little one might decide to make an early entrance into the world.

Our banter fades as we both turn to look up at the towering skyscraper before us. Elena's next words pull me back from my reverie.

“You know, a meeting like this could have easily been done on Zoom,” she says, a hint of grumbling beneath her tone.

I shake my head, a smile on my lips. “There's nothing like an in-person meeting to get things moving,” I counter. I've held this belief long before my pregnancy, and even more so now, as Luk and I navigate the waters of our expanding business and family life. “Besides, it's good to show them I'm not slowing down, not even a little.”

Together, flanked by our two bodyguards, whose presence has become a reassuring constant in our lives, we make our way through the lobby. The interior is sleek and modern, and the air is tinged with the faint, crisp scent of luxury. People bustle about, their steps echoing against the marble floor, but there's a moment when it feels like the world pauses, taking in the sight of us.

We approach the bank of elevators, one of our bodyguards stepping forward to press the call button. The doors slide open with a soft whoosh, and we step inside.

Moments later, the doors slide open once again, and I waddle out, trying my best to look as tough and serious as my current state allows. Waiting for us in the conference room is Liam Gallagher, alongside a few other key figures in the Flanagan family. Liam, with his rugged charm, graying hair, and a smile that never goes away, rises to greet us. He's always had that elder statesman vibe, wisdom etched into every line on his face.

“Ah, Maura, it's good to see you,” Liam says warmly, coming over to help me into my seat. I thank him, settling in with a bit of effort. “And congratulations.”

As we get down to business, Liam doesn't hide his surprise. “I must admit, Maura, I didn't expect you to be wanting to take on a leadership role in the family.”

“I'm surprised myself. But this operation was my father's life. To step away now, even with your exceptional leadership, Liam would feel like I'm abandoning his legacy.”

Liam gives me a look of respect, his gaze understanding. “I'd be more than happy to step aside. Your father would've been proud to see you at the helm. However,” he suggests thoughtfully, “perhaps it might be wise for you to work alongside me for a while. Learn the ropes, so to speak.”

I'm about to agree when an unexpected pang of pain follows a sudden kick from my baby. I pause and take a deep breath, trying to brush it off as nothing, but it's enough to cause me a moment of concern. Elena catches my eye, her expression filled with worry.

“It's nothing,” I whisper, hoping my voice sounds more convincing than I feel. “Just baby Ivanov making his presence known.”

Liam doesn’t seem to notice as he leans forward, his voice low and serious. “The Flanagan’s have always been the top of the food chain, so to speak. But our alliance with the Bratva has made us nearly untouchable.”

I nod, trying to focus on his words, but another sharp pain cuts through me. I bite my lip, determined not to show any weakness.

“However,” Liam continues, “there's a new player in town—a Greek operation. They're ambitious and looking to carve out their own piece of the city. It's only a matter of time before they try to test us to see if they can shake our hold.”

“That won't happen on our watch,” I assert, trying to mask the discomfort that's growing harder to ignore. “We'll show them exactly why the Flanagans are not to be messed with.”

Liam smiles approvingly. “That's the spirit. Your father had that same fire. But remember, it's not just about strength. It's about strategy and alliances. Knowing when to strike and when to hold back.”

I'm about to respond when another spasm of pain hits me, stronger this time. My breath catches, and I realize something's wrong. Then, without warning, my water breaks, soaking the chair and floor beneath me.

Liam jumps up, his calm demeanor replaced by concern.

I'm in shock, my hand flying to my mouth.

I can't believe this is happening now, of all moments.

Elena is instantly by my side, her face etched with worry. “We need to get you to a hospital.”

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