Page 8 of Dark Mafia Vows

I try not to dwell on how he’s more concerned about appearances than about genuinely claiming me as his fiancée. I nod along, half-listening as I continue walking towards my car.

“Fine, I messed up your ring size, but I’ve been asking you for weeks to find time for us to get it right. We should go ring-testing later this week. Please make the time. I’m a busy man with the elections coming up, and I want you by my side as we start the campaigns. Our wedding will be here before we know it…”

I tune him off as a chill runs down my spine. Something feels off. My heart races, but I push the feeling aside.

“So, what’s it going to be, Ginny? Will you be free, or does this clash with one of your...activities?”

“Yeah, I’ll call you back later,” I mumble distractedly before ending the call.

Just as I take another step forward, a blinding light erupts before me, followed by a deafening explosion. I’m thrown backward, and my body crashes against a far wall behind me. My mind is a mess, the world spinning, the ground shaking beneath me. My heart pounds in my chest as I fight to comprehend what just happened.

Smoke fills the air, and chaos erupts around me. I struggle to sit up as panic claws at my throat.

The package exploded on my car.

Someone just tried to kill me.

4

DARIO

“Today, we need to discuss our upcoming launch of the new electric SUV. This model is designed to combine luxury and efficiency, and I want to ensure we position it effectively in the market.”

The sharp click of my watch echoes in the quiet of my office as I place my hands on the table and glance around. My business partners sit across from me. My business partners are seated across from me: Tom, the anxious finance guy; Lisa, the astute marketing director; and Marco, the head of operations.

Sunlight streams through the large windows, casting a bright glow over the room. The air is thick with the kind of tension I’m used to. Despite having worked together for more than a year on this project, I can still smell their anxiety whenever they’re in my presence—it’s palpable, lingering scent of cheap perfume, that refuses to dissipate.

Tom shifts nervously in his seat, adjusting his glasses. “We’re projecting a 15% increase in sales, but we’ll need to adjust our marketing budget to achieve that.”

His hands tremble slightly as he hands me a report detailing the figures.

I nod, scrolling through the report on his tablet. “How much are we allocating for the marketing campaign?”

“Approximately two million dollars,” Lisa replies confidently. She’s always been the most self-assured, or at least the best at masking her apprehension. “I believe we can make the most of that by focusing on social media and targeted ads. Our last campaign yielded great returns, and I’m confident we can replicate that success.”

“Social media is crucial,” I agree, leaning forward. “We need to generate excitement for the launch. While partnering with eco-friendly influencers can help spread the word quickly, we mustn’t lose sight of our primary targets—the elite.”

We’re not just launching an electric SUV; we’re creating an exclusive logistics service for the wealthy.

Tom leans forward, adjusting his glasses again. “What’s your vision for building that exclusivity? We need to differentiate ourselves from the competition.”

I nod. “First, let’s implement a limited membership model. We cap the number of clients and require an application process. This creates a sense of prestige, like being part of an elite club.”

Lisa’s eyes light up. “Marketing it as an exclusive service will resonate well. It’s not just about getting from point A to B; it’s about status.”

“I-I also think we should form partnerships with high-end brands—luxury hotels, upscale restaurants,” Tom says. “We can offer complimentary rides to exclusive events or discounts at partner establishments.”

“That’s an excellent idea,” I respond gruffly.

“Oh...it’s nothing,” Tom chuckles nervously, shifting in his seat before writing something down in his notes.

Marco, who has been quietly absorbing the conversation, speaks up.

“Is there a way to encourage current members to bring in new ones?” He asks, looking thoughtful.

“A referral program could work well,” Lisa chips in. “Existing members can invite others to apply, and we offer incentives like complimentary rides for successful referrals. It builds a community around our brand.

Tom raises a finger, and I hear the excitement in his voice. “What if we offer gated access to high-profile events? Members could have special drop-off points at galas or fashion shows, making them feel even more exclusive.”

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