Page 33 of Mob Boss's Second Chance

Weird.

Not because he’s fabricating information—Royale and others are fronts for the main activities that fund the Cross family’s existence—but his knowledge of it.

While our activities are not thathush hush,we’ve done an excellent job of keeping it from the eyes of the law. Mainly because we have eyes and ears everywhere, so a potential case is handled before it breathes.

Why is Geller here?

I flip the first page of the document, keeping my face neutral. “And you think barging in here with accusations is how you get cooperation?”

He straightens, adjusting his tie with deliberate care, as though he has all the time in the world.

“I think this is how I get your attention,” he says, his words pointed. “Someone in your house is playing games, Mr. Cross. If I were you, I’d want to find out who before the spotlight stays fixed on you.”

I push the document back across the desk, letting the silence stretch. “If you came here expecting me to panic, you’ve wasted your time.”

“I didn’t expect panic,” he replies smoothly, tucking the folder back into his briefcase. “I expected you to understand the gravity of your situation. Work with us, or…” He shrugs, leaving the rest unsaid but implied.

I lean back in my chair, steepling my fingers as I hold his gaze. “You’re making a mistake,” I say, my voice a low warning. “If you think you can walk into my office and corner me, you clearly don’t know who you’re dealing with.”

Besides, his offer is bogus, and only a stupid person would buy into it. It’s public knowledge that I control Cross Holdings, and a dive into our establishments will show that they belong to us, just as he’s made the connection.

Anyone would assume that since I control the company, I also authorize the operations.

Joe Geller is not trying to get me to turn. He wants me to name a scapegoat in hopes that when the scapegoat realizes I’ve fingered them, they’ll provide enough proof to nail me.

Absurd.

“Why don’t you come back when you have something concrete?” I say, calling out his bullshit. My voice hardens, devoid of any warmth, as I point to the door. “I believe that’s the way out. It’ll be inyourbest interest to use it.”

Geller doesn’t flinch at my tone. I didn’t expect him to, though. I’ve dealt with men like him before. They think they have something—that their bluff will work.

When it doesn’t, they either abscond or return begging. The problem is, it doesn’t matter what they choose at that point. Coming after me comes with consequences, and Joe Geller is about to see how grievous they are.

He clears his throat when I remain silent and stands up, grabbing his briefcase. “I came to issue a friendly warning, Mr. Cross. You’ve refused, and we have no other option but to go after everything your family owns.”

A muscle twitches in my jaw. My Adam apple bobs with restrained anger. “The law has no claim to my businesses. If you try to close them down, I’ll come after you,” I threaten in a low tone, leaning forward so he sees it in my eyes. “With everything I own.”

Geller shrugs. “We’ll see, Mr. Cross. We’ll see.”

Then he marches out of my office with his briefcase swinging, leaving the door open. Perpetual hurries to the door and closes it with an apologetic look while I grit my teeth and struggle not to slam my fist on my desk.

He’s bluffing.

He’s bluffing.

I couldn’t make him crack, but there’s no way the prosecutor’s office has enough evidence to shut down my businesses.

Right?

Staring at the document like my glare would burn holes through it, my anger builds until steaming from my ears. I snatch it from the desk and fling it across my office, exhaling heavily.

Anthony, I think as I leave my desk and pace the space, wondering where they would’ve gotten intel from. He’s the only person who would let down his guard.

“Natalie?” I muse aloud.

The event planner, party chef, and now personal chef. Anthony took to her quickly—which he does with almost everybody—but having her around almost every day means more opportunities to say the wrong thing.

I have to see him. I said I wasn’t going to return to the apartment after the last time, and my reaction to her almost taking a fall, but I have to.

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