Page 18 of Sweet Dominion

It had to be someone with a strong sense of loyalty to my father, someone who couldn't bear the thought of such a drastic action.

Bolin and Fengge immediately came to mind. They idolized my father so much it bordered on fanaticism.

Bolin even had a framed picture of him in his bedroom, right next to his mother. That level of admiration was intense, almostunsettling. Bolin had always been the type to uphold my father's legacy with unwavering devotion, following his principles and teachings like gospel.

Fengge, on the other hand, was just as crazy about him. His respect for my father ran deep and he often spoke of him with reverence, his eyes lighting up at the mere mention of his name. It wouldn't be out of character for him to spill everything to protect what he believed my father would want.

At least now I have an idea of who has been feeding him information.

My father spoke again, “do you understand, Lei? You cannot kill Marcelo.”

“And why not? He’s a threat to my relationship and too close to Monique.”

“Marcelo must die, there is no question about that.” he replied calmly. “But not byyourhand and not this year.”

I pursed my lips together.

“Monique has lost too much too soon and that sort of heartbreak could change her—and your relationship with her—forever.”

“Change her?” I frowned. “She’s strong, she can handle his death.”

“Strong, yes,” my father agreed. “But she’s also vulnerable. Marcelo is close to her, too close. If you kill him, it will break her heart and she may never recover. More importantly, if she ever finds out that it wasyou, she would never forgive you.”

“She wouldn’t find out: I would make sure of it.”

“Don’t be naive, Lei.” My father’s tone turned sharp and authoritative. “Secrets like that don’t stay buried. She would find out, eventually. And when she did, you would lose her forever.”

I clenched my fists. “So what do you suggest? That I let him live and continue to be a threat?”

“No.” He wagged his finger. “Marcelo will die but it will be done in a way that doesn’t trace back to you or the Four Aces.”

I couldn’t believe we were even having this conversation.

Still, I sighed in leaned in closer. “How will that happen?”

“Someone else will handle it, someone who can ensure that Monique never suspects your involvement.”

“I don’t like relying on someone else to take care of my problems.”

“It’s not about liking it,” my father said firmly. “It’s about protecting Monique and your relationship with her. You have to thinklong-term, Lei. You have to think about what’s best for her and for you.”

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside me. “I understand what you’re saying but it just feels wrong.”

“Sometimes, the right thing feels wrong, but you have to trust me on this. Marcelo will die but not by your hand. It’s the only way to ensure that Monique doesn’t suffer any more than she already has.”

I looked into my father’s eyes, searching for any sign of deceit. But all I saw was the cold, hard truth of his words. Slowly, reluctantly, I nodded. “Fine. Marcelo will die but not by my hand.”

“Good.” My father nodded. “Now, let’s make sure that Marcelo’s death is handled properly without any suspicion falling on you.”

I raised my eyebrows.

“Marcelo has been working with gangs in Shadow Heights, creating secret alliances.”

“What the fuck?”

“I think he has a plan of expansion outside of the Diamond Syndicate. He’s been betraying us, Lei, right under our noses.”

“How long have you known this?”

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