Page 55 of Sweet Dominion

But why?

The pilot slid open our door.

I held my hand up to let him know that we wouldn’t be leaving just yet.

Then, I took a deep breath and steadied my gaze on her. “This. . .property is not like Lotus Blossom. That is a home. Cloud Sea Tower is the center of the Four Aces' operations. It’s where we launder millions of dollars every month.”

“Thecenterof operations?”

“The heart of our empire. It’s how we maintain power and influence in Shanghai as well as in Paradise City.”

Disbelief spread across her face. “I don't know anything about running something like that and I’m not prepared—”

“There are people in place to manage the day-to-day operations. Your role is more of oversight and ensuring loyalty, but they will need to know who they report to now.”

“And when they report to me, what am I supposed to do?”

“Make tough decisions.”

“Like what?”

“Like. . .who should die due to whatever problem has come.”

She stared at me like I was bullshitting her. “You’re not serious.”

“I’m being very serious.”

“I’m not. . .about this life, Lei. He knows that.”

“He does.”

“Then, why did Leo give it to me?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out myself.”

“You take the tower.”

“I’m not taking it.”

“Why not?”

“By now everyone in Shanghai knows you own it.”

“What the fuck?”

“If I take it from you now, I’m telling Shanghai and the East that you don’t deserve it, that you’re not smart enough. You’re not capable.”

“Listen.” She held up one hand. “I’m fine with that. Let everyone think what they want. I’m not going over to Shanghai to cosplay like I’m some gangster when I’m really not about that life.”

For some reason, I chuckled.

It was so odd for me to find the humor in this intense situation.

Perhaps, I was losing my mind.

However, Moni didn’t laugh with me. “Why would he give that to me? Is this another test or something?”

“I don’t think so. His giving you Cloud Sea Tower is saying that he trusts you with this responsibility, but more important. . .he must want the East and the Four Aces to understand that you’re not just a bystander or my romantic partner. He wants them to know that you’re part of this family now.”

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