Page 61 of The Don's Hidden Heir

I nod, relief flooding through me. "I promise, Dominic.”

He leans in and captures my lips in a lingering kiss and groans deeply. I kiss him back. His lips are soft and they taste like whiskey.

When he pulls away, he places a finger under my chin and tilts my head back. “We'll face this together, Elena. And I’ll make sure no one harms a hair on your or Lucas’s head.”

I return his smile, my heart swelling with emotions I haven’t cared to label just yet.

The following morning, I wake up to the soft rays of sunshine filtering through the curtains. The first thought on my mind as I open my eyes, is my meeting with David Peterson and my stomach churns.

My body trembles with anxiety, but I don’t let it stop me. I take a shower, dress in a white suit and let my hair blanket my shoulders. I’m wearing my favorite lipstick today: it’s blood red and it masks my insecurities just fine.

When I finally make my way downstairs, Dominic is waiting for me in the foyer like he does every morning. He's dressed in a sharp, black suit. His eyes meet mine, and I can still see the reluctance in his eyes.

"Are you ready to leave, Elena?" he asks, his voice low and steady.

I take a deep breath and nod. "As ready as I'll ever be. Where’s Lucas?”

“He insisted on having Vincent and Marcus drop him off. He’s getting along just fine with them,” he adds and a ghost of a smile flickers across his face.

“Lucas is lucky, you know? He has the best dad, uncles and aunt in the world. We’ll keep our son safe, Dominic.”

Dominic steps closer and takes my hands in his, his touch grounding me. “We will,” he assures me with a smile.

The drive to the office is quiet, and I can sense Dominic's worry from the passenger seat. When the tall, steel building of my company comes in sight, my heart pounds.

As we arrive at my office building, Dominic walks me to the entrance. His eyes search mine for reassurance, and I offer him a smile. “I'll be fine, Dominic. Peterson doesn't know I know his true identity. I'll play it safe.”

Dominic nods, his expression still filled with concern. “Just remember, if anything goes wrong, call me immediately. I'll be on standby.”

I lean in and press a kiss to his lips, feeling the soft warmth of his mouth against mine. “I will, Dominic. Don't worry.”

With one last glance, he watches me enter the building, his piercing blue eyes staying on me until I disappear through the glass doors.

Inside my office, I take a moment to compose myself. My heart is pounding, but I remind myself this is nothing. Peterson won’t hurt me in my office and Dominic is outside to protect me if anything happens.

I settle into my leather chair and begin reviewing the documents related to my meeting with Peterson. I've gathered information on the illegal businesses he’s invested in over the last ten years.

Some of them belong to Kirill Vadim. I also managed to find an investment I assume has to do with an underground cassino.

It’s not much, but it’s enough to put pressure on him if the need arises. Knowledge is my weapon, and I intend to use it wisely.

Time passes slowly, and I can feel the weight of the impending meeting pressing down on me. Just as I close my eyes to inhale a deep breath, there's a knock on my office door.

“Come in,” I call out, my voice steady.

The door swings open, and David Peterson walks in. He has a calculated smile on his face. He's dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, and his confidence radiates as he approaches my desk.

“Elena Marconi, it's a pleasure to see you again,” Peterson says, extending a hand.

I rise from my seat and shake his hand firmly. I can’t let him notice I’m nervous, so I maintain a smile. “Likewise, Mr. Peterson. Please, have a seat.”

Peterson takes the chair opposite my desk, his gaze never leaving mine. “I must say, I was surprised when I found out about your relationship with my nephew.”

Fuck. He doesn’t beat around. He is so direct.

My heart sinks and I choose my words carefully. Pretending I’m not aware of their family connection, I narrow my eyes on him and ask, “Your nephew?”

Peterson's smile doesn't reach his eyes as he leans back in his chair. “Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about, Elena. I’m sure Dominic must’ve told you our complicated family relationship by now.”

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