Chapter 132: Chapter 132 Bridal Breakdown
Caleb’s POV
When Scott mentioned uncovering details about the hit on my parents, ice flooded my veins. Every muscle in my body tensed as memories of twisted metal and burning flesh clawed their way back to the surface. The familiar metallic taste of rage coated my tongue.
"What did you find?" My voice came out rougher than I intended, carrying the weight of years of sleepless nights.
Scott’s weathered face grew grave, the kind of expression I’d seen countless times when delivering death sentences. "We identified the dirty cop Roman bought. Once Felix Hayes had the name, tracking his corruption became child’s play. This bastard lives like a king on a detective’s salary. Mansion in the Hills, multiple Ferraris in his driveway, kids at elite prep schools, wife buried under designer shopping bags. He’s pathetic at hiding dirty money and even worse at staying under the radar. Our investigation revealed he’s been collecting from every drug operation in the city. With all that evidence, I contacted my friend in Internal Affairs. They’ve quietly reopened your parents’ case with a skeleton crew to keep it off Roman’s radar. Progress is slow, but we’re building an airtight case. They’ve already confirmed that key evidence from the original investigation disappeared. It’ll take time, but we’re going to bury these bastards."
Relief crashed through me like a tidal wave. "Outstanding work, Scott."
"There’s more." Scott’s tone sharpened, taking on the edge of a predator closing in for the kill. "We tracked down those private investigators you hired to find that woman from the auction. They played you like a fool, took your money while Roman paid them to feed you lies. We’ve reported them to the licensing board. The disciplinary hearing is sealed, but they’ll lose their licenses permanently. You can also sue for damages and fraud. I know money means nothing to you, but it’s another weapon against Roman and strengthens our RICO case. This could put him in federal prison for life."
"If you think it helps our war effort, then absolutely. Sue them into the ground."
"Your attorney is Ashford, right?" I nodded. "He’s a personal friend and a shark who eats prosecutors for breakfast. I can coordinate with him directly."
"Do it, Scott. I need every advantage right now. Everything feels like it’s collapsing around me," I admitted, something I’d never do in front of my soldiers.
"Of course, Don. Happy to handle it personally." Scott’s smile carried decades of loyalty. "But I need to know your orders regarding that person from the auction night. Do you want my team to continue the search?"
His careful phrasing didn’t fool Ivy. Her emerald eyes locked onto mine with barely concealed dread, waiting for my response.
"No, Scott. That Chapter is closed." But then a thought struck me like lightning, a possibility I’d been too blind to consider. "Actually, wait. Find her. I need to know if there are any loose ends. She could have gotten pregnant for all I know. Track her down and discover what happened to her after that night."
The moment those words left my mouth, I watched devastation crush Ivy’s delicate features. Her face went ashen, as if I’d just ordered her execution.
"Absolutely, Don," Scott confirmed with military precision.
As the meeting dissolved and my men filed out, I caught Ivy’s arm before she could escape. "Give me one minute."
When we were alone in my office, I studied her pale face with growing alarm. "My queen, you look like death. I should call a doctor."
She’d seemed better after the tea earlier, but now she appeared even worse than before.
"I’m fine, Caleb. Just something I ate. I’ll rest at home and feel better tomorrow."
"Are you certain? I can have a doctor here soon."
"Completely certain. What did you want to say?"
I guided her to the leather couch, taking her cold hands in mine, noting how they trembled slightly. "My angel, I decided to find that woman because pregnancy is a real possibility. I never considered it before, but with everything happening, including your condition, I realized it could have occurred. Since she vanished without explanation after that night, investigating makes sense from a security standpoint."
"You’re right. It’s the responsible thing to do," Ivy sighed heavily, her voice hollow. "Is that all?"
"Yes. I want you to understand that my only concern is ensuring I don’t have a bastard child somewhere in the world who could be used against our family. This woman means absolutely nothing to me since you entered my life. You are my queen, my everything."
"Thank you for clarifying that." Ivy managed a fragile smile that didn’t reach her eyes, pressing her palm against her forehead. "I should leave. I feel terrible."
"Let me drive you home."
"Xavier’s driver is waiting for me."
"Stay with me longer?"
"I can’t, Caleb. Not tonight."
Tears gathered in both our eyes, a rare display of vulnerability in my fortress. As she turned to leave, I pulled her back and pressed my lips to hers desperately, pouring all my devotion into that kiss. When we broke apart, she fled from my office without looking back, leaving me alone with my ghosts.
Later that evening, I headed to Xavier’s mansion for our weekly poker game with the crew. We were deep into a high-stakes hand when Jude suddenly grabbed his phone and erupted into hysterical laughter. He slammed it onto the felt table, pointing at the screen like it was the most hilarious thing he’d ever witnessed.
The image showed Yara Rossi in an elaborate white wedding gown, complete with veil and bouquet, with the caption "The most beautiful bride in the world. Dress successfully purchased."
"What the fuck is this?" I demanded, staring at the screen in shock.
My soldiers erupted into the same insane laughter as Jude, clearly finding the Rossi woman’s obsessive display far more entertaining than I did. She had completely lost touch with reality.
Xavier wiped tears from his eyes. "Boss, I think Roman’s daughter has officially lost her goddamn mind."
I stared at the photo of the delusional woman in bridal attire and felt nothing but cold satisfaction. Let her descend into madness. It would make destroying her family all the sweeter.
