"Off-limits?" Aciel repeated coldly. "Why?"
His silver eyes darkened dangerously as he stared at Martin.
"All the wealthiest girls in the city were included on your list except her. I already knew something was suspicious."
He stepped closer.
"So tell me the real reason."
Martin was momentarily caught off guard.
For the first time in years, he saw Luciano's shadow inside Aciel.
The rebellious young man standing before him no longer looked like a reckless teenager.
At that moment—
he looked exactly like a future Mafia boss.
Ruthless.
Sharp.
Dangerous.
"Aciel," Martin said carefully, "I'm only following your father's orders. I'm not the right person to explain this matter to you."
Aciel clenched his jaw.
For a brief second, he genuinely wanted to grab Martin by the throat and force the truth out of him.
But despite his frustration, he still respected the man who had loyally served his father for decades.
Aciel slowly leaned back against the table instead.
