THE RIFT BETWEEN HEARTS

"Ma'am..." her assistant murmured, discreetly handing her the phone. "It's the young master." He continued speaking, carefully placing the cellphone in her hand. Layla glided toward the balcony to take the call, her movements a symphony of elegance. Meanwhile, Mark Wallace, her secretary, watched with an unreadable expression from outside, waiting for Layla to conclude her conversation. Normally, he'd disregard private calls, but when it came to the young master, he couldn't help but wonder what warranted such attention. Mark had always been Layla's trusted confidant; his family, part of a prestigious Mafia alliance, excelled at safeguarding those they deemed worthy. Growing up alongside Layla had forged an unspoken bond, and he'd harbored a futile affection for her, aware of the insurmountable divide between them. The Hamiltons, though affluent, paled in comparison to Layla's family, who ruled the country's most influential organization. They dictated the flow of capital, silencing dissent with calculated precision, and orchestrated the entertainment industry with an iron fist. Yet, the McQueens rivalled their power, their legacy a blend of royal blood and tech innovation, with whispers of underworld connections. The animosity between these titans was palpable. Mark had long suppressed his feelings, especially after learning of her impending blind date with Warren Ohio, a foreigner her father had deemed worthy. The thought of escorting her to the opulent restaurant, ostensibly for protection, now felt like a cruel jest. Still, he was relieved she'd found someone of her stature – at least she'd be happy.