Marcus’s POV

I stood in the shadows of the Social Union’s VIP lounge, my burner phone pressed against my ear for what felt like countless times tonight. Robert Miller’s voicemail mocked me once again. Multiple attempts at reconciliation, and the old bastard still refused to take my calls.

All because I’d made a move on his precious daughter without realizing she was under his protection. Instead of understanding it was business as usual, Robert delivered some righteous lecture about honoring the code regardless of family connections. Then he had the nerve to tell me our years of alliance in the underworld was finished.

My jaw clenched as rage burned through my veins. This was all Dominic’s doing. My worthless son had recruited Miller’s daughter into his operation without bothering to inform me, and now I’d lost a crucial ally because of his incompetence. But Dominic would learn the price of crossing his father.

I forced myself to breathe steadily. Tonight’s gathering at the underground gambling den was about rebuilding connections with other powerful figures, and I needed to maintain my composure. As I moved toward the private dining area, movement near the entrance caught my attention.

A group of stunning women had just arrived, each one more captivating than the last. The Social Union certainly attracted quality companions for the family bosses these days. My eyes narrowed as I studied them carefully, recognizing two faces that made my pulse quicken with interest.

Zoe Miller stood among them, along with Gemma, Dominic’s current obsession. The others were unfamiliar, but if they moved in these circles, they were worth investigating. Information was leverage, and I always collected both.

Inside the dining hall, I spotted Arnold Cross sharing a meal with his daughter Beatrix. Arnold controlled key shipping routes for several families - exactly the kind of connection I needed to cultivate tonight. His daughter, however, was unremarkable in every way. Plain features, forgettable presence. Yet I knew Dominic had kept her as his companion for months, and the poor girl was completely infatuated with my son.

She must be seething about his new fixation. Perhaps that wounded pride could prove useful.

I approached their table with my most disarming smile. "Arnold, what a pleasure seeing you here. And Miss Beatrix, radiant as always. Will you be joining us for the evening’s entertainment?"

Beatrix’s cheeks flushed as she shook her head. "Thank you, Mr. Frost, but I’m meeting some associates. Perhaps another time?"

"Indeed, what a shame." I settled into conversation with Arnold, steering toward the topic weighing on my mind. "Tell me, how are your operations running these days?"

"Can’t complain about business. And Dominic? How’s that boy of yours managing his territory?"

I let my expression darken slightly. "Becoming more reckless by the day, I’m afraid. Sometimes I wonder where I failed in raising that kid."

Beatrix’s eyes lit up with sudden interest. "Oh Mr. Frost, I couldn’t help but notice Dominic’s been acting strangely lately. Ever since he started running with that crew over there." She gestured toward the women I’d spotted earlier.

"Really?" I kept my tone casual while my mind calculated possibilities. "And you know these women?"

"Unfortunately." Beatrix’s voice dripped with barely concealed venom. "They’re nothing but ambitious social climbers. That Zoe girl is absolutely vulgar - acts like some kind of enforcer. Gemma has somehow managed to completely bewitch Dominic. The brunette is Ivy, she was with Thorne until my friend Yara put an end to that arrangement. The redhead is with Black now, there’s another I don’t recognize, and the married one runs with Jude from Xavier’s crew."

"Troublemakers, then?"

"Completely toxic," Beatrix spat, her composure cracking. "They’re corrupting every decent man in the organization."

I leaned forward conspiratorially. "As his father, I’m genuinely worried about Dominic’s judgment. You know I’ve always believed you’d make an ideal match for him."

Beatrix’s smile could have powered the entire building. "I just need Dominic to see past that manipulative gold-digger and remember what we had together."

"Perhaps I could provide some assistance," I offered smoothly.

Arnold shot me a warning look. "Don’t fill my daughter’s head with schemes, Marcus."

I waved dismissively. "Relax, old friend. I’m simply looking out for Dominic’s future."

Beatrix practically vibrated with excitement. "Oh, here come my contacts now! Goodbye, Papa. Goodbye, Mr. Frost!" She hurried away, radiating anticipation.

I had to admit, Dominic’s taste had evolved considerably. Gemma was absolutely breathtaking, while Beatrix looked like a plain little sparrow. Still, sometimes the sparrow proved more useful than the prize.

Throughout dinner with my associates, I kept surveillance on the table of beautiful women. They were drawing appreciative glances from every connected man in the room, which only confirmed their potential value as assets.

When Gemma excused herself toward the powder room, opportunity presented itself. I made my own polite exit and caught Beatrix’s attention as I passed her table. The girl wasn’t completely dense - she understood my subtle signal and followed at a discreet distance.

"Stay sharp," I whispered to her near the corridor. "Gemma’s been sending me signals all evening. I’m certain she’s interested in making a connection. Make sure you capture whatever happens here."

Beatrix nodded eagerly and found a concealed position while I positioned myself strategically.

When Gemma emerged from the restroom, I moved swiftly, catching her wrist and pressing her against the wall. From Beatrix’s angle, it would appear like an intimate encounter, even though Gemma was clearly attempting to break free.

"We meet again," I said with practiced charm. "And this time, no witnesses."

"Witnesses to what? Release me." She pushed against my chest, but I maintained my grip.

"Come now, Gemma. No need for games. I know exactly what women in your position desire."

"Women in my position? You’re delusional. Get away from me."

I leaned closer, attempting to claim her lips, but she jerked her head away. Suddenly, a firm hand seized my shoulder and yanked me backward.

"The lady requested you to stop," a deep voice commanded. I turned to face one of the den’s security enforcers.

"She knows who I am," I said dismissively. "This is merely a misunderstanding." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"He’s harassing me," Gemma informed the enforcer. "Could you please intervene?"

"Absolutely, miss." The enforcer maintained his grip while addressing her. "Would you like to file a formal complaint with management?"

"No, I just want him to leave me alone."

"We’ll ensure that happens." The enforcer began escorting me away. "This way, sir."

The manager’s office felt suffocating as I endured their lecture while they reviewed surveillance footage. They reprimanded me for inappropriate conduct and banned me for the evening, threatening permanent exclusion if similar incidents occurred. Only my family’s historical standing saved me from immediate banishment.

Beatrix waited anxiously outside as I was escorted from the building.

"Mr. Frost, what happened? I saw security remove you."

"The little actress spotted the muscle and played victim," I replied, maintaining my cordial facade. "I trust you captured something worthwhile during this inconvenience."

Beatrix’s face transformed with triumph. "Mr. Frost, you’ll be very pleased. Look at this."

She displayed her phone screen, and I had to suppress my satisfaction. The photograph was flawless - taken at precisely the right angle to suggest a romantic encounter between two consenting adults. Anyone viewing this image would assume Gemma had been an eager participant.

"Exceptional work, my dear. Now act quickly, before she has opportunity to spin this narrative to Dominic."

"Leave everything to me!" Beatrix practically danced away, clutching her phone like precious contraband.

This evening at the Social Union had exceeded all expectations. Soon my arrogant son would discover that his father still wielded the real power in this family, and that defying me carried severe consequences.

As I walked to my vehicle, anticipation coursed through my veins. The next few hours would prove very entertaining indeed.