My Second Marriage with the Mafia Kingpin-Chapter 31: Hit a Jackpot

Lucian stood by the window of his room, a glass of whiskey in his hand. The view from his room showed the district and, far away, the vibrant city. Even at this hour, one could see that the city was just as lively as ever compared to the place they were in.

But unlike his usual cool front, he listened to Gustav’s report with a sharp expression. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"We’ve checked Patrick’s account, and we’ve confirmed large sums of money have been going in and out of it," Gustav continued his report. "We’ve seized his men and those he planted in the hotel."

There was more Gustav had found out when they started looking into the movements in the city prior to their arrival.

The more they looked into it, the more concerning the information they uncovered.

For instance, the hotel they were supposed to stay at before Ashley threw a tantrum was filled with assassins posing as guests. Then there were even more dangerous people in the city. The number of arms Dominion seized told them the enemy was prepared to go to war.

"And most importantly, this district is a place they couldn’t touch as it’s supported by the President himself," Gustav explained, referring to the current president, who had once been the mayor of this district. "When we seized Patrick, it seemed they were discussing how to lure us out of this district."

Gustav’s heart thudded as he went quiet, dwelling on this information and much more.

Learning all of this was easy, but until Tommy had given them a tip a few hours ago, Dominion had no idea what was going on. If not for that, Dominion would’ve been in a delicate position. Even if Gustav was confident in their members’ skills and capabilities, an ambush would still throw off their formation.

"Who else is involved?" Lucian asked as he raised the glass of whiskey to his lips.

"There are a total of five groups. Some are from smaller organizations. However, a few were mercenaries Patrick hired for his own protection. But I believe they hired these mercenaries for another reason," Gustav guessed. "These mercenaries, after all, were recently established. In case their mission failed, the investigation would stop at them."

Lucian didn’t answer as he took a sip, deep in thought.

"Master, Patrick has had Dominion’s support for a long time," Gustav remarked. "How should we deal with him?"

Lucian glanced over his shoulder. "Have you touched him?"

"Not yet, as per your order."

The big boss’s order was that he wanted to talk to Patrick first, but they didn’t want to drag the man into this hotel or to another location. For some reason, Lucian had ordered it this way, which didn’t make sense to Gustav.

"Bring him back into our territory," Lucian ordered as he slowly faced Gustav. "I’ll meet him there."

Gustav furrowed his brows, but regardless, he lowered his head. "Yes, sir."

"As for the rest, seize their arms and keep a few breathing," Lucian ordered, only to pause when he heard a knock on the door.

Even Gustav paused and looked back, just in time to see Ashley popping her head through the door. His mouth curved down at the sight of her while they were in the middle of an important discussion. However, his displeasure toward Ashley didn’t restrain him at the moment.

If anything...

This woman...

Gustav bit his tongue, studying her face as it brightened before she pulled the door wider open, wheeling in a trolley cart.

Did she know the hotel was a dangerous place? Or was it just a pure coincidence?

Either way, Ashley’s tantrums and whims to change locations—leading them to this place—saved them from the worst. Luck or not, Gustav was aware they wouldn’t be talking like this if they had ended up in a different district or hotel.

Everything just played in their favor.

"Make them talk, Gustav," Lucian’s voice brought Gustav back to the present moment. "Also, look into the people who knew about this plan beforehand. It’s better to be certain no one leaked the information aside from Patrick."

Gustav bit his tongue, glancing in Ashley’s direction, who was quietly wheeling in a set of tea.

This was so Lucian.

His boss would continue speaking about important matters and issuing orders even in her presence. But this time, Gustav didn’t dwell on it.

"Yes, sir."

Having said that, Gustav excused himself and turned, facing Ashley. She stood upright next to the trolley, her lips pressed and her eyes wide, looking completely innocent.

Then, before he left through the door, she turned to Lucian with a bubbly smile.

"Lu, I want to talk to you about something important~!" she intoned, rolling the trolley nearer to Lucian. "But after Gustav leaves. It’s very important."

Gustav paused at the door and glared at her briefly. The nerve of that girl.

He didn’t dwell on it, though, as he moved to execute Lucian’s orders.

As for Ashley, she jumped toward Lucian and tugged his arm, dragging him to sit down.

"I told you not to drink any alcohol because I’m going to prepare tea!" she nagged, sitting him down.

But before she could serve the tea, Lucian grabbed her arm and yanked her down to his lap. Her eyes shook for a moment, her hand clutching his shoulder on instinct. When she looked up at him, all she saw was a pair of sharp eyes assessing her face.

Ashley blinked, finally noticing the sharp look on his face. It used to scare her, but not anymore.

"What is it?" she asked quietly, leaning her face closer with curiosity.

Lucian narrowed his eyes briefly. "Did you know?"

"Huh?" she tilted her head. "Know what? The soil??"

"The first hotel," he said. "I received a tip that there was strange movement in the city before we even arrived. And our first hotel was filled with assassins posing as guests."

"What...?" A look of genuine surprise crossed her face.

Assassins? I didn’t know that. I just knew there were members of different organizations. I think... mercenaries too. I didn’t know assassins were included as well.

Meanwhile, Lucian studied her reaction and could tell she was just as surprised.

So it was just a coincidence, he thought.

Lucian let out a shallow breath until she finally lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. Ashley blinked innocently before smiling.

I guess Uncle Tommy gave him the tip, she thought. Well, that fixes it! Dominion wouldn’t have fallen for the ambush if they had taken the first move. And knowing Dominion, I guess I didn’t need to do anything else!

"Why are you smiling like that?" he asked, only to hear her giggle.

Ashley moved closer to him, unbothered by her spot on his lap. Her smile widened until her eyes squinted.

"Because like I said, I’m your lucky charm," she winked. "Do you believe me now?"

Lucian rocked his head mildly because it seemed he truly did have some luck protecting him this time.

Lucian’s phone vibrated on the table.

Ashley glanced at it briefly before looking back at him with a quiet smile.

"You should answer it," she urged, making him arch a brow. "I think it’s good news."

He tilted his head slightly at her smile and, somehow, listened to her advice.

As soon as Lucian heard the voice from the other end of the line, his brows rose, and he looked at her.

Ashley was twinkling, beaming, as if she were sure of her claim.

Lucian raised his hand and, using his fingertips, listened to the other person on the line while gently tucking a few strands of her hair behind her ear.

It was not luck or protection she brought; it was... a jackpot.

"Thank you," he muttered, holding her gaze. "Mr. President. I’ll see you soon."