Angela's heart skipped a beat as she heard his words. The severity in his voice, the frustration behind it—it was impossible to ignore.
Her breath caught in her throat as she stood, pacing in front of him. "Lyan, please... it's not like that. I never wanted to drag you into this. But Anthony is..."
She faltered, struggling to find the right words. "He's not just a mafia boss. He controls everything—every move I make, every choice. I thought I could protect you by keeping you in the dark, but now I see that I've made it worse. I'm sorry."
"That's why I need to know what kind of deal you have with him. If you don't tell me, then leave. It's one or the other," Lyan said, standing up to leave.
"I don't have deals with him, Lyan," Angela said, her voice shaky, filled with pain and hurt. "I never asked for any of this. I was just... caught up in his world. I never wanted to do it, but I didn't have a choice. It was either comply, or he'd hurt people I love."
Lyan froze, then slowly turned his head toward her. "What do you mean? Because there's always a choice."
"Anthony is my uncle. My mom's step-brother. It started when I was fourteen."
Angela's voice broke, and tears filled her eyes as she struggled to finish. "…threatening that if I didn't do what he wanted, he'd kill my mom. He said no one would believe me if I reported it to the police, that he could make my mom and I disappear without anyone asking questions."
Her words hit Lyan like a face slap. For a moment he regretted using harsh words like he did. He stood there, motionless, his expression unreadable, but his fists clenched at his sides.
Angela took a shaky breath, her voice trembling. "I was just a kid. I didn't know how to fight back. He... he made me part of his world, used me to manipulate people, to get what he wanted. He abused me every single night. And I stayed quiet because I knew it would keep my mom safe. But now, she's in his hands, and I don't know what to do."
Lyan slowly sank back into his chair, his eyes fixed on her. "How could someone be this heartless? Abusing his niece and threatening to kill his sister?" He thought for a moment, then looked up at her.
"Angela…" he began, his voice reflecting the understanding and regret he had in his heart. "You should have told me this from the start. It's not your fault this all happened."
"I was scared," Angela admitted, her hands trembling as she tried to make a meaningful explanation. "You've been so kind to me, and I didn't want you to look at me the way you're looking at me now."
Lyan shook his head, leaning forward with a determined expression. "The only person I'm angry at is Anthony. He's going to pay for what he's done. To you, to your mom—he won't get away with it."
Angela's breath caught, a flicker of hope breaking through her despair. "Lyan, I… I don't want you to get hurt because of me. He's dangerous."
Lyan met her gaze, his voice firm. "I've dealt with dangerous people before. You're not facing this alone anymore. But you have to trust me completely, Angela. No more hiding, no more half-truths. If we're going to stop him, I need everything you know."
Angela nodded, wiping her tears. "I'll tell you everything."
"I've sent my men to rescue your mother. You will live here until he's arrested. No getting out until then." Lyan said.
He leaned back in his chair, his expression softening just slightly as he continued, "They're some of the best. She'll be safe soon. In the meantime, you'll stay here, Angela. This is the safest place for you until Anthony is arrested."
Angela's eyes widened. "You sent people after him? Lyan, you don't know how far his influence reaches. He has eyes everywhere—"
"So do I!" Lyan interrupted, his voice firm and resolute. He pulled out his phone, and began dialing as he walked toward the study.
Once inside, Lyan closed the door behind him and leaned against the large mahogany desk. Lyan's voice carried an icy precision as he spoke into the phone. "I want updates, and I don't want any of this connected to me in any way. You get what I mean?"
"She's already been rescued," Andrew said on the other end of the line, "but they're being followed right now."
Lyan's posture stiffened at Andrew's words. His hand gripped the edge of the desk as his voice dropped into a cold, commanding tone. "What? Ensure no one gets caught. Do whatever it takes to lose them, but no casualties on our side—understood?"
Andrew's response was immediate. "Understood, sir. I've already deployed a secondary team for backup. They'll intercept if necessary."
His expression hardened with no mercy. "Good. I want them to move fast and stay clean. No traces, no mistakes. Keep Angela's mother safe at all costs. Once they're secure, I want their location locked down tight."
"Yes, sir. I'll keep you updated every step of the way," Andrew replied.
Lyan ended the call and stood silently for a moment. He got out of the study and walked back into the living room. He took his jacket from the hanger and quickly left the house. He walked to the coat rack, grabbed his jacket, and slipped it on.
Angela, sitting in the living room, looked up at him with hope as he left the house. She followed behind him to stop him.
"Where are you going?" Angela asked hesitantly.
"To make sure everything is handled," Lyan replied curtly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Before Angela could press further, Lyan was already heading out the door.
Outside, the sleek black car was waiting at the curb. The driver, ever attentive, stepped forward and opened the door for him without a word. Lyan slid into the back seat, his movements swift and purposeful.
"Where to, sir?" the driver asked, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.