7:18 am — Chicago, Illinois

In a high-rise luxury apartment building on the 40th floor, sunshine slowly glowed through the slits of the window. The walls were cream-colored, and the sheets were pale pink. Dark luscious hair splayed across the pillow of a woman whose eyes were covered with a black silk sleeping eye mask.

The phone on the nightstand lit up, and it started vibrating, the screen flashing a number whose caller I.D. was saved as "Mr. L". She reached for her phone and answered it without removing her mask. "Who's this?" she asked in a groggy voice.

"Good morning, doll," said the man from the other line.

Hearing the deep familiar voice, Lauretta abruptly sat up on her bed and removed her eye mask, a smile forming on her face as she ran her fingers through her smooth hair. "Hey, sailor."

The man scoffed. "I'm a marine, not a sailor, Lor."

"Whatever. It's the same to me. Finally. Here I was, starting to think you're ignoring me."

"I'd never do that. You know that. I've just been busy here and only had the chance to return your call. What's up, doll? Miss me?"

"I actually do." Lauretta swung her legs off the bed and walked towards a small refrigerator she kept near her dresser and pulled out a bottle of Perrier, twisting the cap and then drinking a fourth of it to soothe her dry throat. "But since you're so busy, I'll cut to the chase. I know you have a history with someone I know. Angela Su…"

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and she waited for a few beats before she heard the man's response. "How do you know her?"

She smiled, feeling like she was already halfway there, knowing that she got the right man for her plan. When she asked someone to look into Angela's background, she received a report that same night and was pleasantly surprised to find Evan being associated with Angela. And not just a mere association, they dated for a while and had that video scandal about him choking her in the club. She didn't feel pity seeing the other at all.

"Well, if Uncle hasn't told you yet, I'm engaged."

"You hurt me, doll. I thought we had a thing?"

Her cheeks heated at the thought of the man she was talking to. She and Evan hooked up a few times over the years since their family began working with the Leos. It's nothing serious. The man had gorgeous eyes, a ripped body that's to die for, and a wild sexual appetite that satisfied her kinks—one that Angela certainly didn't enjoy, but Lauretta did. However sexually compatible she and Evan were, he was too far away. So the only times they got together was whenever he came to visit the city.

"I'm flattered. You do know I like men in uniform," she said. "But this engagement is arranged by the family. I have no say in it. And honestly, I want this to happen."

"What does this have to do with Angela?" Evan probed. "And how are you familiar with her?"

Without any more delay, Lauretta explained, "My second cousin, Nina Lopez, is Angela's friend. You probably know her."

There was another pause on the other end of the line as if he was contemplating. "Of course. I know Nina. But I didn't know you were family. You never told me."

"Small world, isn't it?" She chuckled, feeling utterly delighted.

"What is it you really want?"

Lauretta strolled towards the window, watching the sunrise while feeling tingles buzzing in her body, excited for what's about to come. She could already taste the endgame on the tip of her tongue. "I know you and Uncle Marino have your own deal. But how about making one with me?"

She heard him smirk through the receiver, the kind where she knew it only made him hotter. "What could you possibly offer me, Lor, that I can't refuse?"

As early as now, she already knew she caught him. "A Morelli favor. Anything you want. I'll make it happen. Help, resources… Anything at all." The corner of her lips curled into a grin. Evan Leos and his father had been associates with their family, so Evan would know what her words entail. Their business with the Morelli is just that, a business transaction. But owning a favor that he could cash out any time would be like finding a pot of gold on his doorstep. He'd be a fool if he refused.

"In exchange for what?"

"Your little ex-girlfriend is in the way of my engagement. I don't care what you have to do, but she needs to stay the hell away from my fiancé."

Evan's voice hardened when he responded, "Who the fuck is your fiancé?"

Just the slight change in his attitude told her that this would be easier than she thought it was. She had a feeling that he could be a little obsessive—though never with her—but if her intuition was right, maybe this marine only had eyes for a particular fish in the sea.

"Gael De Luca."

"The fuck? Your family's enemy?"

"It's a long story, darling. I'll tell you when I see you. Now, do we have a deal?"

His answer came fast, but there's a bite to it when he spoke. "Maybe. There's just one fucking problem. She's been hiding from me, and I haven't been able to find her. It's especially tough since I'm not on the ground. I got close one time, but I think she moved out."

Lauretta clicked her tongue. "Tsk tsk tsk." She knew it. This man was definitely obsessed with Angela. Why else would he be looking for her if they had been over since that scandal over six years ago? Then she smiled. "She's slippery, I see. I don't know what your deal is with her, and frankly, I couldn't care less. I just want her away so this wedding can happen. I'll find out her new address. Consider it done. But when are you coming home?"

"Soon, doll. If you find her, I'll thank you however you want. And I'll keep her away from that fucker. But you'll still owe me a favor," answered Evan.

"Of course." She giggled. "Oh, you can have me however you want. You know where to find me."

"I have to go, doll. Let's keep in touch."

The call ended, and the smile on Lauretta's face was so wide, she looked like a witch stirring a cauldron—only the scheme she was cooking would be served with Angela's head on a platter.

The engagement started with her being dispassionate about it. But once she decided what's hers, she would make sure no one else could have it.

Gael and Giovanni might have threatened her with the information they have on her, but that's why Lauretta's using Evan. They wouldn't know she'll be behind it. After all, Evan was already obsessed with Angela anyway. Lauretta was only moving several pieces to help him out.

Looking far ahead, her eyes sparkled as she watched the sky. "I'm coming for you, Angie… And you won't know until I'm right in front of you."