Chapter 4 The Price of Silence

The following days passed in a blur. Ariana couldn't escape the weight that had settled on her chest, a constant pressure that lingered no matter how hard she tried to ignore it. Her mind was consumed by thoughts of Dante Rossi, the dangerous man who had promised her a way out-if only she played his game.

Her phone rang just after noon, the number unfamiliar. She hesitated for a moment before answering, her fingers gripping the edge of the table as her heart skipped in anticipation.

"Ariana Steele," a low, controlled voice greeted her. "We have some business to discuss."

It was the man from the door the night before. He hadn't introduced himself, but there was no mistaking the authority in his tone. She held her breath, her mind racing. It had only been a few days, and already, it felt like she was drowning in this world she didn't belong in.

"I'm listening," she replied, keeping her voice steady despite the flutter of anxiety in her chest.

"You'll meet us tonight," the voice instructed. "We'll send someone to guide you. Don't make us wait."

Before she could respond, the line went dead. The click of the disconnect felt like a final warning.

The rest of the day dragged on, every minute heavier than the last. She couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was waiting for her. Lucas's voice echoed in her mind, reminding her of the promise she had made to protect him. But how could she keep him safe when she was walking deeper into a web of lies and danger that she couldn't untangle?

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ariana's doorbell rang. She stood frozen for a moment, her body stiff with dread. She knew who it was before she even opened the door.

Standing there, dressed in a black suit with an expression as cold as stone, was the man from the night before. His sunglasses still covered his eyes, but his presence spoke volumes. He was a part of Dante's world, and Ariana had no doubt he'd come for her.

"Ms. Steele," he said, his voice as calm and detached as before. "It's time."

She nodded, her throat tight. She couldn't fight this anymore. Not if she wanted to protect her brother. "Lead the way."

---

The car ride to the meeting location was silent, the tension in the air thick enough to cut with a knife. Ariana sat in the back seat, her eyes flicking nervously between the dark streets outside and the man sitting across from her. His hands were folded neatly in his lap, his expression unreadable as he stared out the window.

The car eventually came to a stop in front of a building that seemed to loom in the darkened street. It was an industrial area, quiet, with no signs of life. Ariana's stomach tightened as the man opened the door and motioned for her to step out.

"Here," he said, leading her toward the building's entrance. There was no security, no visible guards, just a single door at the base of the building that appeared to be the only way in.

Ariana's instincts screamed at her to turn and run. This was it. This was where she found out just how deep Dante's influence ran. But there was no turning back now. She had to face it head-on.

Inside, the air was thick with the smell of old wood and dust. The lights flickered overhead as they walked down a narrow hallway. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, the anxiety almost suffocating. Each step seemed to take her deeper into the unknown.

The man stopped in front of a heavy door, knocking twice before opening it without waiting for a response. Inside, a group of men were seated around a large table, their eyes turning to Ariana as she entered. At the head of the table, Dante sat, his dark eyes locked on her the moment she stepped into the room.

"Ms. Steele," Dante greeted her smoothly, his voice as calm as ever, but there was a dangerous edge to it. "You're on time. I like that."

Ariana kept her posture straight, forcing herself to appear calm despite the chaos swirling inside her. "I'm here. Let's get this over with."

Dante's smile widened, but it didn't reach his eyes. He motioned to the empty seat next to him, and the man who had escorted her to the building pulled out the chair. Ariana sat down slowly, her hands clenched in her lap to keep them from trembling.

"We have a situation," Dante said, his voice lowering as he leaned forward. "You've proven yourself capable enough to handle the work I require. But now, there's a test."

Ariana's heart skipped. She didn't like the sound of that. "What kind of test?"

"The kind that separates the weak from the strong," Dante replied, his voice smooth as ever. "The money I need laundered is not the only thing that's on the line. There's a matter of trust." His gaze locked onto hers, his expression hardening. "And loyalty."

A chill ran down Ariana's spine. She couldn't read him anymore. Dante wasn't just a businessman or a criminal-he was a player, manipulating everything and everyone around him for reasons she couldn't fathom.

"What do you want from me?" Ariana asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I want you to prove you're willing to play the game," Dante said. "This test will require you to make a choice-one that will either elevate you in my eyes, or ensure you never work with me again."

Ariana swallowed hard, her throat dry. "What's the choice?"

Dante's smile was cold, and his eyes gleamed with something darker. "You'll have to decide what price you're willing to pay for power. For survival."

He paused, letting the words hang in the air between them. Then he leaned back in his chair, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest as he waited for her response.

Ariana's mind raced. She wasn't sure if she was ready for this, but it was clear that the moment she stepped into this world, there was no going back. The game had already begun, and the only question left was whether she could survive it.

"I'm ready," she said, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her.

Dante's eyes gleamed with approval. "Good. Let's begin."