I was pressed against the kitchen counter, feeling my back dampen with cold sweat.

Fighting down the unease, I forced a smile at him. “Of course. I love you. I would never lie to you.”

He studied me quietly, lost in thought. I knew this man, when deeply suspicious, could at any moment pick up a gun and end my life. Then, unexpectedly, he let out a soft chuckle, his hand grazing my waist with a measured, almost casual pressure.

“Indeed,” he murmured. “It’s just a photo together… It doesn’t really prove anything.”

He released me, his smile light and effortless. He even picked up a ladle to stir the broth in the pot.

“Dinner’s ready, isn’t it? I’m hungry, Eliza,” he said, his gaze locked on me.

“Food’s ready. Just wait a moment.” I straightened my clothes, nodding. Only when my fingertips brushed the hem did I notice how soaked my back had become from the cold sweat.

During that meal, I chewed mechanically. Truthfully, every day with Mark felt the same, and I never truly tasted anything. My mind was always consumed with thoughts of dragging him down into hell for the sake of my family who had died.

That thought was driving me to the brink of madness until his relaxed voice cut through my spiraling thoughts.

“Eliza, a new shipment is arriving at the Port of Genoa tomorrow. You’ll handle it personally.”

I lifted my gaze over the spread of dishes and looked at him across the table.

“The buyer is cautious. Go alone. Don’t bring anyone with you.”

I froze for a moment, instinctively asking, “What kind of shipment is it?”

He met my eyes, a faintly enigmatic smile curling at his lips. I immediately understood that I wasn’t meant to know.

Mark had always been like that. Even with me, every move was guarded. It was why, after six years, I still hadn’t avenged my family.

I nodded and picked up my bag. “Alright, I’ll head out then. Tomorrow–”

As I passed him, he caught my wrist.

“What’s distracting you today?” His fingers traced the pulse point of my wrist, not letting go.

I forced a wry smile. “I handled a traitor betraying the family this afternoon. I might be a little tired from that.”

He said nothing, but he didn’t release me either. The room fell silent. I could feel the warmth of his fingertips against my skin, brushing over me slowly, deliberately.

“Baby… stay tonight, okay?” His voice softened.

I instinctively tried to refuse. “No, I still have–”

Before I could finish, he yanked me into his arms. He pressed me against the dining table, and before I could react, his lips were on my neck, his kiss carrying an almost violent possessiveness.

The dim lights flickered, and in my panic, I looked up at his eyes. There it was, an uncontrollable desire, and a terrifying kind of madness.

I barely slept that night. By the time I got up the next morning, Mark was already gone. I took a shower, trying to calm myself down. The deal Mark mentioned was scheduled for midnight at the port of Genoa, so I still had time to prepare. However, I first had to figure out two things.

The first thing I had to figure out was who Lilian was. If she really were Mark’s weakness, then revenge would be simple. However, if she wasn’t, then she was targeting me, trying to drive me away from him. Her true purpose remained a mystery.

The second thing was to figure out whether my identity had been exposed, and that worried me the most. Mark was cunning and ruthless, and no one could predict his next move. Everyone in the family feared him because he could smile at you while sending you to meet your maker.

My father, on his deathbed, had gripped my hand and said, “Make sure the Carillo family pays for every drop of blood.”

For that promise, I had spent six years in the shadows, enduring the gnawing of my conscience while my hands were stained with blood. That obsession was what had kept me alive all these years, and I absolutely couldn’t fail.

By 11:30 p.m., my car rolled along the empty highway. Even before reaching the harbor, the salty scent of the sea filled the air. Several black cars were already parked at the port. Their headlights shot out like blinding beams, forcing me to squint. This mission reeked of danger, but I couldn’t defy Mark’s orders. One refusal, and my cover would be completely blown.

I opened the car door, hands tucked into the pockets of my trench coat, squinting toward the man in front of the vehicle. He was my contact for the deal. Known as “Mad Dog” Bill, he was an outlaw who had built his empire through smuggling. Brutal and insane, his hands were stained with countless lives.

“Got the goods?” he asked lazily, hopping out of the car and sizing me up with a greedy look.

I forced down my unease and pointed toward the trunk. “They’re in there. Take a look for yourself.”

He raised an eyebrow, showing no intention of inspecting it. “Miss, do you mind opening it for me?”

His gaze lingered on me, full of ill intent. Something felt off, but the car lights surrounded me. There was nowhere to run.

I opened the trunk, but inside, there were no goods. There was only a thick stack of top-secret files revealing my true identity.

Bill let out a hoarse, eerie laugh. “Hehe… Ms. Anderson… Don’t you get it yet? You’re the goods.”