I tilted my chin. "Meaning?"
"The moment they know you’re the last living Morri, you become a target—an easier target for their ambition. Your father owns all the docks in this harbour quarter now. They’re a major hub for shipping that comes through here. They’ll want your favor."
"I have my husband," I said in pride, folding my arms. "I won’t be an easy target. Or have you forgotten who I’m married to?"
He smirked. "I’m very much aware your husband is the infamous Serpent, and I know his reputation far more than you do."
"Then—"
"You need to make a stand for yourself, Anastasia."
His abrupt words made me narrow my eyes.
"Do you intend to stand behind your husband forever? Do you want him to gain control of everything?"
I scowled at his words.
"Your families have been merged upon marriage, but Roman still had control of the docks. Now he’s gone, that changes everything. In Hightower, it’s every Don for a quarter, and there has never been the case of owning two at a time. It has only ever been in portions or nothing."
He arched a bow. "This is different, Anastasia. Do you realize how powerful Zade will become? With the docks under his influence as well as his domain, he’s basically the monarch of this city."
My chest rose and fell in slow, heavy breaths before I finally found the will to speak. "I think this discussion is over."
I moved, but he seized my arm, and I gasped when he pulled me back to him.
I glanced at the guests, but they were all taken over with their discussion to even take notice of this absurdity.
"Zade could’ve had something to do with your father’s death."
I yanked my arm away from his hold and hissed at him. "Lies!"
"I have my sources. I also know Zade was the reason behind Roman’s debt-ridden state."
My heart dropped. Julius knew about that?
"Roman came to me when he’d hit rock bottom. Like a dog, he begged me to help. But he’d already severed what remained of our brotherhood and still had the nerve to seek me out."
That was so like my father. I pondered where else he crawled to before he finally decided to sell his own daughter.
Julius paused when he realized I didn’t react.
"You knew about this? You knew Zade had something to do with your father’s debts?"
"..."
"Interesting, though, I must warn you, he’s a man of secrets. The perks of being a Don."
"Zade had nothing to do with my father’s death," I said flatly. "Whatever you say won’t convince me otherwise. And I’m very much aware of the position my husband holds."
I still think Annabeth was behind this, as stupid as I may sound, but it was the strong point I was going with. Zade didn’t know she called me ’Stasia’ when we were little.
"What about Jacob?" Julius asked out of the blue.
I scowled. "Jacob?"
"He was your father’s right-hand man and your bodyguard. Roman treated him like a son, so where is he now?"
I opened my mouth, but I couldn’t find words.
"I have the answer to that. He’s been missing for months."
"M-Missing?"
"But that is beside the point, because a body turned up, barely recognizable, and the DNA matched his. Apparently, he drowned."
A shiver shot through me.
"He’s dead, Anastasia. I have no reason to lie to you."
A sharp ringing plugged my ears, and my breathing grew harsher by the second. Jacob and I may have had our fall out, but we grew up together, and I considered him family.
I nearly lost my footing if Julius wasn’t quick to hold me.
"If you think I’ve any reason to lie to you, then ask your husband about Jacob."
I darted my glassy eyes to him. "How do I know you aren’t telling me all this to gain my favor? You’re just like every single person in this room, here to offer their fake condolences to get on my good side."
He smiled. "Is that what you think, Anastasia? Your opinion of me is quite low. I’m wounded."
"I don’t know you..." I began with venom in my voice. "I don’t trust you, either. You’re a stranger. So don’t think you can just waltz into my life and cause a rift between my husband and me."
Despite my threat, he seemed intrigued. "Ah, that fire certainly doesn’t come from your father, who was a spineless fool, or your mother, who was more of a kind soul. The Salvero’s influence on you is strong; I’d have been disappointed if you turned out like your father."
He leaned closer, and my body locked when he whispered in my ear. "I understand if you don’t trust me, little one. But I want you to know... I’m on your side."
I tensed up when I felt his nostril flare, but before I could figure out what that was, he was off me, creating a space that wasn’t there a few seconds ago.
"Mr. Salvero."
With wide eyes, I turned to Zade, just walking into the gallery. He didn’t halt his steps until he was beside me. He observed me for a while before dragging his hollow eyes back to Julius.
"I trust the meeting went well. I know that Roman’s business partners must have wanted to seek an audience. Given the timing, they must’ve been here to see Anastasia."
"You know a lot more than I thought," Zade replied coldly.
"I’m just making sure—"
A sharp crack split through the gallery; the window beside us exploded, and shards of glass rained.
Zade wrapped his arms around me and redirected me away from the fragments.
More cracks rang out. Bullets punctured the walls, and screams shook the space. I felt the impact of the floor, and a body over me shielding me from the constant burst of glass flying around.
The shattering ceased, and the bullets stopped, leaving only screams and chaotic movements.
When I finally got my bearings, I realized Zade was hovering over me. I looked down and froze when I saw blood staining my palm.