Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Dima watched me. “Was it inferred?”
I undid my fingers and ran my hand through my hair.
Dima looked at the device. “Let the record show that Lei from the Four Aces is avoiding the question.”
I sighed. “She probably wanted to leave in that hour but by the end of the night she was fine with staying.”
Dima raised the pen in the air. “Or did she feel forced to stay?”
Banks scoffed.
“Listen.” I unfolded my arms and placed my hands back on the table. “We are together now. Regardless of what happened on that mountain, she has stepped into the position of my Mountain Mistress. She has her own men—”
“She has your men.” Banks pointed at me. “That doesn’t count.”
“My father gave her an army of men.”
Shock hit everyone’s faces, even Duck. It appeared that Chen had not told him about her new properties.
I continued, “He also gave her several properties within the Four Aces that puts her on equal footing with me. So much that. . .she may be making important decisions in the future that would not only impact the Four Aces but our position in the Diamond Syndicate. And if you don’t believe me, then ask her.”
Marcelo and Banks exchanged glances.
Dima scribbled notes.
Marcelo eyed me. “I want Rowe Street Mob’s lawyers to go over all paperwork that she has signed and will have to sign in the future.”
“Is that what you want?”
“Yes.”
“Fuck you. That will never happen.”
“Fuck me?” Marcelo touched his chest and then pointed to me. “No. Fuck you—”
“Alright. Alright. Fuck everybody.” Dima closed the notebook. “I’ve heard enough.”
We turned our views to him.
Dima’s cat purred as if to second his impending judgment.
Dima’s gaze swept over us all before he cleared his throat. “After reviewing the details and hearing all parties involved, I have reached my judgment.”
I sat back in my chair, trying to keep my expression neutral, though the anger seethed just below the surface. I was ready for whatever was coming, but I didn’t like the way Dima’s eyes narrowed as he prepared to speak.
There were many ways he could lay down his judgement. Execution if he truly wanted to, but that would never happen. Some had gone into his dungeon for violating Law 480, but I knew he needed me to handle my father so I was pretty sure that was out.
Therefore, he could hand Rowe Street Mob a judgement that would give them more power and place them in a higher position with the Diamond Syndicate.
And then there were all types of penalties.
“Regarding Law 480,” Dima continued, “it has been determined that it was not violated in this case."
Oh.
I blinked.
Thank you, Dima.
Chen blew out a long breath on my side as if he had been holding it in this whole time.
Dima continued, “The records and testimonies indicate that while Lei's actions were extreme and unorthodox, they do not fall under the purview of Law 480.”
Marcelo’s face reddened with frustration.
Dima shrugged. “The law is designed to address specific inhumane breaches toward Diamond Syndicate family. Things like a Syndicate family member raping, beating, kidnapping, and/or killing another’s family member for no excusable reason but greed and other wicked things.”
Banks hit the table. “Are you kidding me? He admitted to kidnapping my cousin. He clearly didn’t follow the law!”
“He admitted that he would kidnap her, but she sounded like a willing party throughout at least 90% of her stay—”
“What about Stockton Syndrome?”
“You mean Stockholm Syndrome and I bet that if I had Moni come to this table, she would confirm that she was very willing.” Dima gestured to Lotus Blossom. “Banks, would you like your cousin to give her statement? She expressed that she wanted to earlier.”
Marcelo answered for him. “No.”
“I didn’t think so.” Dima closed his notebook. “In this situation, Lei’s actions, however questionable, do not constitute a clear violation in regard to Law 480.”
The cat purred louder.
“Barbara agrees with me.” He stroked the cat’s fur as if to emphasize the point.
Banks opened his mouth to retort, but Dima held up a hand. “Let me finish. While Law 480 was not violated, it does not mean Lei’s actions were without consequence."
What?
I tensed.
He continued, “The Four Aces did not handle the situation appropriately.”
Chen wiped away the sweat beading on his forehead. After tomorrow, I would have to give my cousin a short vacation. His stress levels were climbing higher and higher each day.
Dima pointed to me. “For that reason, the Four Aces will be penalized.”
I spoke through clenched teeth, “What kind of penalty?”
Dima’s gaze turned cold, letting me know that all patience had left him and if I did push it. . .he was more than willing to risk any rules and shoot all of us.
His position as Syndicate Leader meant that him and his men were the only ones at the meeting with weapons. And I knew for a fact that he had two guns under that open suit jacket of his.