CHAPTER 2

The convoy of cars rolled into the sprawling Russo estate, engines rumbling like thunder before settling into silence. The wrought-iron gates closed behind them with a metallic clang, sealing the world outside away.

For Remy Martins, every second felt unreal. He sat stiffly in the back seat, hands clasped tightly in his lap, staring out at the looming mansion that awaited him. It was beautiful in a cold, merciless way—stone walls, sharp lines, endless windows like eyes watching everything.

When the door opened, the chill of the evening air hit him. A guard gestured for him to step out. His legs trembled as he obeyed, the weight of unseen eyes pressing down on him.

Inside, the mansion was grand and suffocating. Black marble floors gleamed under the chandeliers, and the silence was heavy, as though the walls themselves demanded obedience. Guards lined the corridors, their stares sharp, their expressions unreadable.

At the far end of the hall, a man stood waiting.

Tyrone Russo.

Remy’s breath caught. Tyrone was taller than he expected, broad-shouldered, his presence dark and commanding. Dressed in black, his tailored suit molded to his frame like armor. His expression was carved from stone, and his eyes—those cold, piercing eyes—locked onto Remy with ruthless precision.

Remy felt stripped bare under that gaze, his pulse thundering in his ears.

“So,” Tyrone’s deep voice rumbled, smooth but heavy with disdain, “this is the one they expect me to marry?”

The words struck Remy like a blow. His lips parted, but no sound came. His instinct screamed at him to lower his head, to make himself small. And yet… something in him resisted. His fists curled at his sides, a quiet rebellion flickering in his chest.

Before Remy could respond, another voice broke through the thick silence.

“Brother, you’re scaring him.”

All eyes turned to the grand staircase. Oliver Russo, Tyrone’s younger brother, descended with an ease that contrasted everything about the mansion. His presence was lighter, his smile warm, his dark eyes holding no malice.

“Oliver,” Tyrone said flatly, irritation lacing his tone.

“Don’t ‘Oliver’ me,” the younger man shot back, brushing past his brother as though he weren’t the most feared man in the city. Oliver approached Remy and offered his hand with a grin. “I’m Oliver. And you must be Remy.”

Remy blinked, startled by the kindness in his voice. Hesitant at first, he placed his smaller hand in Oliver’s. The handshake was firm but gentle, grounding him after the storm of Tyrone’s presence.

“Y-yes,” Remy whispered.

Oliver smiled wider. “Don’t worry. Not everyone in this house bites.” He threw a playful glance at his brother. “Well… at least not all the time.”

Tyrone’s jaw ticked, his dark eyes narrowing. Oliver, as always, was fearless in the face of his temper.

“Enough,” Tyrone warned, his tone sharp.

But Oliver ignored him completely, focusing instead on Remy. “You don’t have to be afraid,” he said softly, lowering his voice so only Remy could hear. “You’ll get used to the walls here… eventually. And I’ll be around.”

Something in Remy’s chest loosened. The warmth in Oliver’s words was like sunlight cutting through heavy clouds. For the first time since leaving home, he felt a flicker of comfort.

Before he could reply, a slow clap echoed from the shadows.

“Well, isn’t this heartwarming?”

From the corner of the hall, Alexi Ricci stepped into the light, his grin sharp and mischievous. His suit was immaculate, his hair casually tousled, his whole demeanor radiating danger wrapped in charm.

“Remy, is it?” Alexi’s eyes swept over him with predatory curiosity. “Sweet, shy, innocent little thing… I can see why Grandma chose you. Quite the contrast to our dear Tyrone.”

Remy flinched at the attention, but Oliver stepped subtly closer, a protective edge to his posture.

“Alexi,” Tyrone’s voice was low, warning.

“What?” Alexi spread his hands in mock innocence, smirking. “I’m only making conversation. It’s not every day we meet our boss’s future omega. Though…” His eyes flicked to Oliver with a teasing glint. “Some of us are far more eager to welcome him than others.”

Oliver’s cheeks warmed instantly. “Shut up, Alexi.”

Remy’s eyes darted between them, confusion mixing with embarrassment.

Alexi chuckled, clearly enjoying himself, then leaned lazily against a pillar. “Relax, sunshine. You’ll figure out soon enough—this family is far more entertaining than it looks.”

Remy didn’t know what to say. His heart was still racing from Tyrone’s cold scrutiny, yet Oliver’s warmth and Alexi’s playful teasing tugged him in opposite directions.

Tyrone stepped forward then, his towering presence silencing the room. His gaze locked onto Remy, and though his face betrayed nothing, there was a weight in it—danger, control, inevitability.

“Enough introductions,” Tyrone said. “Dinner. Now.”

And just like that, Remy realized his life had changed forever.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***