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The click of a gun’s safety stops him from continuing his tangent.
Aang, who is sitting directly across from Isaac, sets the handgun on the table. “Will you ever learn to shut up, or do I need to teach yo—”
“That won’t be necessary,” I order.
Isaac’s eyes narrow as he looks around for support again. When he realizes he isn’t going to get from anyone at the table, he resigns, crossing his arms.
I dip my head to Aang in appreciation and hope he also gets the message that killing Isaac will not be necessary—today, atleast. Aang’s support is even more meaningful, since, just a few months ago, he was skeptical of me.
“I shouldn’t have to remind you that you were falling apart at the seams while Andrew was in charge. The Triad would’ve ceased to exist in the next ten years because of him.” Isaac doesn’t respond. “Tell me, is your family back in China enjoying the new home you purchased for them?” His head lifts in surprise before he masks it but no response.
“Now that we got ourtantrumsout of the way, thisgirlwould like to stop wasting more time and discuss business. Unless there is something else you would like to add, Isaac?”
When no one responds, I turn to Kai. “Please, take it away.”
“I have the domestic and international numbers for this last quarter,” Kai announces.
“They look good,” Aang confirms as he looks through the folder.
I swear Isaac’s about to blow a blood vessel in his eye.
“We’re making great strides in a short span of time. The proof is in the pudding—or should I say theirpockets.” Kai chuckles, gaining laughs around the table save a pouting Isaac.
“It helps that it’s the only drug of its kind,” Ethan adds.
Euphrosyne—or “Syne”—is the hot, new drug on the market known for its euphoric effects, hence the name. But it’s near impossible to overdose on. It comes in pill, liquid, and powder form, tasteless and odorless. Maya did it on my birthday and couldn’t stop talking about it. That’s what inspired me to hire my dear friend, Dr. Meixiang Lin, also known as Max—or, to the world, The Chemist.
“With that being said, you’ll have to be more careful,” Bo cautions. “Syne is starting to take over the Western Hemisphere and is quickly making its way east. While the cartels are still doing well with the usual, it won’t be long before it competes and affects their sales.”
“We’re going to need more men, more shipping containers. The more Syne gets out there, the higher the demand. I bet our sales will more than double in the next two quarters. We’ll change our routes up randomly. Bo, I want you in charge of that. I expect you all to coordinate without issue.” I match eyes with each captain.
“Yes, ma’am,” they reply in unison.
“Let’s move on.”
Kai begins his updates on the arms deals.
I couldn’t be happier with my decision to put him in charge. I’ve been stretched so thin since transitioning into this position. While I’m still involved in making sure everything is to my liking, Kai continues to thrive. He’s shown nothing but results.
We deliberate for a few more hours before wrapping things up. I leave the meeting feeling a little lighter. The captains are happy—well, most of them. And with their show of support, I’ll slowly gain their trust. It’s not going to happen overnight.
“That was a good call with The Chemist. Your father would be proud.” Bo smiles, pulling me out of my thoughts as we walk back to the car.
“Bo, I really can’t thank you en—”
“It is my honor to be guiding you. Don’t get me wrong, you being alive is enough, but for a time, I never thought I’d see the day.”
I smile up at him.
“We are kicking ass, aren’t we?” I chuckle as he opens the door of the vehicle for me to get in.
* * *
I arrive at Papa’s estate, where I’ll be staying. We had a quick dinner joined by my siblings and Maya before Papa and Dom had to run out. I can always get a hotel in the city, but after being away for twenty years, it is nice being back in this room. Even ifI barely remember it. A light-pink floral wallpaper still cover the walls. Papa offered to update the space, but I opted to keep it as is. Only the furniture has been updated.
I turn on the shower and check my phone as the water heats up. My eyebrows furrow when there’s nothing from Nico. He texted me once this morning to make sure I landed without issue and to thank me for the little gift I left for him.
Stripping out of clothes, I climb into the shower and let the hot water and steam relax my body, enjoying the little moments of peace I get each day. I stand under the water until my fingers turn pruney.
