25. Bonus Scene

An Unexpected Call

" G randma, I'm in love with him," Angela, Iris' oldest daughter, said as she argued with the head of the Bridger family.

Helena rolled her eyes. "My god, he doesn't even know who you are. He thinks you're simply some rich girl... high society."

The other members of the family sat around the table, eating dinner.

"Iris, why did you let her date that boy?" Helena asked her only daughter, the one who would be taking over the family business once she retired. "You are supposed to have a better rein over your children than this. "

"Oh, trust me mom, I didn't ‘let her'. You know how stubborn she is," Iris said as she cut into her steak. "I told her that you'd never accept Sebastian into the family."

Angela huffed and slammed her knife onto her plate.

Colton looked at her, but didn't say anything, same with Nathan and Ze. The family had gathered for their bi-monthly dinner to bond, something Helena had insisted they'd all do in order to keep their relationship strong. If they weren't busy, every member of her bloodline and their significant others were expected to come.

Helena took a sip of her wine, then looked at her granddaughter. "And what will you tell him about your family?"

"He doesn't need to know everything," Angela said.

Her older brother, James laughed and shook his head.

Angela frowned at him. "What?"

James swallowed his steak, then answered. "You're being foolish, sis. If you like this boy, you can't hide who you really are or who we are. Remember, your own children will take up the mantle. If he can't handle that, you know what will happen to him."

Angela swallowed but didn't protest that part, because she did know. Their secret must be kept.

"You need to think about that," her father, Daniel, said.

"You were an outsider when you met mom," Angela said.

Daniel smiled and nodded. "Our situation was very different. I almost got killed by your mom's target when we met. She saved my life and we fell in love. I knew who your mother was. I also accepted what your family did and raised all of our children according to the traditions. Can you say this boy will do the same, Angela?"

"He can't," Helena said. "You speak of marriage to him and you're both far too immature. I won't allow it."

"This fucking sucks," Angela cursed, then left the table in a fury .

"Look into that boy," Helena said. "If he's going to be trouble, handle it."

"Yes, mom," Iris said.

"I'm never getting married," Cody, one of Nathan's sons, said.

"Me either," echoed David, his twin.

"Wise decisions, boys," Nathan added.

Helena waved her hand dismissively. "There are people who I can introduce you to, if and when you do want to get married. People who will be a good fit for this family. No outsiders. Colton and Iris got lucky to find their spouses."

Nathan smirked, because had his bullet hit the mark, he would have taken out Colton's husband. But by that same token, had Colton not missed the first time, he would have killed Ze. And if Iris had been just one second later, Daniel would be dead. Everything was by chance when it came to matters of the heart, he thought.

Dinner was almost over, when Helena received a phone call from an unexpected person. "Well, I'm intrigued," she said, then answered, putting the phone on speaker. "Hello, Mr. Castiello."

Hearing the name of the caller put everyone on edge. Every soul sitting at the table knew who she was speaking to. Rico Castiello.

"My name is Alessia Castiello, Rico's wife. If it's all the same to you, I'll be translating for my husband."

"Yes, that's fine," Helena said.

"Good. I assume you're able to speak freely?"

"Indeed," Helena didn't have to hide anything from her family.

"I will get down to business, then," Alessia said, speaking for Rico. "I'm sure you're aware of the war that my family is facing."

"And that the Jade Dragon Triad has joined. I've heard they are quite formidable," Helena said in her usual no-nonsense tone .

"Unfortunately, yes. That is why we are calling in the favor your family owes us."

Helena arched a silver brow. "Oh? And what would you ask of the favor?'"

"We have connections, but in this delicate matter, your family would handle it best. We need you to release Diego Murphy and Tim Davis from prison," Alessia said. "Is that something you can do?"

"Of course, it will take some time to arrange the paperwork, but it can be done. Once completed, this will make us even," Helena said.

"Yes, but that is not all."

"Oh? We will not be offering another favor," Helena stated.

"Nor are we asking for one," Alessia said. "What we want is to hire the services of your family. Colton has been working alongside the Lords, but we need more reinforcements. True professionals in the trade. Money is of no concern."

Helena smiled, because not only did the Castiellos finally call in that favor, they wanted their help. The dinner that had been soured by her foolish granddaughter had just been flipped around with such a joyous turn of events. "How many?"

"Who can you spare?"

Helena let her gaze roam over her family and she settled on Nathan and his two sons. What better way to give her grandsons the proper experience, especially under their father's expert guidance? "I will speak with my son, Nathan. I can offer you three. Him and his sons."

Nathan cocked an eyebrow at that, then looked at his two sons. David was grinning, as he enjoyed the business. Cody's expression was unreadable, as he was more reserved when it came to the business. Nathan looked back at his mother and listened as she negotiated.

"Are his sons on his level?" Alessia asked. "I've heard they're quite young. "

"They're eleven," Helena replied proudly.

"And their skills?" Alessia inquired.

"Oh, every member in my family are on a level to our standards," Helena stated.

There was a silence, then Alessia spoke. "What would be the cost?"

"For what you're asking, twenty million," Helena said.

There was another pause.

"My husband has accepted your terms."

"Half now, half once it's over."

"The money will be sent as soon as we have your banking information."

"I'll send it in an encrypted file."

"Of course. Can never be too safe," Alessia said.

"As soon as the payment has been confirmed, I will send Nathan to your location," Helena said.

"Not to us, to Chicago. We need him to work with Vito."

"Very well."

"We look forward to working with you," Alessia said, then ended the call.

Helena sent them their information, then waited.

"Are you sure my sons are ready for this level of work?" Nathan asked.

Helena smiled and nodded. "They'll never see your sons coming." Her smile widened once she saw the ten million payment confirmed. She looked at Nathan. "Get to work."

Nathan nodded and rose; his sons did the same.

Helena couldn't be more proud of them and this moment to show the Castiellos just how dangerous the Bridger family was.