Mafia's Lover

"Apex Industries" could very well be called a miracle in the business world, for it was founded by four young men from vastly different family backgrounds. Before the company was established, no one believed it would succeed. Yet within three years, it grew rapidly, becoming a renowned giant in the corporate sector, leaving everyone utterly astounded.

These four young men came from four distinct family backgrounds, but fate brought them together in high school, where they became inseparable friends. After graduating high school, they agreed to attend the same college, and thus they remained brothers and closest confidants for many years to come.

Four young men, four different backgrounds and upbringings, which likewise forged four entirely different personalities.

Adrian Blackwood — the CEO of "Apex Industries," was extremely cold by nature, his personality difficult to fathom, yet his attitude toward handling matters was decisively sharp. With a stern countenance, thick brows, and a pair of sharp, eagle-like eyes, he was tall and lean.

Julian Ashford — was characterized by a romantic, dashing temperament. His motto was "quality over quantity." But he never allowed personal affairs to interfere with business. With exceptionally handsome features, refined facial structure, and a tall, slender build, these qualities made him the object of many women's pursuit — no wonder he had the capital to be a playboy.

Ethan Cole — had an easygoing personality, a perpetual smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, and graceful manners that gave others a feeling of spring breeze. His smile was as warm as the wind, yet his romantic inclinations were no less than Julian Ashford's.

Dominic Falcone — possessed an extremely aloof personality, perhaps due to his family background. He had been an orphan since childhood, raised by his adoptive father, Don Vincenzo Falcone of "The Falcone Syndicate." Thus, he grew up in the underworld and was the heir to "The Falcone Syndicate." He stopped at nothing to achieve his goals. "An eye for an eye" was what "The Falcone Syndicate" upheld, and he carried out this principle to the fullest. For his brothers, he would risk life and limb. He held no official position in "Apex" because he had no interest in one. After discussion among the brothers, they granted him the title of "Security Director," responsible for the company's security matters.

These four men joined forces to create "Apex." The legitimate world yielded to it, because the amount it paid annually in taxes alone was enough to make city officials beam with delight. Meanwhile, the underworld respected it greatly, due to Dominic Falcone's ruthless methods. As a result, "Apex" encountered no obstacles in any endeavor.

Dominic Falcone sat with his legs crossed in the ten-tatami study, resting with his eyes closed. As the heir to "The Falcone Syndicate" and the adopted son of Don Vincenzo Falcone, he bore many responsibilities. From childhood, he knew he could never abandon these burdens.

Before the age of five, he had been an innocent, lively child at St. Agnes Orphanage. But one day, when Don Vincenzo Falcone suddenly visited St. Agnes Orphanage, he was greatly impressed by the boy. Intuitively feeling that this pure child would one day amount to something great, he asked whether the boy would accept his adoption. Without hesitation, the boy agreed. Thus, he changed from his original name, James Chen, to Dominic Falcone.

To repay Don Vincenzo Falcone's nurturing kindness, he was exceptionally diligent. After entering high school, he began learning all the affairs of the syndicate. By the time he graduated from college, Don Vincenzo Falcone had stepped back behind the scenes, handing "The Falcone Syndicate" over to him and ceasing to involve himself in matters. Dominic Falcone deeply respected and was filial toward Don Vincenzo Falcone. When facing important decisions, he would still seek Don Vincenzo Falcone's counsel beforehand. Dominic Falcone's thoughtfulness and devotion compensated for the regret Don Vincenzo Falcone and his wife Isabella Falcone felt at not having children of their own.

"The heir." A brother from "The Falcone Syndicate" stood at the door, calling out.

"Come in!" Dominic Falcone opened his eyes and said indifferently.

"Yes..." The wooden door to the study slid open, revealing a very burly man.

"Is there something?"

"The Don requests your presence in the main hall." He spoke with great reverence.

"Understood." Dominic Falcone rose and walked out of the study.

The entire compound of "The Falcone Syndicate" covered an area of approximately four thousand square meters. The main building alone occupied over five hundred square meters. Built in Japanese architectural style, it featured winding corridors, lush garden paths, a central courtyard with a pavilion and a small koi pond, while behind the main building lay a swimming pool and a gymnasium.

The entire compound was enclosed by walls two meters high. Two meters was neither particularly tall nor particularly short. To thoroughly ensure the security within "The Falcone Syndicate," highly concealed surveillance cameras were installed all around the perimeter walls, while brothers took turns guarding inside the walls.

Following the corridor, Dominic Falcone arrived at the main hall. The study door of the main hall was open.

Through the open study door, he could see two men approximately fifty years of age sitting inside the main hall, both wearing smiles on their faces.

"Godfather!" Dominic Falcone sat down in his designated seat and addressed the middle-aged man sitting across from him with utmost respect.

"Dominic, you've arrived!" Don Vincenzo Falcone revealed a kindly, benevolent smile — one would never associate this amiable old gentleman before them with the fearsome underworld figure who had dominated the underworld for decades, the great Don Vincenzo Falcone who made everyone tremble at the mere mention of his name.

"Sit down!"

"Yes."

Don Vincenzo Falcone poured a cup of tea for Dominic Falcone.

"Thank you, Godfather."

"Dominic, I almost forgot to introduce you. Sitting beside me is my old friend, Viktor Dane." Don Vincenzo Falcone introduced them with a smile.

"Uncle Dane." Dominic Falcone nodded.

"Brother Min, your adopted son is truly outstanding." Viktor Dane laughed. From the moment Dominic Falcone had walked in, he had noticed him.

His aloof demeanor and proud character truly resembled a soaring eagle roaming the skies, especially那双 resembling everything-contemptuous, sharp eyes — just like piercing eagle eyes.

"You flatter me, Uncle Dane."

"Brother Dan, didn't you have something you wanted to discuss with Dominic?" Don Vincenzo Falcone said.

"Ah, yes!" Viktor Dane nodded.

"What is it?"

"It concerns my daughter, Scarlett. To be frank, and I'm embarrassed to say this — she is already twenty-one years old, but... alas..." Viktor Dane sighed.

"What happened?" Don Vincenzo Falcone asked.

"She fell in with bad company and spends every day indulging in arcades and various disreputable establishments. No matter how I advise her, it's useless. It's for this reason that I've swallowed my pride and come to seek Brother Min's help, hoping that through Dominic, my daughter might improve. After all, she is my only daughter."

"You mean you want me to discipline your daughter?" Dominic Falcone's brow furrowed slightly. Clearly, he had no interest in becoming a babysitter.

The heir of "The Falcone Syndicate" acting as someone's nanny? He had no desire to become the subject of gossip.

"That's one way of putting it."

"I respectfully request that you find someone else, Uncle Dane." Dominic Falcone refused.

"Come now, Dominic. This is merely a small matter. Just agree to it!" Don Vincenzo Falcone interjected. "Since your Uncle Dan has personally asked..."

"Very well." Dominic Falcone had always been highly obedient to Don Vincenzo Falcone's wishes. Since Don Vincenzo Falcone had also spoken, Dominic Falcone simply could not refuse Viktor Dane's request.

---

"Oh, and for Scarlett's safety, I've hired a bodyguard to protect her," Viktor Dane suddenly recalled and quickly added.

"I understand." Dominic Falcone nodded.

"Then I leave her in your hands."

"Understood."

In a dimly lit nightclub, strobe lights flashed incessantly. Beneath the stroboscopic illumination, people were sweating profusely in the cramped, sweltering atmosphere.

The air was thick with a cocktail of perfume, sweat, and alcohol — the unmistakable scent of a night dedicated to escape. Bodies swayed and collided on the dance floor, moving to a beat that seemed to vibrate through the floorboards and up through the bones of everyone present. In the corners, shadowy figures nursed drinks and watched the crowd with predatory patience, while behind the bar, bottles clinked and glasses were filled in an endless rhythm of consumption.

Within the crowded throng, a woman dressed in sexy attire, her face heavily made up, had three-quarters of her