Boston’s most lethal underworld king had made an unbelievable vow: whoever could help his four-year-old son speak again would receive half of his criminal empire—and become his wife.

The attack changed everything. The syndicate capos realized Julian was deadlier than ever, and they respected the fact that he went to war to protect his future wife.

I didn't sit on the sidelines anymore.

Julian’s vow wasn't just a romantic gesture; it was a legal and operational reality. I was granted access to the syndicate’s books, their shipping logs, and their charity fronts.

I used my background in administration to clean up their operations. I discovered that one of the capos, Paulie, had been skimming from the union dues. I didn't tell Julian immediately. I handled it myself.

I called Paulie into my office. I laid the ledgers out in front of him.

“You’ve stolen three hundred thousand dollars, Paulie,” I said calmly.

The man laughed nervously. “Listen, little lady. You’re playing mob boss, but this is men’s work. Julian won't care about a few missing pennies.”

“Julian would put a bullet in your head for stealing from the family,” I countered smoothly. “But I am offering you a choice. You return the money by tomorrow, with interest, and step down from your territory. Or I hand this ledger to Julian.”

Paulie looked at me, realizing I wasn't bluffing. The Ice Queen, the men had started calling me.

He paid the money back.

When Julian found out what I had done, he was furious—not because I handled it, but because I put myself in a room alone with a traitor.

“You are my equal, Maya,” Julian said, pacing his study. “But you are not immortal. You don't take risks like that without Marcus in the room.”