Claimed By The Mafia Rogue King (Snow and Cupid) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Snowflakes

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Finished

It was snowy and dark that night when I met him, emotions running wild through me, but now, the daylight casts clarity over everything. I stood in the grand conference hall, bathed in golden light, and here, I saw him so vivid, so real.

He was tall, jaw square and defined, a tattoo curling from his chest up toward his neck, peeking from beneath the black shirt he wore. Small studs glinted in his ears, leather gloves hugged his hands.

Those eyes, green, piercing, confirmed it. It was him.

He stepped through the entrance and walked toward us. My heart leapt, but then he bypassed me entirely, as though I were invisible, and it sank into a hollow ache.

A wave of fresh, intoxicating scent followed him. He smelled divine, yet radiated intimidation. I turned to watch him approach Ares.

“You’re welcome… I, uhm…” Ares stammered, but Yenda cut in smoothly.

“Hand him the documents. He’s managing the finances we’re investing. Let Cupid sign.”

Cupid. The name hit me like a jolt, resonating in my chest, sealing everything inside.

I lifted my gaze to the man once more. Cupid. Quiet, composed, staring deep into Ares‘ eyes, a calm so absolute it was unsettling. He seemed utterly indifferent, as if he never wanted to be

here at all.

Ares looked back at him, and the contrast between them was sharp, undeniable.

“Here.” The documents were offered, but instead of taking them, Desmond stepped forward, placing the papers on the table and extending a pen. Cupid accepted it effortlessly, slipping off his right glove to reveal fingers intricately wrapped in tattoos.

With a graceful flick, he signed, then turned toward the exit. I was stunned by his silence, his composure. Before anyone could blink, he was gone. Not a glance in my direction. Didn’t he remember me?

“Are you sure he… will be coordinating the charity event?” Mr. Cabi asked, incredulous. A man like Cupid Godlike didn’t strike one as the type to smile or indulge pleasantries.

Yenda went quiet for a moment, then smiled, almost too brightly.

“He will.” He rose, nodding to Ares. “It’s been a pleasure doing business. I look forward to seeing

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Chapter 22

where this collaboration leads.”

With that, Yenda exited with his men, leaving me frozen in confusion. Wait… what just happened?

Finished

“I am Desmond,” a voice said behind me, and I turned. He extended a business card. “You can reach me if you need anything regarding the charity event. I’ll coordinate with Boss for you.”

Boss? Did he mean Cupid Godlike?

I accepted the card silently, watching him leave. Alone again, I studied the card, swallowing hard.

“Maybe it’s harder than it looks. How about you forget everything and stay home, Snow? Focus on your health… and how to become a mother,” Ares‘ voice whispered, low and persuasive.

I looked up at him. He was trying to convince me, but my resolve hardened.

“You saw the man you’ll be collaborating with. He doesn’t seem like…”

My cellphone buzzed, cutting him off. I reached for it and read a text that made my chest tighten.

Should we bring the convoy before you report? Important meeting in ten minutes. Do not miss it. H.O.W.L.‘

I paused, heart racing, then murmured, “I have to go. Don’t worry. I will handle the event.”

I hurried out. Not having my car here, I hailed a taxi and climbed into the backseat.

“To H.O.W.L.,” I said, gripping the seat, my thoughts a storm of emotion.

From the shock of Cupid’s presence to being summoned urgently to H.O.W.L., whoever sent that message clearly didn’t like me… at all.

The ride passed in tense anticipation. When the car pulled up to the sacred building, erected for justice, goosebumps pricked my skin. I paid the driver, alighted, and stood for a moment, taking in the grandeur before stepping inside.

I made my way to the first floor. Thousands of workers moved with purpose, each department focused on its own projects. I paused, unsure where to begin, when a voice rang from above.

“Will you kindly come forward to the office, Mrs. Snow!”

I looked up to see Gerald Horns, leader of the profiling department. His reputation preceded him as a man who hated nepotism, and judging by the way he looked at me, he believed I didn’t deserve this role.

12:54 Fri, Jan 9

Chapter 22

Finished

I fumbled into the elevator and pressed the third floor. Moments later, the doors opened, and the forensic team stepped in, masks on. One figure paused. My heart jumped. My brother’s fiancée, Seraphine Castle.

“Snow!” She yanked off her mask, rushing toward me. “Why are you here now?”

“I received a text from Mr. Gerald. Something important apparently needs my attention.”

“But you were supposed to report tomorrow when the party is scheduled,” she said, astonished. Then, remembering her manners, she turned to her colleagues. “Everyone, this is Snow, my fiancé’s sister. She’s joining the profiling department. Be nice to her.”

Smiling, one stepped forward to shake my hand.

“I’m Marcus, Sera’s assistant and best friend.” The young man says.

I bowed politely. The elevator paused at the next floor, and they all followed.

“We’re headed to the profiling department. There’s a meeting, and you’re needed. Come on, Snow,” Sera said, gently pulling me along.

On the floor, everything was orderly and quiet. The main office door was ajar, and I stepped in to see two desks facing each other. Beyond, Gerald Horns‘ office, with transparent glass, sat

empty.

“They must be in the meeting hall,” Marcus said, leading the way.

Inside the hall, people were seated. Detectives, profilers, and now the forensic staff. Mr Gerald stood beside a screen, ready to brief.

“To investigate the death of Mr. Hanba, who was killed at his vacation house a few nights ago,” Mr Gerald announced.

My breath caught.

The image on the screen brought memories flooding back. The night the stranger… no, Cupid Godlike had kissed me. Wait… wait a second. Is it…?

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