My Second Marriage with the Mafia Kingpin novel Chapter 230

Chapter 230: What Does He Know?

"So? What’s your answer? Are you joining Dominion? Or rather — specifically — the Madam’s unit?"

Another wave of silence washed over the ward as all eyes landed on Ashley. Even Khan, who had barely survived death, could only stare at her in pure silence.

Khan pressed a button, automatically inclining his bed. But before he could say anything, Nelek spoke first.

"What’s in it for us?"

He knew how stupid that sounded, but they had to try — even if it made them look like idiots. A pathetic attempt to hold onto some semblance of control.

And as pathetic as it was, Ashley’s laugh only confirmed it.

"Pfft —!" It wasn’t a real laugh. It was the condescending kind, the sort that stung more than an insult. "Goodness!"

She clapped, looking at them with open amusement. "People at your level should know better lines than that! Come on! You’re better than this!"

Nelek’s face twisted. Warriyo held his breath and looked away, suppressing his displeasure. Rus clicked his tongue, staring at her as she laughed.

Rus, among all of them, already knew how unhinged this woman was. He had seen it firsthand. His friends, however, had just seen a short preview.

Khan, on the other hand, simply studied her. He didn’t question Nelek’s attempt to reclaim control, even though they were all well aware it wasn’t happening.

"Why?" came his hoarse, weak voice. "Why... are you giving us this chance?"

"Hmm?" Ashley blinked, turning her attention to Khan. Then she smiled, and this time, it genuinely reached her eyes. "Because you guys are amazing."

Their brows rose.

"You abducted the Madam in a place crawling with Dominion," she said. "Sure, it was stupid because Dominion will always take me back no matter what. But stupid worked. And I like that."

She nodded, winking at them. "That’s bold, too. And you bought me my favorite instant noodles. You could say that won me over."

All of them: "..."

Seriously?

"So — even though what you did could never be repented for enough times to avoid an execution under Dominion’s code — I acknowledge talent. I acknowledge potential assets." She wiggled her brows. "Hence, you’re still alive."

"I want you to join Dominion." Ashley’s smile stretched. "Specifically — the Madam’s unit."

Deep lines appeared on their faces as they looked at one another, then settled their eyes on Khan.

They already knew there were only two options, with nothing in between. Agree and join her, or refuse and die. This woman had already shown what she was capable of on her own. She could kill all of them right here, right now.

It was simply a matter of how much they valued their lives.

That was all it came down to.

Khan nodded; he had already figured as much. Even so, he wouldn’t agree so easily without getting at least a few answers from her first.

"If we join you..." He exhaled heavily, drawing looks from the others.

They had already told him that whatever he decided, they would follow. Even if Khan refused and they ended up dead, so be it.

"...what do you expect from us?"

"Unconditional loyalty," she answered without a single beat of hesitation. "Live and die for me. That is what I want."

Nelek let out a dry laugh. Khan’s expression didn’t change. He didn’t find it laughable at all. He held her gaze steadily, undistracted by the bubbly smile on her face.

I already fear you! was what Rus wanted to shout, but he bit his tongue.

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