The Devil Who Claimed Me

Chapter 72: The terms

Dominic’s blood boiled as he watched the scene. Why was she smiling like that at another man? Why did she look comfortable?

His mind turned darker with every passing second.

Had she been waiting for this? Was this another plan of hers? Another way to slip out of his control?

Anger rose first. Then jealousy clawed through his chest.

’Her smile belongs to me.’

His expression turned dangerously dark as he strode toward them.

"Mila," he called suddenly. "Come here."

Mila stiffened.

That tone... she knew it. She could tell he was angry. She instinctively pulled her hand back.

"Mr. Russo," Mr. Lee greeted with a grin. "Let me introduce you." He gestured to the young man beside him. "This is my elder son, Jiang Lee. He heard about Miss Mila and wanted to meet her."

Mila translated every word smoothly.

But with each word, Dominic’s face grew darker.

Something dangerous flickered in Dominic’s eyes. "You brought your son here to introduce him to Mila?"

He grabbed her arm and drew her in closer. "You are here to work," he hissed coldly, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper meant only for her. "Not to socialize."

Mila’s heart pounded painfully in her chest. She could feel the tension radiating from him, his grip tightening just enough to warn her.

"You will stand beside me," he added. "And do your job properly."

Mila forced a small smile, masking the tension. She couldn’t let the guests notice anything wrong.

"I’m only doing my job," she murmured. "They are the guests, and you are the host. As your subordinate, it’s my duty to treat them well."

"It’s my duty," he snapped under his breath. "Not yours."

"Is everything alright?" Mr. Lee asked, sensing the shift in the air.

"Miss Mila, are you okay?" Jiang’s voice followed, laced with concern and something more.

Mila turned to them, her smile perfectly composed.

"Yes, everything is fine. Mr. Russo is quite particular about tonight’s dinner. He doesn’t want any mistakes."

Mr. Lee released a sigh.

"With you here, there won’t be any mistakes," Jiang added, his eyes lingering on her, unmistakably drawn to her.

Mila felt a bit awkward under his steady gaze. "Please, have a seat," she said politely, gesturing toward the table.

Mr. Lee and Jiang took their seats.

"Mila, sit here with me," Jiang said, patting the chair beside him.

Dominic didn’t understand the words. But he understood the gesture.

His eyes shifted to Mila, watching her closely, waiting to see what she would do.

Would she sit beside him? Or would she choose that man?

Mila laughed softly. "As an interpreter, I should sit with Mr. Russo."

She walked past Jiang and took the seat beside Dominic.

The tension in Dominic’s shoulders eased slightly. He unbuttoned his suit jacket and sat down, his posture composed once again.

"Let’s talk about business, Mr. Lee."

Mila turned to Mr. Lee. "Mr. Russo would like to review the paperwork. If it’s ready..."

"Yes, everything is ready." Mr. Lee slid a file across the table. "All my partners have signed the documents. If Dominic has no issues, he can sign and finalize the deal."

Dominic opened the file, his sharp eyes scanning every page, every clause.

"Once the deal is finalized," Mr. Lee continued, "you will have the full support of the syndicate. Marco and his partners won’t be able to touch you. And when you eliminate the remaining threats, you will be declared the new king."

Mila glanced at Dominic. ’So this is about power... about the throne.’

Dominic pointed at a few clauses he wanted to change. Mila relayed his concerns.

"I see." Mr. Lee nodded. "Those clauses were added after careful discussion to prevent future instability. When Alejandro was alive, everything was stable. Under his rule, our business flourished."

He leaned back slightly, his expression turning thoughtful. "But his sudden death created chaos. The syndicate is divided now. Half of them joined Victor. They refuse to accept you as the successor, even though Alejandro named you before his death."

Mila translated every word.

"This time," Mr. Lee added, "the syndicate will decide who becomes king. Strength, performance, loyalty... everything will be evaluated."

His gaze locked onto Dominic.

"You have the qualities. But you haven’t eliminated your enemies yet. Until then, you answer to the syndicate."

Mila conveyed the message carefully.

Dominic’s expression turned cold. "You want me to take permission? I do what I want. Even Alejandro never restricted me. And now you expect me to follow orders?"

The tension at the table thickened instantly.

Mila could see that the tension was escalating. The deal was slipping.

She needed to do something.

"Mr. Lee," she began carefully, "Dominic will definitely deal with his enemies. After all, they assassinated the former king and even targeted him. He has already proven his capability through Nexon Group. Restricting him now might not be the best approach."

Mr. Lee’s expression hardened slightly.

"Miss Mila, you are an interpreter. Just convey the message. No need to add your opinions."

Mila fell silent.

"This is the syndicate’s decision," he continued. "If Dominic wants our support, he must accept the terms. Once he becomes the king, he will be the head of the syndicate. King’s words are the rules."

He lifted his chin slightly. "But he is not the king yet. So, the power remains with the syndicate."

Mila turned to Dominic slowly, her heart racing with nervous energy.

With his proud nature, she knew he wouldn’t accept such terms. But there was no other way.

"You should reconsider," she said softly. "You need their support. If you don’t agree, they might side with your enemies."

"You should be happy." Dominic turned his head sharply toward her. "If I fall, you get your freedom. Isn’t that what you want?"

The words struck deep.

Mila’s chest tightened. "So you don’t want to protect me anymore?" she asked quietly.

"Do you need my protection?" he shot back. "You are brave enough to run and find your freedom."

Mila took a slow breath, steadying herself.

"Let’s focus on the deal," she said calmly. "Accept it for now. Once you become the king, the power will be yours. You can change anything you want. But right now... You need patience."

Dominic could see the point. He knew she was right. Right now, he needed the syndicate’s support.

But submission? That didn’t sit well with him.

He turned to Mr. Lee.

"As much as I need your support, you need me too. The syndicate is broken, weak, and powerless. The businesses are divided. Gangs broke down into small groups. Things are unorganized now. To rebuild your power, you need me. It’s only me who can crush Marco and Victor."