Head of the Top Crime Syndicate

Adrianna and her daughters sputtered. Maxwell's eyes widened so far, they almost popped out of his head. Ian tipped his head further.

"Ma'am, are you glad you made the choice to join the Black Rose three years ago?"

She smirked. "Of course. Without the Black Rose, I never wouldn't been able to bring down the Montrose family."

Tallulah's eyes widened as the realization dawned on her. "Y- you never went to dinner. You came here instead!"

Natalia nodded. "That's right. It was here that I learned self-defense, how to fire a gun and throw knives, and succeeded the previous Head. You all forced me into a corner, and I found a way out."

"You've greatly disappointed me, Natalia," Maxwell scowled. "I had higher hopes for you."

"Did you? Why did I never notice? Why did you avoid me and ignore me throughout my years growing up in your household?"

His scowl deepened. "You're just ungrateful!"

She tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. "Am I? Then, I'll show you my gratitude."

Natalia stood and whipped out a handgun. Having gotten it from a secret compartment in the throne-like seat, she levelled it at him. Her eyes narrowed. "I wonder... are you able to take my gratitude?"

Adrianna screeched, "You dare to point that thing at your own father?!"

"He's not my father. And don't forget, I'm the Head of the top crime syndicate in the country. My gratitude is not something that everyone can take."

"Ma'am is right. You chose to come here. If you can't take her gratitude, then just leave." Ian turned towards them, a cold look in his eye. "But just remember why you came here."

Mira put the pieces together. She lunged forward. "You-! How could you have money?! You're just a worthless b*stard child!"

Natalia tilted her head. "The Black Rose's finances are my finances. I hold control over every single penny this syndicate has. I can reimburse you money for your failed stocks, but the way this meeting is going, I'm disinclined to."

"You b*tch!" Adrianna roared. "We're your family!"

"Oh?" she scoffed. "Now you see me as family when I have money and you don't? You changed your tune so quickly. It's too late though. You never saw me as a true Montrose, so I don't see you as my family. The Black Rose is my only family."

Maxwell frowned. "Natalia, don't forget that you are married and are bound to your husband."

"My husband? My husband-in-name-only who I didn't see for a week after our wedding and who ditched me to spend the night with the President of Marine Group's wife while on our belated honeymoon? Why should I be loyal to him and consider him my family when I have no reason to?" she argued while swinging her handgun around.

Thoroughly silenced, the Montrose's had no way to retort to that. Natalia hmphed and clicked the safety off. She levelled the barrel at her father again.

"Now give me one good reason why I should give you money instead of a bullet to the head."

- - - - -

Back at the Black family household, Sebastian sat at his computer, reading over the newest contract. Soon, Martin entered.

"Sir, I know you said not to, but I just don't trust Young Madam. So I sent someone after her secretly."

Sebastian's head shot up. He wagged a finger. "You're going to wind up pushing her away. I'd already promised her that I'd let her have her freedom. I said she wouldn't be followed."

Martin hung his head. "I'm sorry. But my man lost them anyways. It seems she's skilled in losing tailers."

"She evaded the men her father would always send after her. Did you really think she'd allow herself to be followed now?"

His secretary had no other words to say. Sebastian sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"When did your guy lose them?"

"Within five minutes. I have no idea where she went or when she's coming back, if she's coming back."

"Natalia said she was going to see the Montrose's. She probably just took a scenic route to get to S City. But, I believe she'll come back."

"Sir, you're too optimistic."

"She has suffered from many scorns. Although she doesn't want to admit it, she is broken. I don't think she's a bad person. I think she can heal... with time. As long as this family treats her sincerely, I think Natalia can recover from her past."

Martin shook his head, giving in. "Whatever you say, sir. But, later, when she betrays you, don't say I didn't warn you."

"What makes you think she'll betray me?"

"Madam was too well-dressed to be meeting her family. And I don't know if you saw it, but as she was leaving, a handsome and well-dressed man about her age stepped out of the car and let her in first. I have a feeling he may be a wealthy son of a prominent family somewhere because this man wasn't the driver. They both got in the backseat."

Sebastian frowned. "No, I only saw the car leave."

"This was an arranged marriage. She may already have someone in her heart. But to cheat on you so openly..."

He held up a hand, tiredly. "Enough. I don't wish to speculate any further."

Her words echoed in his mind. I'm not having an affair. Romance is sought by others, but not me. I've never envisioned myself happily in love.

He thought about Martin's revelations and rubbed his temples. Natalia, I chose to trust you. Have you been lying to me this whole time?

- - - - -

At the Black Rose's headquarters, Maxwell Montrose clutched at his bleeding shoulder. Adrianna was flittering over him, chaotically concerned. Seeing this sight, Natalia scoffed.

"It's a non-fatal wound. Get over yourselves."

Tallulah screeched, "You good-for-nothing! How dare you shoot Father?!"

"Lulu, when you grow up being treated worse than the dirt that get trampled on in the backyard, you will understand. Oh wait... you're the second princess of the Montrose family. You shouldn't ever have to experience what I've lived through for twenty-four years." Sarcasm dripped from each word spoken.

Mira's eyes narrowed. "Father never should've kept you! Then, we wouldn't be in this situation now! You are nothing! You will never be anything!"

Natalia tsked. "Mira, do you know who you're yelling at? I'm nothing and will never be anything? I'm the Head of the Black Rose syndicate. I killed my predecessor for this position. I have risen above you all. I stand as the wealthiest person in U Country, even richer than the Black family I married into. Next time, think with your tiny chipmunk brain before speaking."

Fury and hatred burned in Mira's eyes, but Natalia couldn't care less. She turned towards Ian.

"Relay my orders."

He bowed his head obediently and said, "Ma'am."

"Send a team to burn down the Montrose family mansion. Take Adrianna Montrose to the Blight Cellar. Have Angelique permanently scar Mira and Lulu's beauty. And leave Maxwell Montrose to the pack of wolves outside the compound. Send someone to find Spencer and Alex and shoot them and their families dead."

Horror filled four pairs of eyes. Ian bowed lower.

"As you wish, Ma'am."

"Oh... and make sure the whole world knows about the final fate of the Montrose family."