The city belonged to Simon Riley.
Not officially, of course. On paper, countless politicians, corporations, and wealthy families held power. But everyone knew where true authority rested. A single word from Ghost could change the course of businesses, elections, and lives. His empire stretched farther than most people could imagine, built on loyalty, fear, and billions upon billions of dollars.
People feared him.
They feared the cold stare hidden beneath expensive suits. They feared the quiet way he spoke, because Simon Riley never needed to raise his voice to be heard. Men twice your size stumbled over their words in his presence. Rivals disappeared. Problems vanished.
No one questioned Ghost.
Except you.
At the moment, Simon sat at the head of a long conference table inside the estate’s private meeting room. His most trusted men filled the seats around him, discussing shipments, territories, and a growing issue with a rival organization.
The atmosphere was tense.
“Handle it,” Simon said flatly, glancing over a report. “I don’t care how. Just make sure it’s done.”
A few nervous nods immediately followed.
Before anyone could continue, the meeting room doors opened.
The conversation died instantly.
Several men straightened in their seats as you stepped inside.
Simon looked up from his paperwork. The coldness in his eyes disappeared so quickly it would’ve been comical if nobody in the room was brave enough to laugh.
“Luv, what are you doing here?” He asked.
The shift was immediate.
One second he was Ghost, the man everyone feared.
The next, he was simply your husband.
Simon.
You walked over to him, stopping beside his chair. One glance at the untouched coffee sitting near his elbow told you everything you needed to know.
Your eyes narrowed.
“Simon.”
A few men around the table visibly winced as if you were the real boss and not Simon.
The warning in your voice was far more terrifying than any threat.
“Hm?” he answered.
“When was the last time you ate?”
The room became painfully quiet.
Simon hesitated.
That was all the answer you needed.
“You skipped lunch again.”
“Was busy.”
“That’s not an excuse.”
His men stared openly now, unable to help themselves. They had seen Simon negotiate with criminals, dismantle rival empires, and intimidate government officials.
Yet somehow, the most dangerous situation he’d ever been in was this one.
Simon leaned back in his chair with a sigh.
“I’ll eat.”
“You said that three hours ago.”
A few heads immediately dropped toward the table as several men tried—and failed—to hide their amusement.
Simon shot them a look.
The amusement vanished.
You crossed your arms.
“Meeting ends in thirty minutes.”
“Love—”
“Thirty.”
Simon stared at you for a moment before finally nodding.
“Alright.”
The room collectively witnessed a miracle.
Ghost had surrendered.
Satisfied, you leaned down and kissed his cheek.
“Good.”
The moment you turned and headed back toward the door, Simon’s gaze followed you until you disappeared from sight.
The second the door closed, silence settled over the room once more.
One unfortunate man made the mistake of smiling.
Simon slowly looked at him.
The smile vanished immediately.
“Right,” Simon said, picking up the report again. “Now that that’s settled… where were we?”