PREGNANT FOR THE MAFIA'S HEIR

ISABELLA'S POV

I sat in the dimly lit confines of my apartment, the soft glow of my computer screen casting eerie shadows across the mildly disheveled room.

With my photochromic glasses perched on my nose, I plunged headfirst into the dark corners of the internet.

My fingers danced across the keyboard with practiced precision as I engaged in a clandestine conversation with a mysterious figure I had encountered on the dark web.

This shadowy individual promised to furnish me with the damning evidence needed to bring down the Sterling Family Empire once and for all.

"I need everything you've got on the Sterling Family Empire. Every dirty secret, every illegal transaction. I want to bring them to their knees." I typed to the anonymous contact.

"I've got the goods, sweetheart. But it's gonna cost you. Big time."

My heart raced with anticipation as I negotiated with my anonymous contact, my determination to uncover the truth outweighing any concerns about the risks involved.

"Name your price. I'll pay whatever it takes to expose the Sterling Family for the criminals they truly are."

"Smart girl. I like that. I'll send you the files, but remember, once you cross this line, there's no turning back." the Anonymous Contact replied.

My pulse quickened as I awaited a text from the Anonymous friend, knowing that I was about to embark on the most dangerous mission of my career.

As I closed my laptop and slipped off my glasses, a rush of exhilaration flooded through me.

I was on the brink of bringing down one of the most powerful families in the city, and I was determined to see it through, no matter what obstacles stood in my path.

With a wry smile, I whispered to myself, "Game on, Sterlings. Let the battle begin."

My heart raced as my laptop emitted a notification sound, signaling a message from my anonymous contact.

With trembling fingers, I opened my laptop, and my anticipation quickly turning to shock as I read the message on the screen.

"You will have to pay twenty-five grand," the message read, sending a jolt of panic coursing through my veins.

My initial shock quickly gave way to frustration, and I felt the beginnings of anger bubbling within me.

"Twenty-five thousand?!" I almost yelled, my voice filled with disbelief.

"Where the fuck am I supposed to get twenty-five thousand from?" I typed.

But the anonymous contact remained unmoved by my outburst, responding with a curt message of their own. "It's twenty-five grand or no files, sweetheart."

Feeling defeated, I slammed my laptop shut and collapsed onto the chair I had been sitting in, my frustration and disappointment palpable in the air around me.

I had come so close to obtaining the evidence I needed to bring down the Sterling Family Empire, only to have it slip through my fingers at the last moment.

As I buried my face in my hands, a wave of helplessness engulfed me.

How was I supposed to come up with twenty-five thousand dollars in such a short time frame? It felt like an insurmountable challenge, but the stakes were too high for me to just walk away.

With a heavy heart, I knew that I would have to find a way to raise the money, no matter the cost. The truth was within me grasp, and I refused to let it slip away again.

But as I pondered my next move, one thing was certain: the road ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty, and I would need all the courage and determination I could muster to see it through.

The weight of the situation bore down on me as I grappled with my limited options.

Should I call the bank and risk plunging myself into debt, or reach out to Thompson and face the consequences of disobeying his orders?

My heart pounded in my chest as I dialed Mr Thompson's number, my mind racing with uncertainty.

I knew I needed to tell him about the anonymous contact and the exorbitant price demanded for the files, even if it meant risking my job.

"Good evening, sir," I greeted, my voice laced with apprehension as I prepared to broach the delicate subject.

Thompson's response was a chilling silence, causing me to falter slightly.

Gathering my courage, I continued, "I need to speak with you about something urgent."

Thompson's voice finally broke the silence, though it was as cold as ice. "Go ahead, Isabella. What is it?"

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation ahead. "Sir, I've received a message from an anonymous contact.

They claim to have the information we need to expose the Sterling Family Empire, but they're demanding twenty-five thousand dollars in exchange."

There was a pregnant pause on the other end of the line, as Thompson processed my words.

When he finally spoke, his tone was sharp and unforgiving, regret engulfing me immediately.

"Twenty-five thousand dollars? Are you out of your mind, Isabella? We can't afford to pay that kind of money, especially for information of dubious origin."

"But sir, this could be our only chance to bring down the Sterling Family," I protested, desperation evident in my voice.

"If we don't act now, they'll continue to operate with impunity, and who knows what other crimes they'll commit."

His response was swift and final. "I'm sorry, Isabella, but we can't risk our reputation and financial stability on a gamble like this,”

“You've disobeyed my orders by pursuing this course of action, and I can't condone it any longer. You're fired, Isabella. Don't bother coming to work tomorrow."

I felt my world crumble around me as my boss ended the call, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the harsh reality of my situation.

What was I going to do now that I have been fired? This question popped into my head, as I felt my heart sank inside of me.

I really loved my job, and I shouldn't have gamble with it for any reason. I thought as I started feeling bitter, recalled what my boss just said. “You should get yourself out of here before you die of depression,” I told myself and raised up on my feet.

I dashes for the bathroom, pacing around after a quick bath and within a few minutes I was prepared to go out.