The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover-Chapter 430: Confrontation (1)

Axel’s eyes narrowed slightly at the suspicious tone creeping into Evelyn’s voice.

"Yes, dear..." He answered honestly because he didn’t know when he would finish dealing with that bastard.

"How late?"

"I’m not sure." He answered softly.

Another pause. A dangerous one. And, Axel recognized that silence very well.

Evelyn’s voice returned, slow and playful. "Mr. Knight..."

Axel straightened instinctively. "Yes, my love?"

"Are you sure this ’meeting’ involves documents and not some beautiful woman trying to steal my husband?"

Axel nearly choked.

Dylan, standing nearby, visibly stiffened while pretending not to listen.

"My love," Axel replied quickly, panic slipping into his voice despite his best efforts, "this is about work."

"Hmm."

"There is absolutely no woman involved."

"Oh?"

"Believe me..."

"Not even one?"

Axel ran a hand through his hair. "Mrs. Knight—"

"Yes?"

"I am going to lose several years of my life because of you. Please trust me, huh!?"

A brief silence—

Then Evelyn burst into laughter before saying in a playful tone, "You should see your reaction," and giggling. "I was just teasing you."

Axel closed his eyes. Relief washed over him like a sudden wave. "My love..." he exhaled deeply. "That was not funny."

"It was very funny."

"I almost had a heart attack."

"Impossible. You’re too healthy for that."

Axel laughed softly, the tension draining from his shoulders. "Cruel wife."

"Faithful husband."

"Very faithful husband." He responded with a soft chuckle.

After a few more sweet exchanges, Axel finally ended the call just as the elevator doors opened to the underground parking area.

Perfect timing.

Liam was already waiting beside the car.

Axel slipped his phone back into his pocket and walked forward without slowing. Liam immediately opened the rear door.

Dylan moved toward the front seat, settling beside Liam. Axel entered the car alone in the back row.

And as the door closed, the warmth from moments ago slowly faded.

The storm was waiting.

...

The luxury car glided smoothly through the quiet street before finally stopping at the main entrance of one of the city’s most exclusive private restaurants.

The soft glow of the lights reflected on the vehicle’s polished surface, giving the entire scene an air of controlled elegance.

Dylan stepped out first.

He moved quickly, taking over as he opened the rear door for him. "Sir."

Axel emerged without a word.

His expression was calm, but the tension beneath it was unmistakable. His sharp eyes scanned the entrance briefly.

"Sir," Dylan said, glancing at his phone, "I just received a text from him. He is already waiting in the VIP room."

Axel gave no verbal response. He simply began walking.

Dylan followed closely behind.

The restaurant stood in complete silence that evening. No guests, no background noise, no soft chatter of diners. At Axel’s request, the entire restaurant had been closed to the public. Privacy was not a preference for him — it was a requirement.

Axel had chosen this location for several reasons. First, it belonged to him. The familiar environment offered a sense of comfort and control he valued deeply. Second, every staff member inside the building understood the meaning of loyalty.

And finally —

If things turned violent, there would be no unnecessary complications.

No witnesses.

No police.

No questions.

As Axel entered, the restaurant manager immediately approached, his posture respectful, his smile carefully polite. "Good evening, Mr. Knight, welcome..."

Axel nodded faintly.

"This way, sir." The manager led them through the dimly lit corridor toward the VIP section.

The atmosphere grew heavier with each step, the silence amplifying the tension radiating from Axel.

When they reached the door, the manager extended his hand to open it.

Axel stopped him. The movement was subtle, yet firm.

The manager froze instantly.

Axel turned slightly, his gaze landing on Dylan.

"You wait for me outside."

Dylan straightened. "Yes, sir."

Without another word, Axel pushed the door open himself and entered.

Inside, Joseph Carter was already seated.

The man rose immediately upon seeing Axel, his movements smooth, his expression bright with polished courtesy.

"Mr. Knight," Joseph greeted warmly. "I feel honored to receive this dinner invitation from you."

Axel’s hands clenched. Tightly.

The sight of Joseph’s radiant face, paired with that composed, almost charming smile, sent a sharp surge of anger through him. Every instinct screamed for release. For the deeply satisfying sound of a punch connecting with Joseph’s irritatingly calm expression.

But Axel did not act on impulse. Not here. Not yet. He simply gave only a slight nod. Nothing more.

Joseph immediately caught the shift in Axel.

Axel moved toward the table with slow, measured steps and settled into the chair across from him. The silence that followed was thick, pressing heavily against the room.

The warm atmosphere Joseph had attempted to create began to crumble.

"You might sit, Joseph," Axel finally spoke. His tone was cold. Not openly hostile. But unmistakably unkind.

Joseph slowly lowered himself back into his seat. The smile that had once defined his expression faded, replaced by something more cautious, more alert.

His sharp mind was already working, replaying memories of their last encounter. A few weeks ago, in the hospital, Samuel Walters unexpectedly transferred company shares to Evelyn.

That meeting had been tense, but Axel gave him a warm greeting.

But this? This was different.

’Why, Axel, looks angry?’ Joseph wonders.

Axel’s posture was relaxed, yet dangerous. His gaze remained fixed on Joseph, sharp and silent, carrying a weight that made even a composed man like Joseph uneasy.

"Mr. Knight," Joseph began carefully, his voice calm but edged with curiosity, "may I ask why you requested this meeting?"

Axel did not answer. He simply coldly stared at him.

Joseph felt it immediately.

The silence stretched.

Seconds passed.

Then more.

Joseph shifted slightly in his seat, the discomfort creeping in despite his best efforts to remain composed. Axel’s sharp, silent gaze felt less like observation and more like pressure.

Like judgment.

Like a predator calmly deciding how to proceed.

Axel leaned back slightly, his eyes never leaving Joseph’s face. The tension in the room intensified.

Joseph Carter, for the first time that evening, realized something deeply unsettling. This is not going to be a social dinner but a confrontation.