The Billionaire’s Maid Bride (Flanagan and Allison)

Darian was puzzled as he made his way to the Red Jack Club. He hadn't been involved in any trouble lately, so what could this be about?

Upon entering the VIP room, he saw Konnor with a young man by his side. It was a face he didn't recognize yet seemed oddly familiar. Approaching Konnor, he asked, "Konnor, you wanted to see me about something?"

Konnor flashed a smile. "This is Mr. Pete. He's looking for you."

Pete got straight to the point, "I'm trying to track someone down."

"If it's someone on these streets, I know it," Darian boasted. "Who are you looking for?"

"Robbie," Pete replied.

Darian's expression shifted at the mention of the name.

Pete noticed the change. "What's the matter, Darian? Is this a tough ask?"

Darian was silent for a moment.

Konnor prodded, "Darian, what's going on, man?"

Darian confessed, "Konnor, you don't know the half of it. Robbie owes me one hundred thousand. I had him cornered, but then someone vouched for him. They made me promise not to spill his whereabouts, and I agreed. A man's word is his bond around here."

And to make matters more complicated, Darian was under Hughes' thumb.

Pete offered a deal, "Name your price, Darian. I'll make it worth your while."

But Darian was in a bind. He had taken Hughes' cash, promised him a favor, but now, if he sold Robbie out to someone else, he'd be done for in this town. Cursing Hughes under his breath for leaving him this mess, he lamented that Hughes had taken Robbie off his hands for a hefty sum, leaving him with this dilemma.

"Dude, I can't," Darian finally said. "I made a promise..."

Konnor beckoned, "Come closer, Darian. Tell me."

Darian whispered Hughes' name into Konnor's ear.

Konnor's demeanor immediately turned grave. "Pete, I'd like to help you out, but I'm in a tough spot here too."

Pete felt a chill. Who was this person that even Konnor was wary of?

Could it be that someone from Lucian's side had gotten to Robbie? That would be trouble. If Lucian's people found out what Penelope had been up to, she would be abandoned by the Lindberg family. And if that happened, Pete and his father's plans would be dead in the water. They were in the same boat and needed to keep Penelope's secrets at all costs.

"Konnor," Pete pressed, "I'll hand back the South Bright District's underground casino to you if you tell me where Robbie is."

That casino had been a juicy steak Pete had wrestled from Konnor. Pete almost lost his life if not for David's protection and the might of Lindberg Corp behind him. To make amends, David had compensated Konnor with a street behind Northfield Main Street, and that had put things to rest.

Now, with Pete needing a favor from Konnor, he was willing to give up that lucrative piece back.

Konnor's eyes lit up with greed and conflict. He weighed his options, wanting the South Bright District casino but not wanting to cross Hughes. He told Pete, "Give me a couple of days. I'll bring you the man, but I need to plan this carefully."

Pete rose to his feet. "Two days max, Konnor. I can't wait any longer."

This was urgent. Unable to find Robbie, Pete couldn't find peace for even a second.