Black Rose in the Abyss Chapter 13

Downstairs at Bianca's newly consolidated trading company in New York, a crowd had gathered.

Dante, wearing that silver-grey mask, stood at the edge of the crowd, gazing at the revolving glass doors.

His heart pounded violently in his chest.

The panic of being close to home almost drowned him.

Lorenzo’s words and his own reckless behavior from two years ago intertwined in his mind, making his steps heavy. He didn't dare to move forward.

Just then, someone patted him on the shoulder.

"Hey, buddy, are you here for the interview too?"

A cheerful-looking young man leaned in. "Boss Bianca treats her people incredibly well. The key is, it’s a legitimate company. We don't have to live with our heads on our belts anymore! Lots of guys want to work for her. Don't hesitate, go sign up!"

Before Dante could react, the young man dragged him toward the registration desk.

Just as he finished filling out the form, the sound of footsteps and greetings rang out.

"Boss!"

"Roxy!"

Dante went rigid and looked up sharply.

Bianca and Roxy walked out side by side.

She wore a sharp black suit, her long hair pinned up, revealing a clear, cold jawline.

She was thinner than she had been two years ago. The sharpness in her eyes had settled into something calmer.

Roxy was saying something, and she tilted her head slightly to listen.

Sunlight fell on her, outlining a silhouette that was both familiar and strange.

Dante stood there, dazed.

Separated by the crowd, by two years of life and death, and by unspeakable regret and longing, he stared greedily at that figure. It was as if he wanted to carve her into his soul.

The noise of the crowd faded. He could only hear his own deafening heartbeat.

She was right there.

So close.

Yet so far away.

Dante successfully passed the initial screening and became a grassroots employee at the company.

Even starting from the bottom, his abilities quickly shone through.

But he stayed on the unnoticed periphery, afraid to get too close to Bianca, simply doing every task at hand to the best of his ability.

Until a month later.

The company urgently needed to open a new maritime shipping route for a shipment of time-sensitive goods.

The background of the counterparties was complex, involving old factions of the Mexican cartels.

The new hires under Bianca were competent in business, but they lacked the right person to handle such a messy situation.

In the meeting, everyone fell silent.

Someone recommended Dante. "This guy calls himself 'Nero'. He's a bit of a loner, but his skills are undeniable."

Bianca immediately ordered him to be brought in.

Dante wore his mask. All eyes focused on him.

Immediately, someone questioned him. "You don't even dare to show your face. Who knows where you came from? What if you screw this up or have other motives?"

Bianca raised her hand, and the conference room instantly went quiet.

She scrutinized him with a calm gaze. After a moment, she spoke. "Talk about your advantages."

"I know the waterways along the border and the rules and pain points of the cartel leaders there," Dante said.

"Give me a chance. I can secure this route."

His tone was steady, carrying an unquestionable confidence.

"Words are cheap," Bianca said coolly.

"Three days. I can bring you a preliminary plan that will satisfy you."

Bianca stared at him for a few seconds. Finally, she nodded. "Fine. Three days."

Someone tried to object, but Bianca cut them off. "I use his ability, not his past. But there is only one chance."

When Dante placed the detailed plan on Bianca's desk, a flicker of surprise passed through her eyes.

"Do it as you planned."

The project went even smoother than expected.

Dante personally went to the border. Relying on his hard-line tactics and some conveniences secretly provided by the Valenti family, he not only successfully opened the route but also secured conditions far better than expected.

The celebration party was held at a five-star hotel near the company.

The atmosphere was lively. Dante became the undisputed hero. Even with the mask, he couldn't block the gazes of admiration and curiosity.

He handled the social interactions with ease, but his mind was entirely on the person sitting quietly in the corner.

Bianca picked up a champagne flute and stood up. She walked in front of him. The whole room went quiet.

"This glass is to you."

She looked at him, her eyes holding approval. "Starting tomorrow, you are the Deputy Manager of the Shipping Project. You have full authority over this new route."

Applause and congratulations rang out.

Dante raised his glass and gently clinked it against hers. His Adam's apple bobbed under the mask.

A thousand words stuck in his throat. In the end, they turned into a low, solemn sentence: "Thank you for your trust, Boss."

As well-wishers flocked to him, Bianca quietly left the table.