Stephanie, the Mafia Queen

As Stephanie exited her red car, she headed straight into the headquarters. The guard at the entrance greeted her before she continued towards the elevator. The elevator was about to close when she heard someone shout her name.

"Steph, hold the door for me!"

Instead of stopping the door from closing, she just watched the man run towards it. Before it shut completely, he managed to block it with his arm, wincing in pain.

Rather than asking how he was, Stephanie just grinned at the situation. "Looks like you're slowing down, Wyeth. I'll need you at the gym later at 7 PM."

Wyeth's eyes widened as he stammered, "B-but..."

"From the entrance to the elevator, you should have reached approximately three seconds. But it took you five whole seconds instead. I guess I've been too lenient with you lately."

She forced a laugh. "You're getting too detailed, Steph."

"I'll send you a new set of regimen to finish every day. I'll monitor you while you do it as well."

"Come on, don't be so serious. I intentionally slowed down earlier, that's why it took me five seconds. I won't joke about it anymore. I promise!" He raised his right hand as if making an oath.

Stephanie looked at his right hand until the elevator door opened. Ignoring what he was saying, she walked out without acknowledging him.

"Have you had breakfast?" Wyeth asked.

"I did."

"Do you want some coffee?"

"Already had one."

Wyeth thought of other reasons while still following Stephanie to her office. "What about donuts? You love donuts! I'll buy you a box."

When they reached the front of the office, Stephanie stopped before facing him. "You know nothing will change my mind. And if you don't stop, I'll triple it."

A reluctant smile appeared on Wyeth's face. "Okay, okay. I'm sorry, your highness."

Rolling her eyes, Stephanie entered her office, closing the door behind her. Meanwhile, Salvatore entered after a while, laughing at the sight of his friend and boss.

"Stephanie again?"

"As usual," they both laughed. "Any new work for me?"

"Just a couple of new paperwork that needs your signature. But other than that, nothing. I'll remind the big boss about the report too." Salvatore placed some papers on the desk, which Wyeth didn't bother to look at.

"I'll deal with that later." Stephanie stood up and left with Salvatore. "I need to buy her majesty three boxes of donuts. I'll be back."

"Sure, bossing. Bring me a hot coffee too. I can't sleep yet; I have a lot of work."

"I wish you had our boss's work ethic."

Salvatore laughed. "I'd choose my sleepless work behind the computer over what Stephanie does any day."

They shrugged at each other. "Good point."

On the other hand, Stephanie started typing on her laptop to work on a report. She sighed each time she finished a page.

"Still hate paperwork?"

A deep voice interrupted her thoughts. Stephanie looked up at her right hand, her eyes almost sparkling. He held five boxes from her favorite donut shop. Instead of showing joy, she tried to keep a serious expression.

"I'll forgive you for taking so long since you bought five boxes."

Wyeth laughed at her statement. "Okay. Okay. I'm sorry, your highness."

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. "I'm serious, Wyeth. You need to work out."

He smiled. "I know. I'll do any regimen you ask me to."

Stephanie didn't say anything else and started devouring the donuts Wyeth brought. He just smiled before leaving the office, going to his own work.

He understood why his boss was strict about his workouts. Stephanie was his right hand, and it was only fitting that she stayed healthy and strong. No one knew when their strength would be needed.

Weeks passed, and Wyeth remained a support for Stephanie, as she wanted. Stephanie preferred to finish missions alone, and even though Wyeth was fine with it, they both knew it wouldn't last. The mafia lord would surely give them a new mission soon. They couldn't afford to be complacent.

As if the heavens heard Stephanie's fears, there was a sudden knock on her door.

"New mission from the big boss," Wyeth announced. "And this time, he wants to talk to you personally to discuss the mission."

Stephanie raised her right eyebrow. "The old hag wants to see me personally? Did I hear that right?"

"I had to ask that three times before coming here." They both laughed.

Taking a deep breath, Stephanie stood up. "I guess we'll go now. We don't want the angry lion to get mad for being late."

"Of course. She hates us as it is. I don't even want to think about what her reaction will be if we're late."

While walking out of the building, everyone they passed greeted them. The guard saluted them again before the valet parked Stephanie's car in front of the building. She handed the keys to Wyeth, who was going to drive.

"Take me to the bar," Stephanie ordered.

"Aye, aye, ma'am."

They went straight to the Impero Bar before Stephanie got out. "Take my car home. I'll just take a cab later."

"No. Message me. I'll pick you up later. I'll go back to headquarters."

Before Stephanie could protest, Wyeth quickly said his goodbye. She watched him leave before entering the bar. She went straight to the counter and took an empty stool when Enteng approached.

"Good afternoon, ma'am. It's early, isn't it?"

Stephanie chuckled, finding it early to drink. But suddenly, she felt thirsty, so she decided to stay. "Just one shot. I just need to think."

"Right away, ma'am."

Lost in deep thoughts, Stephanie suddenly saw someone she didn't expect to meet at the bar at this hour.

"Hi, neighbor!" Avaluan cheerfully greeted.