Adrian POV
The villa felt heavier at night. Shadows clung to the corners, and every creak of the floorboards made my senses sharpen. Business didn't stop for grief. The Moretti empire required attention, control, and vigilance.
I paced the study, reviewing ledgers, contracts, and intelligence reports. Luca was beside me, leaning over the desk, eyes scanning every page.
"We have shipments delayed," he said, frowning. "And there's chatter in Palermo. Someone is testing us."
I clenched my jaw. "Testing us. Not just Palermo. Someone close wants me dead."
Luca's eyes narrowed. "You think it's connected to your father's assassination?"
I nodded. "Of course. Whoever struck yesterday knows the family. They know how to hit where it hurts most."
---
Isabella POV
I watched him work, observed his intensity. The lines in his jaw, the sharp glare in his eyes, the way he refused to sit still—it was intoxicating. I let him believe that I admired him, relied on him, trusted him completely.
But tonight… I had other matters. There was someone I needed to see. Someone who knew the truth about my past. The man who could help me ensure Adrian remained… guided, controlled, influenced.
I left the study quietly, slipping through the villa's halls like a shadow. Adrian didn't notice. He never would.
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Adrian POV
A sudden noise snapped me from my thoughts. I spun, hand on the gun at my hip. A shadow moved near the entrance. I tensed, eyes narrowing.
"Who's there?" I called.
Nothing. Just the wind—or maybe something more sinister.
Luca spoke softly. "We need to be careful. This could be another attempt. Check the car, perimeter. Now."
I nodded, rising. Outside, the sleek black car waited. Luca crouched near the driver's side. His face went pale.
"Bomb," he whispered. "Under the car. Someone planted it."
I froze. My mind raced, heart pounding. "Remove it. Carefully."
Luca worked quickly, using his tools with precision. Minutes felt like hours. Finally, he straightened, giving me a grim look. "It's gone. But Adrian… they're serious. Someone close. Be alert."
I swallowed, anger and determination mixing. "Then I will find them. Whoever they are."
---
Isabella POV
I met the man in the shadows, where the wind carried whispers through the villa's garden.
"I need answers," I said softly, voice steady despite the adrenaline.
He nodded, his face hidden beneath the hood. "You have to be careful. Adrian trusts you completely."
"I know," I said. "And I will keep him close. But… he can't see everything. Not yet."
Plans were forming. Moves that would keep Adrian dependent on me, blinded by loyalty and emotion. He was mine, but he would never know how close the danger truly was—both outside and within.
---
Adrian POV
The villa was silent again, but unease lingered. Luca and I moved from room to room, checking guards, checking locks. Everything seemed normal… too normal.
Later, as I returned to my office, I heard a faint sound. Soft, deliberate. A voice.
I froze, straining to listen.
"Adrian…"
My heart skipped. That voice. Familiar. Trusting. But I didn't recognize the tone—there was something secretive, almost conspiratorial.
I moved quietly, tracing the sound down the hall. Shadows shifted. The villa was full of secrets. Tonight, one of them was walking just ahead of me.
---
Isabella POV
I whispered his name, luring him closer, letting him believe I was in trouble. It was dangerous, yes—but also effective. He would follow, protect, and never suspect that I was manipulating the situation.
I pressed my back against the cool wall, listening as his footsteps drew near. My heart raced—not with fear, but with controlled anticipation.
Adrian had no idea. No idea that the world around him was layered with hidden threats. No idea that the loyalty he demanded—and the loyalty he believed he had from me—was a tool.
I smiled faintly. Soon, every move he made would be influenced by my quiet hand.
---
Adrian POV
The sound of her voice grew louder, more distinct. My chest tightened, and I realized—she was here. Isabella.
"I won't stop until he pays for what he did," she said softly.
My mind raced. Who was she speaking to? Who had she met in the shadows? I had trusted her, kept her close, believed in her completely. And now… doubt prickled at the edges of my mind.
I followed her voice, silent, careful. My hand rested on my gun, ready for anything. The villa was quiet except for the faint sound of her words.
---
Isabella POV
I felt his presence before he appeared. I knew he would follow. That was the way he always was—protective, loyal, stubborn. And I let him come. Every step, every move, I controlled the narrative.
When I heard his breathing grow close, I pressed my hand to my lips, whispering again. "I won't stop until he pays for what he did."
He was closer now. I could see his shadow stretching across the walls, hear the tension in his movements.
And in that moment, I felt the thrill of power—silent, hidden, absolute.
Next episode continues.
Adrian emerged from the shadows, eyes narrowed, gun drawn. His chest heaved, anger and suspicion mingling.
And there I was, frozen, pretending vulnerability, hiding secrets.
The night was full of danger, hidden knives, and whispered betrayals. One truth was clear: the world was no longer simple. And trust… trust was a weapon that could wound worse than any blade.