The following morning, Luna woke before her husband.
She lay still for a moment, listening to Matteo's steady breathing beside her. Her heart pounded quietly in her chest. She already had a plan—but plans in a world like his could get a person killed if executed carelessly.
If Matteo truly ruled the Mafia, then she needed proof.
She slipped out of bed without making a sound and tied her robe around her waist. The mansion was still asleep. Only the faint murmur of guards outside broke the silence.
She went downstairs and walked into the kitchen, pretending to prepare coffee, but her mind was far from the cups and kettle.
The truth was not here.
It was somewhere Matteo had locked away.
Somewhere only he could enter.
Her thoughts drifted back to Lorenzo. She had seen his name in the documents. She knew he was Matteo's right hand. Whatever they had discussed last night had been important—dangerously important.
Matteo would never keep sensitive files in the house. Not where maids could clean. Not where servants could wander. Not where anyone could accidentally see.
But there was one place no one entered.
His office.
She had never been inside. It was his private domain. The place where he handled "business." She had once asked him about it after their wedding, and he had only smiled and brushed her off.
Just business.
Now she knew better.
She poured the coffee, steadied her breathing, and carried a cup upstairs.
Matteo was just waking when she entered the room.
"Good morning, my love," he said in his deep morning voice as he took the cup from her hands.
"Good morning," she replied with a soft smile.
He took a sip and smiled warmly. "You always know what I need. I knew I was lucky when I married you."
Her chest tightened.
If only you knew how much I wish that were still true.
She returned to the kitchen and sat alone with her own cup.
I have to get into that office.
But how?
If I say I'm going shopping, he'll send guards. If I take one of the cars, security will follow me. If I get caught, he'll grow suspicious.
If he leaves today… I'll follow him.
I'll take a taxi.
I'll disguise myself.
I'll do whatever it takes.
She closed her eyes briefly.
I have to know the truth. For myself. For my future. For my children—if I ever have any. I can't let them grow up in a world of blood and lies.
She stood just as Matteo came downstairs, already dressed in a sharp black suit.
"Baby, I'm heading out," he said, sliding an arm around her waist and kissing her forehead. "I have business today. I'll be meeting Lorenzo."
Her heart skipped.
"I remember him," she said calmly.
"I won't be long. I'll be back by noon," he said, holding her close. "Don't worry."
"I understand," she replied softly.
He started toward the door, then turned back. "Aren't you going to prepare my meal?"
"I was going to go buy more makeup," she said quickly. "I'm running low."
He waved it off. "Don't worry about that. Take my card. Buy whatever you want. Spend as much as you like."
He pressed the card into her hand without hesitation.
"Thank you, baby," she said sweetly. "I'll ask the maid to prepare your food."
She hugged him, keeping her smile steady.
The moment he turned away, her expression fell.
She told the maid to prepare breakfast for Matteo, then went back to her room.
She ordered a taxi and instructed it to wait far from the mansion. She couldn't use the family cars—security would follow her, and they would report everything to Matteo.
In her room, she pulled out a pair of unused glasses, a wig, and a wide sun hat. She studied herself in the mirror.
Perfect.
Even if Matteo saw her, he wouldn't recognize her.
She stepped outside briefly to place the disguise inside the taxi, then rushed back inside before anyone noticed.
No guard questioned her.
No servant saw her.
Her heart raced.
As Matteo was about to leave, his voice echoed through the hall.
"Luna!"
She hurried downstairs.
"Yes?" she asked.
"I'm heading out now. Remember—I'll be back by noon," he said, taking her hand. "If you get bored, go shopping. Buy anything you want. Clothes, makeup, even a car if you feel like it. You're the boss."
She forced a laugh. "You spoil me too much."
"You can take any car," he added, "but make sure a guard goes with you. Understand?"
"Yes, baby," she said obediently.
He kissed her once more and turned toward the door.
And the moment he left…
Luna's real mission would begin.