0016.

Sophia's POV.

Terror gripped me at his words. My father was all I had, I couldn't let him get hurt.

"No..." I whispered, barely able to breathe. "Please don't hurt my father. I'm begging you. He's all I have—"

"Enough!" Alessandro's voice cut through the air like ice. It was much colder and harsher than I'd ever heard.

A chill ran through my spine and I felt my entire body shake, goosebumps spreading across my skin.

I'd thought Alessandro's past actions were monstrous, but the man staring at me with his eyes empty of any emotion was far worse.

"No one in more than two decades has ever tried the fucking stunt you pulled last night," He snarled, leaning close. "You've got nerve, Sophia. But I'll make you regret every part of your plan!"

Tears streamed down my cheeks, "There was no plan...I didn't want to harm you. I could never think of hurting anyone."

"Really?" He scoffed. "How can I believe the words of a desperate woman? You've tried everything to seduce me...and when that didn't