Giovanni’s POVOctavia appeared more well-behaved than I had anticipated when I arrived at Molly's office. However, it was time to terminate our contract, so I led her to my office.She sat on my desk, and due to my indulgence, I allowed it."Vanni, I was sad you couldn't make it to my graduation, but it's okay. Mom said you were busy, so she came on your behalf," Octavia said.Her words caught me off guard. "My mom was at your graduation?" It was odd, considering my mom's initial dislike for Octavia. What was she playing at?"Yes, and she used to call to check on me. She's quite nice, and I don't think she has any issues with us," Octavia said innocently, but I couldn't help but scoff.If that woman was getting close to her, there was something fishy going on, or Octavia was hiding something from me."Octavia, you've graduated, and I have a job lined up for you, but our contract can't continue," I informed her. I couldn't keep up this facade with Molly back in my life, no matter how
Octavia’s POVTwo days ago.“Mom, you came?" I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the woman with six bodyguards. She was pretty and fierce, looking more like a twenty-year-old than the fifty-something-year-old woman she was."I know you weren't expecting me, but I had to do it for my son," she smiled a little. Her presence attracted a lot of attention, but I knew Vanni would garner even more attention, especially since most of my peers loved to flaunt their men."You mean Vanni isn't coming?" I was very disappointed."I'm sorry, but let's talk after the event. I don't want to keep you waiting." I agreed with her and joined my mates for the ceremony, constantly watching out for Vanni and hoping he would show up to disappoint his mother, but that didn't happen.Foolish of me to have thought all these years that his mother hated me. Turns out she loved me enough to show up."Vanni has been so busy these days, but I will go and help him," I said to her, trying to hide my disappointment a
Molly’s POVI couldn’t be upset with Gianni because Octavia was Roger’s mother. However, Gianni should be nearing thirty. As to how the two produced Roger, it remained a mystery to me.Roger was in the shower when I reached his room, but he was bathing angrily. I went to help him.“Look, she’s your mother, and you have to accept it, even if you can’t love her,” I tried to explain to him, but he was irrational.“No, you are my mother. I don’t even know her, and all these years, she took all of daddy’s weekends, never caring about me and leaving me out of it. She only loves daddy,” Roger said, sounding more like an adult than a child. I turned off the faucet when I realized he was clean enough and wrapped him in a towel. How he was able to break down his mother’s character and understand that the woman never cared for him was exceptional but unexpected from a four-year-old. “Roger, there must be some explanation, okay? Daddy loves you so much, so if he brought her, then she must be g
Octavia’s POVVanni completely changed my son. Roger was more fierce and unwelcoming compared to Vanni, and when I looked at him, he seemed nothing like his real father.Gael was very gentle and kind, and I believe that if he were still alive, no one would associate him with Roger. This behavior made it challenging for me to implement my plans because Roger was as stubborn as a rock.He appeared so upset that his words seemed final. However, I couldn’t bear the thought of being pushed out of my son's life."Roger, can you please let her stay downstairs? She's still your mother," Molly pleaded, and I understood why Gianni loved her. She was talented and kind, which could work to my advantage, except I couldn't deceive Roger.His personality was complex. Like a light switch, he could shift from being caring to very mean. He was caring when interacting with his father or Molly, but mean when dealing with me."The fact that she gave birth to me doesn't make her a mother," he coldly stared
Molly’s POVI never knew Gianni to be weak, but Octavia must have something on him. Whatever it was, made Gianni kowtow to her demands, which upset me and Roger.After tucking Roger into bed and reading him a bedtime story, I lay beside him. He asked softly, “Mom, you won’t leave dad because of that woman, will you?”Knowing Octavia was just a jealous bitch, I reassured him, “No. Adults have misunderstandings, but we always work through them.”If Gianni said he never slept with her, then I believe him but whatever she said to have made him change his mind, made me afraid.“Thank you, Molly,” Roger said, embracing me before falling asleep. Despite my efforts, I couldn't sleep, and suddenly the door opened.“Who’s there?” I whispered, not wanting to wake Roger.“Can we talk?” Gianni's voice came from the doorway. I felt the need to talk with him, so I stood up, kissed Roger on the forehead, and left his room.“Sure, let’s go,” I replied. I noticed Gianni had showered but wondered why he
Molly’s POVOctavia must have regretted her words because she smiled nervously and tried to take them back.“That’s not what I meant. What I was saying was…”Gianni didn’t allow her to finish her sentence before cutting in. “Roger, I wanted to wait until you were older, but since she already said it, it’s true. You weren’t formed from my DNA, but the moment I laid eyes on you, you were mine, and I never stopped loving you.”Gianni’s words were honest, as his gaze bore into Roger's. The boy’s expression was unreadable, and a deafening silence took over the table as we waited for him to say something, but it took time.The more it was delayed, the more anxious we got, and for the first time, I saw tears in Roger’s eyes as he asked in a sorrow-filled voice,“So, are you going to let me go?” I felt relieved that his only fear was losing the only man he had grown to love as a father.Gianni smiled, and I knew things were going to get better. Octavia was already nervous, seeing that things
Octavia’s POVMolly, the bitch took everything from me. How could I have known she would come into the picture? If I had known, I would have tried harder to win Vanni over, but now she has won Roger as well.Even though my son knew Vanni wasn't his biological father, he still clung to him. Together with Molly, they looked like a perfect family, the family that was meant to be mine.I blamed myself. If only I had cared for Roger and made him happy, maybe Vanni would have fallen in love with me. I always thought men didn't like women with attachments, but I was wrong.Vanni had changed completely from the last time I saw him at home and not even memories of Gael could make him accept my demands."Octavia, I didn't ask Gael to take the bullet for me. We weren't even close. It saddens me that he died because of it, but I won't let you manipulate me. If someone else had sabotaged Molly like you did, she would be dead. Be grateful you're still alive."Tears welled in my eyes, but I held the
Octavia’s POV“What do you mean Gael is still alive? Mom, we buried him. I was at his funeral," I explained, just in case she was mistaken, but the seriousness in her eyes indicated otherwise.Her gaze held a conviction, that sent a chill down my spine. "Mom, please elaborate on this,” I pleaded with her."Octavia, do you think I would let my son sacrifice himself for a stepchild?" she questioned, causing my eyes to widen with shock.Vanni may be ruthless, but this woman was the true villain. If Vanni knew about this, he would surely eliminate her. Despite Vanni cutting me off, revealing this woman's intentions to him might give me a chance in his life again, right?"Mom, please tell me you're joking. Gael is dead." I had moved on from Gael and shifted my affection to Vanni, so this revelation was unexpected, and I wasn't sure if I could love Gael the same way again."Gael is in London but will return in a few days. I provided him with a new identity."Her words weren't enough to conv
Beatrix’s POVI shared with Octavia what I believed she needed to hear, but I kept the most crucial information to myself, revealing it only to those I chose.To avoid raising Gio's suspicions, I established companies under Gael's new identities, GG, focusing on textiles, shoes, and clothing lines unknown to Gio.I managed the finances discreetly, making it appear as personal expenses while channeling the funds into these ventures.How could I support my covert operatives and legal team without Gio's knowledge? Suddenly, Roy seemed on the verge of divulging everything.I couldn't let that happen and exclaimed, "Roy, are you out of your mind? Your family will suffer if you speak up."Things took an unexpected turn, revealing Octavia's true colors, unlike Nicole, who was devoted to me. Octavia chose Gio, despite his constant rejection, never nurturing hopes of a relationship with him."It's over, Beatrix. Fighting is futile," he declared, crushing my heart. "No, his father stripped ever
Hank’s PovThings were not supposed to turn out this way, but my reason for not following Gio's plan was because I couldn't trust Octavia.I thought she was more cunning than Nicole, but after being interrogated by Gael, I realized that people could truly change.This made me regret all the torture I watched her endure, although I tried to minimize it and prevent Gael and his mother from eliminating her.However, I found satisfaction in the fact that Gio understood the message when I handed him a knife after removing it from where I had pressed it against his neck. The message was clear.Beatrix and her son were easily convinced. Initially, I hesitated to accept the contract, but the agency insisted that the client wanted the best and highly recommended me with an attractive payment offer. Intrigued, I agreed.Upon discovering that Beatrix was the one trying to contract me, I accepted her request, even offering to do it for free as a surprise for Gio.This gesture won her trust, allow
Molly’s POVRoger left after uttering the words, as if it wasn't him, and hurried up the stairs.Gianni was right. Anyone could betray him, but not Roger. As for Hank's stance, it remained uncertain."What do you want, Mom?" Gianni asked sarcastically. Beatrix smiled and replied, "Just so you know, I'm not your mother.""Of course. Your son is right beside you," Gianni retorted, Beatrix's gaze fixed on Octavia. "Did you tell him everything?""So what?" Octavia replied in annoyance, her face and eyes flushed red."What did they do to you?" I inquired, and Gianni ordered, "Remove the tape from her mouth. We are all tied up anyway. Or are you afraid I can still harm you even with my arms and legs bound?"His words seemed to provoke Beatrix, as she commanded, "Remove the duct tape from her mouth." One of the bodyguards complied, but Octavia appeared too exhausted to speak."We finally have the scoundrel here," an elderly man spoke from the dining table, and the others nodded in agreement.
Molly’s POVSomething didn't add up, and I could sense the tension in the air. Gianni was visibly disturbed and couldn't conceal it."I feel like I miscalculated. Hank isn't answering my calls, and I can't locate Roger," he lamented. We were already dressed, as Gianni was prepared for action, with his trusted bodyguards Zak and Jace by his side.Most of the Dawson's bodyguards had mysteriously resigned, leaving only those directly employed by Gianni."Are you afraid?" He asked, looking at me softly in the mirror."With you? No.""Even if Hank has betrayed me?" he inquired, and I hesitated, knowing Hank's strength. I had no idea what Hank did for a living, but I wasn't sure if Gianni could defeat him in a fight.They were both formidable opponents. "Have you ever fought him before?" I asked, and he chuckled. "You think he can take me down?"The question brought back memories of my training. Gianni seemed tougher. "Not a chance."A smile played on his lips, but his eyes remained fixed o
Octavia’s PovIf there was a way to just hide and avoid all this, I would have done so, but I knew I wouldn't receive the protection I needed without playing by Vanni’s rules.Beatrix had become a source of fear for me, and I tried to steer clear of her as much as possible. However, Gianni's plan involved confronting all those involved.Upon arriving at the old mansion, Beatrix appeared upset, slapping me and kicking me in the stomach.“You dare to betray me, you bitch,” she accused.“What are you talking about?” I tried to deny it, feeling the searing pain.“You dare to deny it?” She delivered another kick to my abdomen, sending me to the floor and rendering my training from Vanni and Molly useless because of all the bodyguards around.Struggling to focus, I saw the familiar faces of the bodyguards, many of whom had worked in Vanni’s mansion or office.It became clear that there were more than two spies feeding information from Vanni to Beatrix. It was a trap, and I needed to warn hi
Giovanni’s Pov“Why are you suddenly so quiet?" Hank asked, turning his head to catch a glimpse of the text message. Instantly, he looked away, but I needed his help, so I asked him,"Can you help me apprehend the suspect?"His expression was strange, and his response was peculiar. "I'm sorry. Something urgent just came up. I'll have to send someone to assist in training Octavia.""What? We had an agreement," I said firmly. If I wanted someone else, I wouldn't have asked for his help. Why did I feel like he was acting strangely?"I'm sorry, Gio, but you know how my work is. I just landed a contract that will keep me occupied for weeks."Hank had previously let go of a significant contract because he believed the person was innocent, which was why I trusted him. Despite my instincts wanting to suspect him, my heart and mind couldn't."Alright. I'll pay you double what this contract is offering." I knew he struggled with the guilt of his job, even though he claimed to enjoy it.Hank had
Giovanni’s POVOctavia should know by now that I would never allow any harm to come close to Roger, so what exactly did she mean by that? About to speak, Molly beat me to it.“You know that I love Roger like my son.”“Then I won’t fight for custody, and I won’t disturb your lives if you promise to give me the protection I need,” she said. I was more confused.Because of her relationship with me, I always had enough bodyguards around her, though I tried as much as possible to keep her out of the limelight. Molly was the only woman I couldn’t keep secret even if I tried because of how much I love her. Keeping our relationship secret was suffocating.“Octavia, get to the point already. Don’t you have enough bodyguards, and I hope you were joking about Gael?” I really hoped she wasn’t, but her reply stunned me.“No, Vanni. Gael is alive. I spoke to him on FaceTime. He’s Beatrix’s only son.”Was it what I was thinking? After finding out she wasn’t my real mother, I couldn’t help thinking
Molly’s POVWhen Gianni dropped me off at the studio after taking Roger, I was surprised to run into Christopher, my former producer. I had heard that his marriage was affected by the news, but after he betrayed me, I felt no sympathy for his troubles.Despite his refusal to believe my side of the story and blaming me for everything, his wife still left him.I tried to ignore him and walk past, but he grabbed my arm. "Molly, is that really you?" Before I could respond, Jace intervened, forcefully pushing Christopher away."If you lay a hand on her again, I'll make sure you regret," Jace threatened.Although Jace's protective instinct was evident, I knew I could handle Christopher on my own.He used to be someone I trusted, but things had changed. Christopher seemed confused and asked who Jace was. "Her bodyguard," Jace replied.Christopher was surprised that I had a bodyguard now, but given the circumstances that led to my downfall, it was a necessary precaution."After what happened,
Octavia’s POV“Gael was raised by my best friend, but I felt it was time for him to understand the Dawson’s business. So, I introduced him to Gio’s father as a nephew, but I didn’t know he would get suspicious. Also, Gio didn’t like Gael."Now it made sense. Gael faked his death with a bullet, but one thing was still unclear.“Why did I come into the picture?”She laughed sarcastically, hinting that there was more to the whole situation. “Octavia, I needed a virgin for Gael, which is why I had him take care of you as a teenager after your parents died.”Tears welled up in my eyes as I began to question Gael’s supposed love for me. Also, Beatrix always preyed on orphans like me because it was the same with Nicole but as for Gael, “He never loved me.”“Oh, stop it, you fool. No one is expected to fall in love in this game. That’s why as soon as I heard Gio had a woman in college, I had to separate them, and that woman is Molly. We had to ensure you were pregnant with Gael’s child before