LOGINShare
A Dangerous Fall
Last Updated:
2025-02-28 21:16:02
Related chapters
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) A Dangerous Fall (2)
Gasps filled the party as everyone watched Enzo's wheelchair tip over making him fall into the pool. A huge fan splash rippled over as he fell. All the guests gathered at the edge of the pool as they watched Enzo struggling. “Someone help him!” Enzo's mother screamed, her face full of worry. Enzo's arms flailed, fingers grasping at nothing, his breath coming in ragged, desperate gasps. He coughed, choking on water as he struggled to stay afloat.My heart slammed against my ribs. Enzo couldn’t swim? Or was he pretending because of everyone present? Panic surged through me. Without thinking, I rushed forward taking my heels off as I prepared to enter the pool. Just then, a figure dashed past me diving into the pool. I turned to see a young girl swimming hard to reach Enzo. The moment she reached him, she wrapped her hands around him slowly bringing him back to the edge of the pool. “Thank God,” I sighed in relief as I watched them pull Enzo to the dry groundMy eyes landed on Eleon
Last Updated : 2025-02-28Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) The Santoro Family's Mask
ENZO One party. That was all it took. The moment I stepped in with Lauren, I knew what I was getting myself into. So did Lauren. My family was deadlier than a den of lions. Everyone was pretending to be all good and smiley with each other, but someone wanted me dead, and I needed to find out who. “ Do you think I pushed you into the pool on purpose?” Lauren asked, her voice defensive. She was adorable when she got like this, all fiery and determined. I couldn't resist teasing her. There was no way she had done it intentionally. Lauren didn’t have one malicious bone in her body. "I don’t know," I drawled, watching her reaction. "Maybe you’re trying to get rid of me so you can run back to your detective crush," I said resisting the urge to gag as I said them. I hated the fact that I was right. Jake had been Lauren's crush. Judging by their relationship now, I could tell that he had feelings for her, too. Since Lauren's jerk husband was no longer around, I was the only one standi
Last Updated : 2025-03-02Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Tangled in Power
LAUREN I had no idea if it was just me or if I was imagining the tension in the room. A few minutes ago, I had almost reached climax and now, I was sitting down in a room full of dangerous mafia people. Th shift was terrifying. Standing behind Enzo, I tried to keep my face neutral and professional as I stared at the wall in front of me. I didn't dare to look at anyone in the eye yet I could feel everyone's eyes on me. Enzo sat in the leather chair at the head of the long, wooden table, his presence commanding absolute attention. His fingers tapped lazily against the armrest as he faced the empty chair in front of him. “Enzo, what is she doing here?” Barbara asked, her voice filled with obvious disgust. “ You know the rules. Non-members are not allowed.” “The rules are made by me, Barbara. Lauren stays.” Enzo said, his voice brooking no argument. The door opened and Enzo's mother walked in helping Enzo grandfather, Don Alonzo. According to Enzo, his grandfather didn't interfere w
Last Updated : 2025-03-03Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Arriving in Paris
A loud laugh suddenly echoed in the room. Don Alonzo laughed out loud leaning back in his chair. For some reason, I felt even more scared. Meanwhile, Enzo remained calm refusing to let Don Alonzo's tactics get to him. Don Alonzo leaned back in his chair. “Very well,” he said, tapping his cane against the floor. “If she is that important to you, I won’t insist.” “ I'll send someone to Paris to meet with th private collector. No matter how much, we must get out hands on it.” Enzo said making Don Alonzo nod his head. “ In that case, I'll leave this matter to you. I trust that you won't disappoint me.” Don Alonzo said chuckling as he stood up. Enzo remained composed, his face devoid of emotion, but I could sense the tension in his shoulders. It was obvious that his hunt for the paintings, the vault was much more than just ordinary business. It was a silent wager between Enzo and his grandfather. Enzo’s mother, elegant and poised, stepped closer to her son. “Be careful,” she murmured
Last Updated : 2025-03-04Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) A Step Behind
I hesitated for only a second before sliding into the back seat. The moment the door shut, a lock clicked into place. My pulse spiked making me tense. Suddenly, my phone buzzed making me stare at it. It was Enzo.Enzo: Antoine will bring you to the mansion.Enzo's text put me at ease. Letting out a sigh, my hands loosened around my phone. If Enzo was the one that sent Antoine, I was safe. A few minutes later, I arrived at the mansion Enzo had prepared. My eyes widened as the car came to a stop in front of the fountain. It was beautiful.“This way, Miss Lauren,” Antoine said, his voice polite but firm as he opened the door for me.I stepped inside and followed Antoine through the massive entrance. The mansion was exactly what I expected. Grand, elegant, and dripping with wealth. The walls were lined with paintings that looked like they belonged in a museum, and the marble floors gleamed under the warm glow of a chandelier. It was the kind of place that made you feel small. I barely had
Last Updated : 2025-03-05Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) A Step Behind (2)
Barbara was a Riccardi. I didn't know if I should have been shocked or surprised at my unexpected discovery, but somehow, it all made sense. From the looks of things, she was a double informant. Barbara was in love with Enzo and with the promise of his grandfather and his mother, Barbara had switched sides. Me: Barbara has the painting. Sending the message quickly, I slid my second phone into my pocket hiding it before Enzo could spot it. Now, I was working with the police. It was the best, safest option for me. If the police were able to arrest Enzo and the Ricciardi's, I would be safe. I just needed to find enough evidence of their crimes. That vault was the best evidence. “I don't care if you have to turn the entire country upside down, find Barbara immediately!” Enzo shouted making me jerk afraid. Enzo's body was tense, his fists clenched at his sides as he barked out orders to his men. His usual calm, arrogant demeanor was gone. I inahaled slowly, steadying myself. The last
Last Updated : 2025-03-05Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) The Devil's Move
ENZOThe corners of Barbara’s mouth lifted up in a smirk slowly before she busted out laughing. The sound echoed in the room as she laughed out loud mockingly. She really thought I couldn’t kill her because of her deal with my grandfather. She was nothing more than a pawn in both of our eyes. I watched her laugh, the sound grating against my patience. “ You want to kill me? Why? Is it because of her?” Barbara asked suddenly pulling out a gun. Watching her point it at Lauren, I took a step forward watching as Lauren's breath hitched. I didn't want to show it. Barbara was just like my grandfather. All they did was to exploit your weakness to get what they want. “ If you are going to pull a gun, make sure you use it.” I said as I walked to the bed pretending to be fixated on the sex toys I had gotten. “Do you think I cannot shoot her?” Barbara asked clocking her gun. Lauren's body tensed as she heard Barbara's words . I could see it from the look in her eyes. Her hands remained at
Last Updated : 2025-03-06Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Poisoned Affairs
The rooftop restaurant sat high above the Seine, offering a breathtaking view of Paris as it shimmered under the night sky. Soft candlelight sat across the polished tables, its glow catching in half-filled wine glasses while the city buzzed with life around us. The restaurant had the most romantic setting in the city. It was perfect because I wanted to show Lauren she could have everything she wanted. Seated from my seat, I could see the entrance and everyone in the restaurant. Couples laughed and chatted happily but I couldn't relax. Not until I had the painting. Glancing at my watch, my gaze flickered to Barbara who was dressed in a stunning red gown. She reached for her glass taking a sip as if she didn't have a care in the world. “ You haven't said a single word since.” I said turning my gaze to Lauren. “ Are you still flustered by what Barbara did?” “ I'm okay.” Lauren said as she adjusted the top of her dress trying to cover her cleverage. It was obvious that she was not comf
Last Updated : 2025-03-07
Latest chapter
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Shadows Within Us
“Are you sure?” Enzo asked letting go of my hand as he walked up to Taylor. “Yes, Mr. Santoro.” Taylor replied smiling.Taylor nodded her head happily taking Enzo's hand as they walked out. My heart stopped. The location of the vault? I didn't know if Taylor had really figured it out or not. The door to the office shut behind them leaving me all alone. Enzo was not only obsessed about me, he was also obsessed about the paintings. I stood there, staring at the closed door like it might open again. But it didn’t. And neither of them came back. Heading out of the office, I walked out of the elevator heading to grab a car. Stopping one, I slid into it. The driver gave me a curious glance through the mirror, but I didn’t say a word. My fingers were tight around my phone, but I couldn’t bring myself to call him. What would I even say? That watching him walk out with her made my chest feel like it was caving in? That I wasn’t sure if I was more afraid of what Taylor found… or how easily
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Shadows at the Door
The tension in the room was suffocating. Sitting down beside Enzo, I stared at Enzo's mother looking at Enzo without a single word. None of them did. It was as if there was so much they were saying telepathically that seemed dangerous, cold. I squeezed Enzo's hand gently trying to urge him to say something but Enzo was like a block of ice. He didn't break his gaze from his mother. “ Boss,” Leonardo said calling him out. Enzo turned to Leonardo before realizing that he had been staring for a long time without saying anything. Enzo's jaw clenched. “ What are you doing here? I saved your life, told you never to return. Did you think it was just an empty threat?” Enzo asked, his voice betraying his bitterness. I knew things were not good between both of them but I never really knew the full story. At the party before, she had looked as if she really cared about Enzo when she thought he was a cripple. “ It's about Rafael.” She said making my heart skip a beat. Rafael? If it was Rafae
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Claimed in his Tower
LAUREN “Excuse me. Hello?” a man asked beside me, catching my attention. I had just arrived at the company with Enzo and was still trying to process how massive the building was. Glass windows stretched up into the sky, reflecting the clouds like a mirror. Everything looked expensive and polished. The man stepped closer, offering a polite smile. He was dressed in a sharp gray suit, hair slicked back like he’d stepped straight out of a magazine. “ I said who are you? This place isn't for begging. It's a company. If you want to beg for food or clothes, you can stay outside over there.” I scoffed stunned by the man's words. He didn't know me yet he was so arrogant. I turned around trying to search for Enzo but he was still at the car. Turning back to the man in front of me, I looked at his worker's ID. Manager “I… I came with someone,” I managed to say, my voice catching slightly in my throat. The man’s eyes scanned me again, slower this time, taking in my simple outfit like it
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) You and I (2)
ENZO How was I supposed to tell her? Sylas's death had been an accident. As much as I wanted the stupid cheating b**tard dead, he was the least of my problems and I didn't care if he was dead or alive. Until I witnessed him trying to kill Taylor, Lauren's sister. I saved her. Seeing Lauren sitting down across me crying, I cursed at myself for letting her cry. Why did I let my jealousy get the best of me? “ Sylas's death is not your fault. It was an accident. He was trying to harm Taylor and I happened to walk into that. I hit him and tried to save him but b***ard fell over the balcony.” I confessed staring at her. She didn’t look up.Her shoulders shook, soft whimpers slipping from her lips. I hated this. Seeing her like this, breaking down because of something I should’ve told her the moment it happened.“I thought you were keeping it from me because it was something worse,” she whispered, finally lifting her gaze. Her eyes were glassy, rimmed red. “I thought maybe… you killed hi
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) You and I
“ Come with me.” Enzo said as he threw me on the bed making me gasp. He was furious, barely holding back himself and I could see it. Watching him run his hand through his hair, I moved back until my back hit the headboard. My chest tightened as he stood there, pacing like a storm trapped in a cage. His jaw clenched, and his eyes burned into me, sharp and wild, like he was fighting every dark thought rushing through his head. The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating, until he finally stopped, turning to face me. His fingers twitched at his sides, like he didn’t trust his own hands near me. “ What are you hiding from me now, Lauren. Don't say you are not because I know you're are.” Enzo said staring at me. My hands clenched at my sides. “ I'm not hiding anything.” I said stubbornly. “ You promised that you won't lie to me again.” His voice was low, but the weight of it crushed the air between us. I swallowed, my throat dry and tight, feeling his stare dig deeper, peeling a
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Whispers in the Dark
LAURENIt had been two days since Enzo and I finally got back together. For the first time, I was able to meet his son, the one that Barbara had prematurely. Enzo claimed that Barbara was locked up getting the help she deserved. I really hoped she wouldn't show up at all. “ What are you thinking about?” Enzo asked as he wrapped his hand around me as I stood in the kitchen. I leaned my head back against his chest, letting his warmth surround me. Since I had decided to be with Enzo now, I needed to trust him instead of worrying. “Nothing important,” I whispered, though the lie tasted bitter on my tongue.Enzo’s hand slid slowly along my arm, his touch light, almost lazy and my body responded to him immediately. I tried hard not to give in. Not to close my eye and give into his torture. “You’ve been quiet all day,” Enzo murmured against my hair. “You and I both know that you are thinking of something. I lifted my eyes, meeting his. Of course, I couldn't lie to him. “Just thinking
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Silent Warnings
“I don't think you and I have anything to discuss so late in the night, Rodion.” I said staring at him as he sat down in the living room. Rodion’s eyes darted to the bag that Lauren was carrying. It was obvious that he had found out about the bag and come for it. It was just drugs, wasn't it? Why was Rodion so tense?His expression was tight, jaw locked, eyes flicking between me and the bag like he was calculating something far beyond what sat in Lauren’s hands.“That bag,” Rodion finally said, voice low and steady, “ Don't tell me that you were planning on running away with goods I paid for?”I instinctively placed my hand over Lauren's. I could see how scared she was. She had never met Rodion before and Dante had not given her even a picture. Things would have gone bad if she had ran away with the bag. Rodion wasn't the type of person to forgive and Dante would never take responsibility. F**king bastard. “ The bag is right here. You can have it. Whatever deals you have with Dant
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) The Devil's Errand (2)
ENZO“ Lauren, what's in the bag?” I asked barely able to restrain my voice as Lauren and Rafael sat down in my car. I had just arrived at the club when I saw gunned men attacking the place. Dante's car was also outside which made me suspicious. The moment I saw Rafael rushing out with Lauren, I quickly drove up to them and made sure that they were safe first. Parked on the side of an empty road, I stared at Lauren watching as she grabbed the straps of the bag. I already knew what it was. Drugs. “You already a druggie now? You're Dante's drug mule?” I asked trying my best to control my temper. Lauren’s fingers tightened around the straps, her knuckles turning white. She lowered her head, avoiding my eyes, and the silence that followed only made the fire in my chest burn hotter.“Answer me,” I said, my voice dropping lower as my gaze became sharper. Shhook her head, barely a movement, but it wasn’t enough. I wasn’t in the mood for games. I reached over, snatching the bag from her
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) The Devil's Errand
LAUREN“Its time to earn your keep, bella.” Dante said as he led me into his private lounge. Even after staying by his side for so long, Dante didn't trust me. He didn't trust anyone, not even himself. The lounge was dark as we walked in. I heard he liked to keep it that way so that important faces wouldn't be leaked. Following him closely behind, I pulled down the short red dress that he had forced me to wear before sitting down by his side. “What do you mean earn my keep? I've done everything you asked me to.” I answered trying to keep my eye on what was going past on around. A man walked in with a bag catching my attention. Dropping the bag on the table, the man nodded before disappearing. Dante leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as the dim light above flickered, casting sharp shadows across his face. He pulled the bag closer, unzipped it, and turned it slightly so I could see inside.Stacks of d**gs neatly arranged in the bag. It was wrapped in plastic and clear as
