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A Step Behind
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-05 06:17:59
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Crowned 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-07Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Secrets and Desire
LAUREN I opened my eyes flinching as the sun poured through the curtains. The heavy scent of antiseptic made me feel nauseated and I groaned. My throat also felt closed up. Not as much as before but the swelling was still there. How long had I been unconscious? And what about the painting? I tried to sit up but I felt weak. How did I know that there was seafood in that dish? I had cooked it a lot for Sylas in the past. I must have been absent minded. “ Lauren?” Enzo's groggy voice caught my attention. He was laying on the couch facing my bed. He had pulled his outer jacket and a few buttons of his shirt were open. God, did he have to look so hot right now? “ How are you?” Enzo asked walking over to me. His eyes searched mine as he stood towering over my bed. Had he been here the entire time? I could barely remember what happened after because I almost died. The reaction had not happened immediately so I didn't have the time to grab an EpiPen. “ The painting.” I said forcing ou
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Secrets and Desire (2)
ENZOJake had to be the most f**king dumbest officer to sign Lauren as a secret agent against me. I wanted to chuckle the moment I saw my clothes disarranged along with hers. It was obvious that she was searching for her second phone. She was so cute, my gurriera. Lauren forced a yawn, stretching her arms lazily. “Sleeping.”I snorted. “Sure you are.” Grabbing a fresh shirt from my bag, I slipped it over my head. “You look guilty as hell.”“You’re paranoid.” She countered. Any other f**king person, I won't go through the trouble of hide and seek. One bullet through their knee or some torture would get me all the answers I needed but hell, where was the fun in that? I smirked, running a towel through my hair. “And you’re a terrible liar, gurriera.”I watched as her gaze turned into something unreadable. I was curious. What exactly was she thinking? Suddenly, she turned to her side backing me. “Whatever. I need to rest.”The sound of my phone buzzing caught my attention. I grabbed
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-09Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) College Reunion
LAUREN(Two Weeks Later)“ Are you done?” I called out as I stood outside of Enzo's bedroom. No one answered making me push the door lightly to peek. It had been two weeks since we came back and I had searched the entire place for the other paintings. Walking into the room, my breath hitched making me stop. Enzo stood in front of the mirror, dressed in his office suit. He was adjusting his cufflinks, the sharp lines of his grey vest showing his muscles. His white shirt was crisp, the top button undone, revealing a hint of the ink etched against his skin.“ If you keep staring at me like that, gurriera, I might not go to work and it'll be your fault.” Enzo said smiling as he reached for his tie. “I….I” I started but couldn't the words as I walked towards him. Enzo smirked as if he knew the power he held. I see him in suits everyday but this was just different. This wasn't just giving mafia king vibes but handsome dangerous CEO. Walking up to him, I reached out grabbing the tie just
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-10Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) College Reunion (2)
The place was classy but not too fancy. One of my old classmates owned the hall, making it a great spot for our reunion. Warm lighting, soft music, and the hum of conversation filling the air. Waiters moved through the crowd with trays of champagne, and laughter echoed from different corners of the room.I stepped inside, adjusting the beautiful silver dress Enzo had sent me. It fit almost too perfectly, like he knew my body better than I did. The moment I entered, I could see all eyes on me. Familiar faces caught my attention as I walked over to an empty table. I didn't like social events like this but I wasn't about to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing me hide. “ Lauren!” A voice called out making me stop just as I was about to walk past them. My gaze flickered to the man dressed in red suit. “Come sit with us.”I forced a polite smile staring at him even though my instincts told me to keep on walking . The man in the red suit, Aaron, if I remembered correctly was the son to
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-10Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Revealed Identity
ENZO “ Lauren,” Jake called out making Lauren turn to him. Annoying b**tard. I tried to keep my gaze neutral as the chatter around us went on but it was impossible to miss the way Jake was practically begging for Lauren's attention. I stared at Sylas instead. His wounds seemed to have healed. I would have loved to do more than scare him like I did last time but he had gone underground like a coward. “ Lauren, what's going on? Don't tell me that both men are here because of you. Isn't this your CEO boyfriend?” Taylor asked. Sylas's face betrayed his thoughts. He was jealous. I could see the way he was clenching his hand slightly. He still had no idea that I was Enzo Santoro. “ I have no idea what you're talking but so what if they are? You should be more concerned about yourself.” Lauren shot back. I glanced slightly at her. She had been about to leave when she bumped into me. Was it because of Taylor? I knew that she would have a difficult time but she had still assured m
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-11
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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
