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Almost Taken
Last Updated:
2025-03-28 22:06:15
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Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Steel and Fire
ENZO“What the hell do you mean that Lauren was almost taken?” I asked shouting as I stood in front of Leonardo. “What was she even doing at the hospital?” Leonardo shrugged his shoulders. “ I told her to leave but she is one stubborn hell of a woman. She wouldn't listen to me.” I exhaled sharply feeling the worst kind of feeling. I wanted to go to the Riccardi family and wipe them all out showing them that it was a f**king mistake to touch Lauren. “ No, boss. I know what you are thinking but you can't. If you charge in to have a confrontation with the Riccardi family, the other families will blame you.” Leonardo said making my eyes narrow. I didn't give a f**k about the other families. “Besides, most of our men are in the hospital recuperating. We all need time to heal boss.” Leonardo added. “ Stop telling me what to do and send more men to the hospital. Make sure the entire place is surrounded with our people.” I said walking past him. “ Yes, boss.” Stepping out into the ha
Last Updated : 2025-03-30Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) The Wolf's Arrival
“ The first painting's clue was the dock. It's the dock that was used for our shippings in the past. Now the second clue is an Island. Nonno, do you know anything about the Island?” I asked staring at Don Alonzo. Don Alonzo leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against the armrest in a slow, deliberate rhythm. His sharp eyes studied me, weighing my words as if deciding how much to reveal. I knew my grandfather. He wouldn't hide anything as long as it was for the family. “ An island?” He repeated tapping his cane on the ground. “There are so many islands in that area, Enzo.” “ You're right. That's why I was hoping you'd know something. After all, Marcello worked for you.” I said feeling frustrated. “ I might not know something but maybe Marcello's children might know something. They might know where their father kept the vault.” My grandfather said making my eyes narrow. “ Marcello's children? He had a family?”“Yes,” Don Alonzo confirmed, his gaze steady. “He kept them aw
Last Updated : 2025-03-30Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Locked in His Game
LAUREN I froze as the words hit me like a lightning bolt. Enzo was searching for Marcello’s daughters. My heart pounded so hard it drowned out everything else. Why? What had triggered this? Had Don Alonzo said something?Then I saw them. One of Enzo's men striding in with Barbara. A cold wave of panic crashed over me. I couldn’t be seen. I had to vanish.Keeping my voice barely above a whisper, I clutched the phone tighter, my eyes never leaving the door as I called Jake. “We have a problem, Jake. Enzo knows about Marcello’s daughters.”“Marcello's daughters? Has your identity been discovered yet?” Jake asked making me shake my head. “ No. Not yet but it won't be long. We have to do something. If he starts investigating, he can find out about me and Taylor.” I said desperate. “We need to move fast,” Jake murmured, his voice tense. “If Enzo digs too deep, it’s over.”I swallowed hard, my pulse racing. It felt like the walls were closing in. The possibility of Enzo discovering my id
Last Updated : 2025-03-30Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) An Unexpected Betrayal
ENZO“Mr. Enzo Santoro. What a pleasure.” Rodion said extending his hand as he stood in front of us. Staring at him, I took a moment trying to see if I could read him. He didn't strike me as the type to put on fake pretenses and smile with the enemy. I nodded taking his hand. “ The pleasure is mine, Mr. Rodion Korashov. Of course I didn't come empty handed.” I said holding his gaze. Rodion’s lips curled into a smirk, his sharp blue eyes glinting with curiosity. “Ah, I expected no less from a man of your reputation.”I signaled to one of my men, who stepped forward with a sleek black case. As I unlatched it, the soft click echoed in the dimly lit room. Inside lay a collection of untraceable diamonds. Rodion took a step closer, inspecting them with a discerning eye. “A generous gift but we both know you didn’t come here just to impress me with expensive diamonds.” I gave a slow nod. “Consider it a show of good faith. I don’t make empty visits, and I don’t waste time. Since you're
Last Updated : 2025-03-31Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) The Betrayal and the Chase
LAUREN"Come on, Sylas, I would never hurt your mother, let alone push her down the stairs. I love her. I love you," I said softly, my voice trembling as I tried to reach him, to make him see the truth. But Sylas didn’t move, his expression cold and unyielding.Suddenly, a sharp slap stung my face, the sound ringing out like a gunshot in the quiet house. My cheek burned as I knelt there, stunned. Sylas had hit me. And Taylor? She just stood there with smug satisfaction. I couldn't believe it. My husband whom I had loved so much had slapped me because of Taylor. It was her fault. She had lied to him. Made him believe that I pushed his mother down the stairs but it wasn't true.“Are you saying Taylor’s lying? She’s your older sister. Why would she lie about something like this?” Sylas demanded as Taylor busted out crying.She leaned against him, her head on his shoulder, playing the victim while Sylas comforted her, stroking her hair. They thought they had fooled me, but I wasn’t blind.
Last Updated : 2025-01-17Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Bound by Secrets
ENZO A stranger I hardly knew sat on the edge of my bed, her presence more unsettling than the raging storm outside. Rain lashed against the windows, but it was the least of my concerns. She wore a torn blue dress that once looked elegant, now in tatters, and her hair was a wild mess, partly hiding her striking face. Cuts marked her arms and legs, painting a grim picture. I stood frozen, unsure how to handle the situation especially since she now knew my secret. God, I hated men who abused their wives. "Stefano, I need your help to investigate something. A man called Sylas. Once you are done, send his information to the police. Make sure nothing traces back-” I said as I stood by the window speaking to my Captain on the phone. A hand suddenly gripped mine and I turned to see the woman who had just entered my room. The look of fear in her eyes made something turn in my stomach. “ Please don't tell the police.” She begged, her voice barely audible. “F**k!” I said hanging up bef
Last Updated : 2025-01-17Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) A Deal with the Devil
LAUREN I stood there, frozen. The sound of the storm outside was drowned out by the pounding in my chest. Enzo’s back was to me, his focus entirely on the door as he gripped the gun with a steady hand. My heart raced, and I felt that familiar knot in my stomach. The one that I had felt a few minutes ago because of Sylas and Taylor. I was scared. Terrified, even. Why did Enzo have a gun? Who exactly was he? The question buzzed in my mind as I wat him grip the gun tightly. The door creaked. “Don't move,” Enzo said, making a shiver run down my spine. It wasn’t a suggestion. It was a command. The intruder slowly raised his hands, frozen in place, as Enzo stepped forward and snatched the gun from him. Without warning, Enzo struck him hard with the weapon, sending the man crumpling to the ground. I flinched at the sound, my heart racing as I saw the intruder fall to the ground unconscious. A few minutes later, the storm outside had quieted, and the lights flickered back on. I sat f
Last Updated : 2025-01-17Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) A Fragile Claim
When we arrived at the shop, I got out of the car and watched as Enzo’s driver carefully helped him into his wheelchair. As I stepped into the antique shop, my chest tightened. The place was in chaos. Workers were everywhere, clearing things out. My books, my paintings. Everything I’d collected and loved was being packed up and hauled away.Then I saw it. My office. My things, my private space, all being dismantled. Panic rose in me like a tidal wave. Without thinking, I rushed forward and grabbed the arm of one of the workers, desperate to make it stop“ What do you think you're doing? This is my shop. You don't have the right to move anything.” I said, staring at the workers when suddenly, Sylas stepped out of my office, making me stagger in shock. What was he doing? Samantha didn't tell me he was here. “Lauren, I knew that you would come here the moment you heard that the antique shop was in danger. Too bad. This place doesn't belong to you anymore.” Sylas said making me clench m
Last Updated : 2025-01-17
Latest chapter
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) An Unexpected Betrayal
ENZO“Mr. Enzo Santoro. What a pleasure.” Rodion said extending his hand as he stood in front of us. Staring at him, I took a moment trying to see if I could read him. He didn't strike me as the type to put on fake pretenses and smile with the enemy. I nodded taking his hand. “ The pleasure is mine, Mr. Rodion Korashov. Of course I didn't come empty handed.” I said holding his gaze. Rodion’s lips curled into a smirk, his sharp blue eyes glinting with curiosity. “Ah, I expected no less from a man of your reputation.”I signaled to one of my men, who stepped forward with a sleek black case. As I unlatched it, the soft click echoed in the dimly lit room. Inside lay a collection of untraceable diamonds. Rodion took a step closer, inspecting them with a discerning eye. “A generous gift but we both know you didn’t come here just to impress me with expensive diamonds.” I gave a slow nod. “Consider it a show of good faith. I don’t make empty visits, and I don’t waste time. Since you're
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Locked in His Game
LAUREN I froze as the words hit me like a lightning bolt. Enzo was searching for Marcello’s daughters. My heart pounded so hard it drowned out everything else. Why? What had triggered this? Had Don Alonzo said something?Then I saw them. One of Enzo's men striding in with Barbara. A cold wave of panic crashed over me. I couldn’t be seen. I had to vanish.Keeping my voice barely above a whisper, I clutched the phone tighter, my eyes never leaving the door as I called Jake. “We have a problem, Jake. Enzo knows about Marcello’s daughters.”“Marcello's daughters? Has your identity been discovered yet?” Jake asked making me shake my head. “ No. Not yet but it won't be long. We have to do something. If he starts investigating, he can find out about me and Taylor.” I said desperate. “We need to move fast,” Jake murmured, his voice tense. “If Enzo digs too deep, it’s over.”I swallowed hard, my pulse racing. It felt like the walls were closing in. The possibility of Enzo discovering my id
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) The Wolf's Arrival
“ The first painting's clue was the dock. It's the dock that was used for our shippings in the past. Now the second clue is an Island. Nonno, do you know anything about the Island?” I asked staring at Don Alonzo. Don Alonzo leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against the armrest in a slow, deliberate rhythm. His sharp eyes studied me, weighing my words as if deciding how much to reveal. I knew my grandfather. He wouldn't hide anything as long as it was for the family. “ An island?” He repeated tapping his cane on the ground. “There are so many islands in that area, Enzo.” “ You're right. That's why I was hoping you'd know something. After all, Marcello worked for you.” I said feeling frustrated. “ I might not know something but maybe Marcello's children might know something. They might know where their father kept the vault.” My grandfather said making my eyes narrow. “ Marcello's children? He had a family?”“Yes,” Don Alonzo confirmed, his gaze steady. “He kept them aw
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Steel and Fire
ENZO“What the hell do you mean that Lauren was almost taken?” I asked shouting as I stood in front of Leonardo. “What was she even doing at the hospital?” Leonardo shrugged his shoulders. “ I told her to leave but she is one stubborn hell of a woman. She wouldn't listen to me.” I exhaled sharply feeling the worst kind of feeling. I wanted to go to the Riccardi family and wipe them all out showing them that it was a f**king mistake to touch Lauren. “ No, boss. I know what you are thinking but you can't. If you charge in to have a confrontation with the Riccardi family, the other families will blame you.” Leonardo said making my eyes narrow. I didn't give a f**k about the other families. “Besides, most of our men are in the hospital recuperating. We all need time to heal boss.” Leonardo added. “ Stop telling me what to do and send more men to the hospital. Make sure the entire place is surrounded with our people.” I said walking past him. “ Yes, boss.” Stepping out into the ha
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Almost Taken
My hand tightened around my phone as I stared at Enzo. My heart pounding in my ears as he got closer. He didn't stop till he was in front of me making me tense. I controlled my emotions immediately. “ It was just Sam.” I said quickly calling her as I hid my phone behind my back. After a second, I hung up. “She was just filling me in on the details of some of the things going to the museum.” I said wiggling my phone in front of him. “ Sam?” Enzo repeated making me nod my head. “Okay. Stop whatever you're doing and come to bed. You and I need sleep.” Enzo said before leaning down to kiss me. My body reacted to his instantly making me wrap my hands around his neck. His lips were warm, firm, and commanding as he claimed my lips. My fingers tightened against the back of his neck, my body instinctively leaning into him, craving the comfort his touch always brought.Just then, Enzo lifted me off the floor easily. He carried me effortlessly, his grip careful as if I were something precious
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) The Second Clue
LAUREN I finally found something found clue on the second painting. The first painting should the location which was the docks. After searching all around, we had no idea what the clue about the docks meant until the second painting. The second clue made everything clear. The docks weren’t just a location, it was starting point. A map. A direction. I stared at the second painting, my fingers tracing the delicate brushstrokes as I stood in Enzo's study. Unlike the first, which depicted a quiet, moonlit dock, this one was stormy. Dark waves crashing against jagged rocks, a lighthouse barely visible in the distance. But it wasn’t the storm that caught my attention. It was the pattern in the water. At first glance, the waves seemed chaotic, but when I looked closer, I noticed something strange. The swirls of paint weren’t random. They formed something. A shape. Letters. “Oh my god,” I breathed unable to hide my happiness as I realized I had figured the second clue. Just while I
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) An Unpaid Debt (2)
ENZOI stepped out of the car, the night cold hitting my skin immediately. Because of Vittorio, i had gathered a small group of men to go and Eleonora's son. Eleonora's son. The boy I had no idea existed. I couldn't help but feel like I had indeed failed Eleonora. Despite my attempts to keep an eye on her, she had somehow gotten pregnant and I was going to find out how. “ Boss, everything is in place.” Leonardo said smirking as he held his gun. “ Let Stefano know. He should destroy everything and kill everyone. Let this serve as a warning to the Riccardi family. No one messes with my family.” I said in a low dangerous tone as I stood in front of the private lounge that belonged to the Riccardi family. Glancing back at Leonardo, I nodded my head signaling him. Leonardo didn’t hesitate. He pressed a finger to his earpiece, murmuring the order to Stefano. Within seconds, we entered the private lounge. Gunshots erupted throughout the place. People screaming as they attempted to rush ou
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) An Unpaid Debt
ELEONORA “I asked you a question!!” Enzo yelled waking up Lauren. He didn't glance back at her even once. He was super furious. I clenched my hand trying to stand tall but I couldn't. My heart was pounding in my chest and I wanted nothing more than to quickly rescue my son. The only man that mattered to me so much. “Dead.” I replied because it was true. My son's father was long dead to me. Enzo exhaled sharply, his patience wearing thin. However he didn't push more. He knew I would never tell him who it was. Without a single word, Enzo turned around leaving me alone in the living room. The moment he left, I quickly dashed towards the door without sparing Lauren even a single glance. “ Eleonora!” Lauren called out behind me but I was already fast on my heels heading towards the door. The cool night air tingled against my skin as I hurried away from the house. Walking over to my car parked next to Enzo's, I pressed the key opening it and slid in. The engine roared to life as I
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Buried Secrets
ENZO “Lauren. Lauren, what's going on with you?” I called out trying to get her attention. For the past few hours, she had been zoning out, her eyes distant, her fingers tapping restlessly against her thigh. She was here with me but her mind was somewhere else.She blinked, her eyes full of confusion as if she just realized I was speaking. "What?""You've been quiet than usual. Did something happen? Did Eleonora say something when I was gone?” I asked getting off the couch. Lauren pressed her lips together, hesitating. Then, she sighed and leaned back against the couch. "Taylor’s in the hospital."I frowned. "What happened?""No one knows for sure. She was found on the streets, beaten, unconscious." Lauren’s voice was steady, but I caught the tension in her shoulders. "The doctor says she might wake up soon or she might not."I exhaled sharply feeling relief as I lowered myself back to the couch again. “ Was it not an accident?” “I have no idea. From what I heard, Taylor was follo
