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Bound by Blood (3)
Last Updated:
2025-03-23 23:16:35
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Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Siblings Tension
LAURENThe next morning, I woke up early to prepare something for Eleonora. Enzo was already on the edge after everything that happened and I wanted to help. Maybe it would also be good for us to get close to each other. I could find out more about the paintings.“ Eleonora?” I asked knocking softly on her room door before pushing it open. Eleonora sat by the window, her sharp eyes fixed on the view below . She looked as beautiful as as ever, wrapped in a silk robe, her hair falling down her shoulders. But there was something cold in her gaze as she sat. Something that made me hesitate a bit. I placed the tray on the small table near the bed “I made breakfast.”Eleonora didn’t respond immediately, her gaze flickering to the food before settling back on me.“I thought it might help.” I said staring at her. Eleonora exhaled softly, standing. She moved to the table, her steps measured. Taking the cup of tea, she lifted it to her lips, then lowered it without drinking.“ I can't belie
Last Updated : 2025-03-24Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Taylor's Accident
I couldn't believe I was in the hospital again. The details of Taylor's supposed accident wasn't clear and no one knew anything except the fact that she had been found out on the streets. Walking in the hallway, I ignored the smell of antiseptic creeping into my nostrils and searched for Taylor's room. Room 317.I pushed open the door and froze. Taylor lay motionless in the hospital bed, her skin pale against the white sheets. A thick bandage wrapped around her forehead, and the steady beep of the heart monitor filled the silence.“She looks terrible,” Eleonora muttered behind me. There was no mockery in her voice this time, just quiet observation. “God, I hate being in hospitals.” Ignoring her, I stepped closer. “Taylor?” My voice came out softer than I expected. No response.I glanced at her spotting the cuts on her face and her broken leg which was lifted up in the air. This didn't look like any small accident. This looked like someone had tried to kill her. Was it Don Alonzo? Hi
Last Updated : 2025-03-24Crowned 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 : 2025-01-17Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Whispers of the Sea
My head tuned out for the rest of the conversation with the doctor. The only words that were stuck in my head were, “You're not pregnant,”. I didn’t know whether to be relieved or sad. Sylas and I had once talked about starting a family. I also thought it would be enough to make him love me but I was wrong. A part of me was relieved. After seeing what he and Taylor did to me, I realized that having his child wasn’t the best thing that would happen to me."I... I understand," I managed to reply, though my voice didn’t sound like my own.The call ended with a professional reassurance that they'd review their processes to avoid future mistakes, but that was a distant hum in my mind. My hand fell to my side, my fingers barely wrapped around the phone."Lauren."I turned, my gaze locking onto Enzo’s. His expression was unreadable, his cold eyes studying me with that unnerving intensity of his.“What did the doctor say?” he asked, his voice calm but commanding.I swallowed hard trying to hi
Last Updated : 2025-01-17Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) The Auction Game
ENZO“Five million dollars?” Lauren whispered catching my attention as she sat beside me. Her hands her hands curled into fists in her lap. She was trying to appear calm, but I knew better. Was it because of her ex-husband? I had seen what that bastard had done to her. How he had taken everything she had built and left her with nothing. Now, he sat across the room with his whore on his arm, acting as if none of it mattered. If he was here on behalf of the Riccardi family, there was no way I was going to let him leave with the painting.“Five million dollars,” The auctioneer announced.“Ten million,” Sylas said without hesitation, making the crowd gasp.He had doubled the price without hesitation which confirmed my suspicion. He was here for the Riccardi family. My eyes darted to Lauren and for the first time, I noticed how elegant and sexy she looked in the red dress she was wearing. Her silky vibrant red hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded over her shoulder. And that dress.
Last Updated : 2025-02-14
Latest chapter
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Taylor's Accident
I couldn't believe I was in the hospital again. The details of Taylor's supposed accident wasn't clear and no one knew anything except the fact that she had been found out on the streets. Walking in the hallway, I ignored the smell of antiseptic creeping into my nostrils and searched for Taylor's room. Room 317.I pushed open the door and froze. Taylor lay motionless in the hospital bed, her skin pale against the white sheets. A thick bandage wrapped around her forehead, and the steady beep of the heart monitor filled the silence.“She looks terrible,” Eleonora muttered behind me. There was no mockery in her voice this time, just quiet observation. “God, I hate being in hospitals.” Ignoring her, I stepped closer. “Taylor?” My voice came out softer than I expected. No response.I glanced at her spotting the cuts on her face and her broken leg which was lifted up in the air. This didn't look like any small accident. This looked like someone had tried to kill her. Was it Don Alonzo? Hi
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Siblings Tension
LAURENThe next morning, I woke up early to prepare something for Eleonora. Enzo was already on the edge after everything that happened and I wanted to help. Maybe it would also be good for us to get close to each other. I could find out more about the paintings.“ Eleonora?” I asked knocking softly on her room door before pushing it open. Eleonora sat by the window, her sharp eyes fixed on the view below . She looked as beautiful as as ever, wrapped in a silk robe, her hair falling down her shoulders. But there was something cold in her gaze as she sat. Something that made me hesitate a bit. I placed the tray on the small table near the bed “I made breakfast.”Eleonora didn’t respond immediately, her gaze flickering to the food before settling back on me.“I thought it might help.” I said staring at her. Eleonora exhaled softly, standing. She moved to the table, her steps measured. Taking the cup of tea, she lifted it to her lips, then lowered it without drinking.“ I can't belie
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Bound by Blood (3)
“Choose.” Eleonora said. “Her or me.” I stared at the gun in Eleonora's hand. Normally, I would say that she was bluffing. She couldn't do it. However Eleonora was impulsive when hurt. I knew she wasn't joking. “I don’t have time for this,” I said, voice low. “Put the gun down.”She didn’t move.“You always choose him,” Eleonora spat. “Rafael. A man who isn’t even blood. He's the reason you're saving her!” I exhaled, trying to stay calm. “And you chose our grandfather.”“ What?” I stared at Eleonora seeing her eyes full of unspilled tears. I had spoken without thinking. Sighing, I ran my hand through my hair. How was I supposed to reason with her? The air between us was full of tension. I decided to keep quiet knowing fully well that whatever I said would just push Eleonora over the cliff. That was the last thing I wanted even at the expense of saving our mother. Glancing back, I expected to see our grandfather. Maybe he could reason with her. But he had not yet come out. “ Fine
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Bound by Blood (2)
I stepped on the gas, driving as fast as I could, but it wasn’t enough. The traffic was super long, cars stretching endlessly ahead like a blockade standing between me and the inevitable. My fingers gripped the steering wheel, knuckles turning white as I tried to maneuver through. I tried calling Rafael once more. It rang but he didn't pick. The drive to the safehouse was minutes away, but every second felt like an eternity. My heart pounded as I weaved through the traffic, desperate to get there before it was too late. Before Don Alonzo killed my mother. I slammed my hand against the wheel. “Pick up, damn it,” I muttered, dialing Rafael again. Still nothing.When I finally arrived at the long quiet road leading to the house, my stomach twisted. Black SUVs lined the driveway. Armed men stood outside, their expressions unreadable.Was I too late?Stepping on the break, I parked the car before grabbing my gun. These men were my grandfather's personal men and they were good at fightin
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Bound by Blood
(Present Day)“Enzo. Enzo, are you drunk?” My eyes flickered open as I heard Lauren's voice. Glancing around, I felt like my entire world was spinning. I could hold my liquor very well normally. It was the first thing I learned from my grandfather. However somehow the alcohol took over and won today. Staring at Lauren, I reached out cupping her face to make sure it wasn't a dream. “ Lauren.” I whispered slowly caressing her face. She placed her hands over mine, steady but firm. “Enzo, what happened?”I wanted to tell her everything. Things that my mother did were something I had never told anyone. I made Eleonora promise to forget them. I should too. “Nothing.” I said chuckling as I tried to sit up. “Nothing, gurriera.” Lauren didn't seem convinced however she didn't push for answers either. Instead, she carried me to bed making sure I was okay before she left. By the time I woke up, my eyes flickered around the dark room. I hadn't slept for as long as I would have loved to. Gro
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Blood Ties and Broken Loyalties
ENZODon Alonzo sat down staring at my mother. Just as I expected, she didn't dare to lift her head up. She was afraid, I knew it. After what she dared to do to Lauren, I had meticulously done my best to see her downfall. Of course, it had not been easy but my mother had a lot of skeletons in her closet. She was never a good mother or a good wife. “ Take a look at these documents.” My grandfather said, his voice low and controlled but I could sense he was angry. “I said take a good look!” My mother jerked back at the tone of my grandfather's voice. “ How dare you think you can take over my company? My company!” My grandfather screamed slamming his cane against the floor, his voice echoing through the grand hall. My mother flinched, her hands trembling as she reached for the documents. I watched, my arms crossed, my expression cold. This was the moment I had been waiting for. The moment she would finally face the consequences of her greed.Her fingers tightened around the pages, he
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Key To Freedom
“I told I would give you the world if you're wanted. Why didn't you ask for my help instead? What? Are you in love with Jake?” Enzo whispered in my ears making me tense. No! I wanted to shout the answer so bad but I knew better than to answer him. Enzo liked mind games. He didn't mean his words. Using my free hand, I pushed him away trying to stand up but Enzo didn't let me. “ What do you want? It's been several days and you have locked me up here. I need to breathe, I'm not a prisoner.” I said holding his gaze. “ I'm not keeping you prisoner. You promised to help me with the paintings. Isn't that right, Lauren?” Enzo asked as he gently caressed my hair. I stiffened under his touch, my body betraying me as a shiver ran down my spine. His voice was calm and seductive but I wasn’t fooled. There was an edge beneath it, sharp and unforgiving. Enzo wasn't the type to forgive and I was just waiting. Waiting for what he will do. “You’re keeping me here against my will,” I shot back, ti
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Nowhere to Run
LAUREN“Ouch. Ouch!” I said unable to sit still as Jake treated my injuries. My entire body was drowning in pain from my broken arm to my ribs. I was shocked I was still alive and Enzo, it had been hours and I couldn't get him. “ This is a sign, Lauren. Right now Enzo doesn't have a single clue about where you are. Even if he does know you escaped, he won't find you easily. How about you leave while you still can? It's the best thing for everyone.” Jake said trying to convince me. He was right. I could give up on the paintings and finally leave. I would try to hide from Enzo and Don Alonzo. However would I truly be safe? I swallowed the lump in my throat, wincing as Jake tightened the bandage around my ribs. Every breath felt like a blade slicing through me. I should be grateful I was alive. Barely, but alive.I opened my mouth but didn't say anything. Enzo wasn't the only one deep in this but I was too. I wanted to be able to know the truth about my father. Jake exhaled sharply,
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Hunting Shadows
The city blurred past me as I gripped the wheel, pushing the car faster. My pulse was a steady drum in my ears, my breathing controlled, but the fire burning inside me was anything but calm.Lauren wasn’t answering her phone.I dialed again, pressing it to my ear. Ring. Ring. Ring. Voicemail.I clenched my jaw, shoving the phone onto the seat beside me. The moment Eleonora said Lauren had been taken, something inside me snapped. I should have seen this coming. I should have known my mother wouldn’t stop at threats.My fingers tightened on the wheel as I took a sharp turn, tires screeching against the asphalt. One of my contacts had given me a lead. An abandoned factory on the outskirts of the city. If Angelo took her there, he wouldn’t keep her long. He was a cleaner. A ghost. He moved fast, left nothing behind. If I didn’t get there in time…I shut down that thought.Not an option.“ Enzo, calm down please.” Eleonora said but I ignored her stepping on the gas. By the time we reached
