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Hunting Shadows
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-19 18:20:50
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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,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-19Crowned 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.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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
Terakhir Diperbarui : 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.
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-14Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) The Auction Game (2)
LAURENA soft gasp escaped my lips the moment that I fell into the arms of Enzo Santoro. My heart raced. He was dangerous. Too dangerous and I knew better than to let myself trust another man after what happened with Sylas. Staring at him as I remained sprawled up on his lap, it felt like the entire world had faded around us. Enzo’s eyes remained locked on mine and I could see a slight smirk at the corner of his lips. That broke the spell instantly. Pushing myself off his lap, I tried to stand stably but my legs gave out again making me fall back onto his lap again.“Careful, sweetheart,” Enzo said as he stared at me.The heat of his touch made me suddenly feel aware of how close we were. My pulse pounded in my ears as his fingers tightened just slightly around my waist, steadying me. His smirk deepened, his dark eyes glinting with amusement.“I’m sorry,” I muttered as I stood up silently praying that my legs wouldn’t give up this time.“Oh, sorry Lauren. I didn’t see you there. You a
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-15
Bab terbaru
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
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Blood and Deception
A burning slap hit me hard across my face. I could hear my mother's harsh breathing as she stared at me as well as the gasps in the room. I wasn't surprised she had hit me because of Rafael. I darted my gaze to her strong and bold. I didn't want her to see any signs of weakness or something she could use. I let the sting settle, my jaw tightening as I stared at my mother. Rafael looked stunned, his lips slightly parted as if he hadn’t expected her to react so violently.Eleonora let out a low, mocking laugh from where she stood, swaying slightly. “Well, that was dramatic.”My mother’s fingers twitched at her sides, but she ignored Eleonora, keeping her cold gaze on me. “You will not threaten this family, Enzo.”I scoffed. “This family? You mean Rafael?”Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn’t deny it. She never did.Rafael stepped forward as if to say something, but I cut him off with a sharp glare. I wasn’t in the mood for his false humility. I was done playing their games
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Chains of the Past
ENZOBarbara sat down in front of me gently cutting through her food as if it was enough to seduce me. Meanwhile, my mother was silent doing the same. Sometimes I wondered if she even considered me as her child. How could she be so comfortable making my life a living hell? “ You better eat something rather than staring at your watch. Glancing at it isn't going to help you disappear.” My mother said without raising her eyes from her food. She could barely look me in the eyes. She never did. Sitting in my wheelchair, I found the entire setup boring. The only reason I had agreed ignoring Lauren's countless devices to keep me at home was because my own mother had threatened me. “I’ll eat when I feel like it,” I replied, my tone flat.Barbara smiled, cutting into her steak with an ease that irritated me. “You should listen to your mother, Enzo. It’s rude to ignore a home-cooked meal.”I clenched my jaw, resisting the urge to snap at her. The only reason I was here was to keep my mother
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Test of Loyalty
“Ms. Hills.” Don Alonzo said as I walked up to him being led by the butler. He was sitting outside near the fountain, dressed in a grey cardigan that went well with the pale marble surrounding him. The sound of water trickling from the fountain and it's beautiful view did nothing to ease the tension building in my chest.“Please, sit.” Don Alonzo gestured to the chair across from him.Nodding my head, I did as I was told hesitating a bit before I sat down. My entire body was tense. Setting my bag beside me, I couldn't help but feel it was heavier than usual with the gun Enzo had given me. I really hoped it would not have to come to that. I really did. “ Ms. Hills, are you okay? You seem tense.” Don Alonzo said clicking his hand. A maid appeared holding a tray with a bottle of whiskey and some cups. As she set it down, I could hear my heart pounding. Enzo was just outside the gates. He could surely come if anything were to happen. “ Here. Have a drink.” Don Alonzo offered as they f
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Into the Lion's Den
“He said that? Enzo Santoro said that to you?” Jake asked before bursting out laughing. I nodded my head before reaching for my cup of coffee. I still had no idea where those paintings were and it was killing me. Enzo had not said anything either to me about what he found on the docks. He said he was in love with me but who knows if it was just a lie? “ What's wrong?” Jake asked noticing how quiet I had gotten. I sighed, staring into my coffee as if it held the answers I needed. “I just don’t know what to believe anymore,” I admitted. “He hasn’t said a word about what he found at the docks, and I still have no idea where those paintings are.”Jake’s amusement faded. “You think he’s lying?”I shrugged my shoulders leaning back. I had no idea what to believe anymore. My phone buzzed, and I reached for it, thinking it was Enzo. My eyes widened as I saw Don Alonzo's name at the bottom of the text. “ It's Don Alonzo. He says he wants to see me.” I said showing the message to Jake. “ D
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Claimed by the Devil
LAUREN“Just a cat,” Enzo said sounding frustrated as he closed the door. Seeing him act so infuriated, I chuckled lightly covering my mouth the moment he turned to look at me. Reaching for one of the plates, I pretended to be serving some food. “Let's eat,” I said avoiding his gaze as he walked back to the table. ““If that cat wasn’t so cute, I would’ve shot it,” Enzo muttered, loosening his tie as he sat down.I rolled my eyes, placing a plate in front of him. “You really have a one-track mind, don’t you? Always ready to kill something.”He smirked, picking up his fork. “It’s a habit.”I sat across from him, twirling my pasta as the silence stretched between us. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it wasn’t exactly easy either. The weight of what had just happened. His kiss, the way I hadn’t pulled away, everything still lingered in the air. I wasn’t sure what it meant. Or if it meant anything at all.“You’re staring,” Enzo murmured, not looking up from his plate.I blinked, quickly ave
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) A Lover and A Traitor (2)
I arrived at the venue Dante had chosen. I wasn't afraid to walk into the lion's den alone or even the valley of death. Entering inside the private lounge, I glanced around spotting other people around. Nothing seemed out of place but I couldn't be sure. Dante was a slithering snake and his family were a bunch of psychopaths. Good thing, I was the king of psychopaths. I spotted Dante sitting at the corner. The place was dark just how he liked it. Dante liked to mess with people's minds. Just as I was about to go and meet him, I got stopped by one of his bodyguards. “ Is this how you treat the King of the Italian Mafia, Dante? Where is your respect?” I asked staring at him. Dante opened his eyes staring at him. Getting up, he walked up to me without a word and brought out a gun. I didn't flinch or show any sign of reaction at all. Suddenly, he aimed it at the bodyguard stopping me and shot. My eyes darted down watching as th bodyguard fell to the ground. “ Sorry for thinconvenienc
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) A Lover and a Traitor
ENZO“I….I..” Lauren started as she stared at her hand. She was in utmost shock that she had dared to slap me. She was afraid. Walking towards her, I clenched my hand backing her until she fell on the couch. “ Did you just dare to slap me? Have I pampered you too much?” I asked. Lauren swallowed pressing her hand deep into the couch. Her silence irritated me. Leaning down over her, I used one hand to grip the couch while I fisted a bunch of her hair making her yell in pain. Her eyes held my gaze. I wanted to break that fiery gaze in her eyes. Seems like the soft approach was definitely not going to work anymore. “ Answer me!” Her breath hitched as I yanked her hair tighter, forcing her head back until her neck arched. A sharp gasp left her lips, her fingers digging into the couch.“ Next time you do this again, you won't like the outcome. Do you understand?” I asked staring into her eyes as if I was searching for something. Watching her nod, I let go of her hair turning my back
