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Tangled in Power
Last Updated:
2025-03-03 13:51:01
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Crowned 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 : 2025-03-07Crowned 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-10
Latest chapter
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
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) Defiance in Front Of The Mafia King
“What? You want me to go and talk to the Riccardi family? Are you f**king with me?” Rafael asked as he stared at both of us. I gripped Sam’s hand tightly. “You're a lawyer. Surely there is something you can do.” Rafael glanced at Sam. They had never met before but I knew he would help her. “ I think we should inform Enzo first. The Ricciardi's are not just people that you can go and meet. They are ruthless. If anything happens to you, I won't be able to explain to Enzo.” Rafael said. Sam sobbed catching my attention. Folding my arms, I sighed, frustration building in my chest. “Rafael, please. Sam’s family doesn’t have time. If Enzo finds out, he'll handle this his way, and we both know what that means.”Rafael’s jaw tightened. He knew exactly what I meant. Enzo didn’t negotiate, he used force. The Ricciardi's and the Santoro's have been at war with each other. A confrontation right now would be problematic. Sam wiped her tears, looking between us. “Please you have to help me. I'
Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1) A Friend in Need
Grabbing my coat, I slipped out of the house without telling Enzo. If he knew I was going out alone, he’d probably stop me, and I didn’t have the energy to argue. Walking out into the living room, I glanced around checking for Enzo. He was nowhere in sight. Heading to the glass table, I reached out grabbing one of the car keys and sliding it into my pocket. I arrived at the shop and switched off the engine. The shop was just in sight so I could walk down and quickly grab Sam's gift. Getting out of the car, I quickened my pace about you open the shop when a strong arm wrapped around my waist, pressing me against a solid chest. The scent of cologne was familiar, disgusting. “Lauren,” a voice rasped against my ear.My blood turned to ice as I heard the voice. Sylas.“Miss me, darling?” Sylas asked, his grip tightening around my hand. Panic surged through me immediately. I fought trying to free myself from his grip but he was stronger. A cold blade pressed against my ribs making me fr
