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Test of Loyalty
Last Updated:
2025-03-17 22:34:08
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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
Last Updated : 2025-03-18Crowned 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-18Crowned 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-19Crowned 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,
Last Updated : 2025-03-19Crowned 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-20Crowned 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-21Crowned 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-21Crowned 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
Last Updated : 2025-03-23
Latest chapter
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
