Chapter 7OLIVIA'S povI stare at the man seated across from me. His words, so sharp, linger in the space between us, daring me to challenge him. But how can I? Leonardo exudes a confidence that borders on arrogance, and it leaves me flustered in ways I don't want to admit.Especially when he looks at me like that."What do you mean I owe you a night?" I snap, my voice sharper than intended, but it's the only way I know to mask the sudden warmth spreading across my cheeks.He leans back in his chair, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. "Exactly what I said." His lips curl into a smirk that makes my stomach tighten and my temper flare simultaneously.I press my palms against the desk to steady myself. "I don't recall agreeing to anything.""Oh, but you did," he counters smoothly, tapping his temple with a long finger as though reminding me of a debt I'd forgotten. "You walked out on me that night, Olivia. I'm simply collecting what's owed."The memory of that night burns at the for
Chapter 8OLIVIAWorking in Leonardo's office was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it was a step up from the life I was trying to leave behind, and a curse because he was always there. Watching. Talking. Testing me with every word that fell from his perfectly sculpted lips."You type like you're afraid the keyboard might explode," he said, his voice breaking the silence yet again.I looked up from my screen, my fingers pausing mid-stroke. "Excuse me?""Your fingers barely graze the keys," he continued, leaning back in his chair with an infuriating smirk. "Are you afraid of breaking something?""Some of us prefer precision over aggression," I shot back, my tone as cool as I could manage.He chuckled, the sound low and rumbling. "Precision has its merits. But sometimes, Olivia, a little force gets the job done faster."I tried not to let his words affect me, but my cheeks betrayed me, heating under his gaze. "I'll keep that in mind," I muttered, returning to my work.Mi
OLIVIA"Be ready by 9." his text threw me off. Ready for what? I wondered, my doorbell rang and I went to check it out. "Who's there" "You have a package ma'am" A delivery man stood there with a box wrapped in a pink ribbon when I opened the door. He gave me the box and asked me to sign which I did, then he left. I took a peek inside the box and saw a gorgeous black dress and pieces of jewelry. My eyes went to the note there, 'A Business Party, Dress to impress 'The sleek black car pulled to a stop in front of the hotel, a glittering venue. People in dazzling gowns and sharp suits milled around, their laughter and conversation blending with the flash of cameras. I stared out the window, already feeling out of place."Don't just sit there, Olivia," Leonardo said, his voice as smooth and commanding as ever. "We're already late."He didn't wait for my reply, stepping out of the car with the grace of a man who owned every room he walked into. I fumbled with my clutch, trying to compo
Chapter 10OLIVIA'S Pov I couldn't stop thinking about the dance.The way Leonardo's hands had felt on my waist, the way his eyes had burned into mine, it was maddening. Even now, as I trailed behind him through the crowded ballroom, I felt like I was walking in a daze."You're unusually quiet," he said, glancing over his shoulder."I'm fine," I lied, plastering on a smile."Fine?" He stopped suddenly, turning to face me. His voice was low, his eyes sharp. "That's never true when a woman says it.""I'm serious, Leonardo," I insisted, forcing myself to hold his gaze.His lips quirked up in amusement. "If you say so."He didn't push further, but the intensity in his eyes lingered as he led us toward another group of important people. I fell into step beside him, tuning out the introductions and polite small talk. My focus was on keeping my composure, even as my thoughts swirled with confusion.Why had that dance affected me so much? And why did I feel like Leonardo knew exactly what he
LEONARDOBy the time I pulled into the driveway, I was already exhausted. My mind drifted to Olivia earlier when I dropped her off. My mind went to her lips, they were plumping out as if they were begging me to claim them. Not to mention Olivia had been my only distraction today in the rooms filled with boring talks on how to get rich, though not in the way I'd hoped. She was captivating, her every movement pulling me in, but she was also infuriatingly aloof. The distance she kept between us had gnawed at my nerves all night.I killed the engine and stepped out of the car, my hand going to my tie to loosen it. That's when I saw her.Alicia Hayes.She stood at my door like a vulture circling its prey, her arms crossed and her expression sharp enough to cut glass."Leonardo," she called, her voice dripping with a mixture of disdain and desperation."What are you doing here?" I asked, my tone cold as I walked toward the door. Why can't women understand the fact that a man does not w
LEONARDOThe moment Alicia left, I took my car keys and went out, I drove aimlessly through the city, the glow of the street lights illuminating the darkness of my thoughts. My knuckles tightened on the steering wheel as Alicia's words echoed in my head.The way She glared at me for a long moment before storming toward the door. "You'll regret this," her words, her voice full of venom.She smirked, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she walked out. "You'll come crawling back to me. They always do."I clenched my jaw, the threat simmering like poison in my veins. Alicia Hayes had always been manipulative, but this time, she'd gone too far. Still, it wasn't just her words that bothered me.It was Olivia.I couldn't stop thinking about her. The way her eyes sparkled when she laughed, the way she challenged me without fear. She was under my skin, in my head, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake her.The hotel came into view, and I pulled into the parking lot, ignoring
OLIVIAThe office was quiet, just the way I liked it. The silence allowed me to focus on the paperwork and the tasks that Leonardo had given me. I didn't mind the work, it kept me busy, which was a good thing. Leonardo had been distant, even colder than usual. It was as though a wall had gone up between us. I couldn't understand why. One minute, he seemed so interested, and the next, he acted like I didn't exist. I did my best to ignore it, but it was hard when I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.That morning, I had barely exchanged words with him. He handed me a stack of documents without so much as a glance. "Get these to legal," he said, his voice flat."Of course, Mr. Gael," I said, trying to keep the disappointment out of my voice.As I left his office and made my way down the hall, my mind kept wandering back to him. What had changed? Why had he become so cold? Had I done something wrong?I kept my head down as I walked through the building, trying not to d
LEONARDOAlicia had no right.The audacity of that woman to corner Olivia, to speak to her as if she were less than human, it brought out feelings in me that I hadn't felt in years. The sight of Olivia standing there, her head lowered, her shoulders tense, made my chest tighten in a way that had nothing to do with anger and everything to do with protectiveness.Alicia turned, her expression a blend of feigned innocence and irritation as she met my glare. "What is it now, Leonardo?""You," I snarled, stalking toward her with quick strides. My voice echoed down the hallway, sharp and unyielding. "What did you say to her?"Her painted red lips curved into a smirk. "I was just giving your assistant some advice. Surely, there's no harm in that?"Olivia shifted behind me, and I caught the faintest tremor in her hands as she clutched the documents I'd asked her to deliver. She was trying to be strong, but Alicia had cut her deep-I could see it in her eyes.I turned my full attention back to
Chapter 159: Growing TogetherOlivia's POV"Mommy! Can I go play outside?" Lily's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.I turned to find her standing by the back door, already in her sneakers, her backpack slung over her shoulder as though she was ready for an adventure."Did you finish your chores first?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.Lily made a face but nodded. "Yes, Mommy. I made my bed, and I put away my books."I smiled. "Alright, go ahead. But make sure to stay close, okay?"She grinned and ran outside, her blonde hair streaming behind her. Ethan, who had been playing with his toy cars on the floor, looked up at me."Mommy, can I go outside too?"I knelt down to his level, brushing a stray curl from his face. "After breakfast, sweetie."He pouted but nodded, his little lips pulling into a tight line as he held up his toy truck.I went back to the kitchen, turning off the stove and preparing to set the table. Just as I placed the last plate down, I felt a pair of strong arms wrap
Chapter 158: A Life of LoveOlivia’s POVThe afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting soft golden hues over the yard. I stood by the kitchen sink, watching through the window as Leonardo played outside with our daughter. Their laughter echoed in the crisp air, blending with the rustling of leaves.She sat perched on his shoulders, her tiny hands gripping his hair as he ran in circles, pretending to be a horse.“Faster, Daddy!” she squealed.Leonardo groaned dramatically. “Princess, Daddy is getting old.”She giggled, tapping his head. “No, you’re not! You’re strong like a superhero!”I smiled, my heart swelling.This was our life now. Simple, filled with love.No more running. No more looking over our shoulders. Just us.I wiped my hands on a towel and made my way outside. The air was crisp, the scent of pine and fresh grass wrapping around me.Leonardo spotted me first. A slow grin spread across his lips. “Look who finally decided to join us.”Our daughter gasped. “Mommy,
Chapter 157: A Love That LastsOlivia’s POVThe sound of soft laughter echoed through the cabin as I stepped into the kitchen, rubbing sleep from my eyes. The morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a golden glow over the wooden floors. The air smelled of fresh coffee and something sweet—pancakes, maybe.I followed the scent, my heart warming at the sight before me.Leonardo stood at the stove, shirtless, wearing only loose pajama pants. His dark hair was still tousled from sleep, and the muscles in his back flexed as he flipped a pancake with effortless ease. But what made me smile the most was the little girl sitting on the counter beside him, her tiny hands clapping together as she watched her father cook."Again, Daddy!" she giggled.Leonardo grinned and spun the spatula between his fingers before tossing the pancake into the air. It flipped twice before landing perfectly back in the pan."Like that, princess?" he asked.She nodded enthusiastically, her brown cur
Chapter 156: EpilogueOlivia’s POVThe mountain air was crisp as I stood on the wooden balcony, gazing at the endless stretch of pine trees below. The sun had just dipped behind the peaks, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. The wind whispered through the branches, carrying with it the clean scent of rain and earth.It was quiet here. Peaceful.Safe.For the first time in months, I could breathe without fear coiling around my throat. The Russo family was gone. Matteo Russo was dead. The house, the network, the legacy—destroyed. Harris had confirmed it with photos and reports. There was no one left to hunt us. No shadows lurking behind cameras. No footsteps echoing in the night.Leonardo stepped onto the balcony beside me, two mugs of coffee in hand. He handed me one, then wrapped his free arm around my waist, pulling me into his warmth."Thinking again?" he asked softly.I leaned against him, feeling his steady heartbeat through his sweater. "Always."He kissed the top
Final Chapter(155)Leonardo’s POVThe sharp sound of footsteps echoed through the stairwell as Olivia and I sprinted toward the exit. Smoke burned my throat, and every muscle in my body screamed for rest, but we couldn’t stop. Not now. Not with Matteo Russo closing in.We reached the ground floor and burst through the emergency exit into the alley. The cold night air hit me like a slap. I scanned the shadows for movement, gun raised. Olivia stood beside me, her eyes wide and wild.The phone in my pocket buzzed again.Another message.“You can’t run forever.”I gritted my teeth and shoved the phone back into my jacket. "He’s playing with us," I muttered.Olivia’s voice shook. "He’s just a kid, Leonardo.""No," I said, scanning the rooftops. "He stopped being a kid the moment Victor put a gun in his hand."She hugged herself, shivering. I placed a hand on her arm, grounding her. "We end this tonight.""How?" she asked.I didn’t have an answer.The phone buzzed again.I hesitated, then
Chapter 154Olivia’s POVThe smell of smoke lingered in the air as I stood beside Leonardo, staring at the burning ruins of the Russo compound. The flames crackled, devouring the walls, the floors—everything Matteo Russo had built to continue his father’s legacy.But the weight in my chest wouldn’t lift. The fire might’ve destroyed the compound, but the memories remained. The sight of Matteo’s small body hitting the floor haunted me. His lifeless eyes. The blood spreading across his shirt.He’d been just a boy. A boy raised to hate, to kill, to continue the twisted family tradition. And Leonardo had been forced to pull the trigger."Olivia," Leonardo said softly, his voice pulling me from my thoughts.I blinked, realizing I’d been clutching my arms so tightly that my nails had dug into my skin. I loosened my grip. "Yeah?""We need to go. The police will be here soon."I gave a shaky nod.Leonardo took my hand, guiding me toward the car parked beyond the tree line. The headlights wer
Chapter 153:Leonardo’s POVThe photograph of the baby lay on the table, the words "Blood runs deep" scrawled across the back in thick red ink. Olivia sat beside me, her eyes locked on the image as though it might come to life. My own thoughts churned like a storm, each one darker than the last.Victor Russo had a son. An heir. A child born into a legacy of violence and manipulation."We didn’t know," Olivia whispered, voice trembling. "We thought we ended the family."I ran a hand down my face, exhaustion pressing against my skull. "Victor always had contingency plans. We underestimated him.""But how?" she asked. "We dug into every aspect of his life. There was nothing about a kid.""Because he wanted it that way." I stood and paced the length of the living room. "Victor was always obsessed with bloodlines. Family. Legacy. Of course, he’d hide a child until he was ready to use him."Olivia rubbed her arms. "He looked so...calm. That boy at the door. Like he wasn’t scared at all.""
Chapter 152: LEONARDO!Leonardo's pov.The timer stopped at 00:59.Olivia dropped the knife and collapsed against me, sobbing. I held her tightly.Harris groaned. "Did...we win?"I glanced at Victor’s body. His eyes stared blankly at the ceiling."Yeah," I said. "We won."Harris’s team arrived within minutes. They removed the bomb and secured the mansion. Harris, bruised but breathing, sat on the porch while medics checked his vitals.Olivia and I stood nearby, watching the sunrise paint the sky in soft oranges and pinks."It’s really over," she whispered.I wrapped my arm around her. "This time, it is."She leaned into me. "No more running?""No more running," I promised.The Russo family was gone.And we were finally free.Olivia’s POVThe morning sunlight crept across the horizon, casting a soft orange glow over the Gael estate. The warmth should have brought comfort, a sense of peace after the nightmare we’d survived. But as I stood on the porch beside Leonardo, the weight of what
Chapter 151:Leonardo’s POVThe headlights sliced through the dark as I sped away from the cemetery, my knuckles white against the steering wheel. Olivia sat beside me, silent, her body rigid with fear. The message on my phone echoed in my mind:“The devil doesn’t die.”Victor Russo was alive. Or someone who looked and sounded exactly like him.I didn’t believe in ghosts. But I knew the Russos were capable of almost anything. Victor had faked his death once already. Why not twice?"Leonardo," Olivia said softly.I glanced at her, her face pale in the dim light. "Yeah?""How...how is this possible?" Her voice cracked. "We saw his body. We saw the coroner’s report."I didn’t have an answer. I’d held Victor’s cold wrist to check for a pulse that day. I’d seen the bullet hole in his forehead. But tonight...I’d seen him standing beneath the trees, breathing, smiling."We’re missing something," I said finally. "Something big."She hugged herself. "What if it really was him?"I gritted my t