After the picnic, Vincenzo didn't take us back home. Instead, he drove us to his penthouse in the city. I glanced at him curiously, but his expression was unreadable, so I didn’t ask any questions. His actions always had a purpose, and I trusted him completely.The penthouse was just as luxurious as our home, but it felt different—more intimate, more secluded. As we settled in, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Vincenzo reassured me with a kiss and a soft smile, but there was a tension in his eyes that made me uneasy.Later that night, I woke up and found Vincenzo's side of the bed empty. The sheets were cool, indicating he had been gone for a while. Worry gnawed at me as I slipped out of bed and padded down the hallway.I heard his voice, low and intense, coming from his office. Peering around the corner, I saw him on the phone, his expression stern. My heart skipped a beat. What was he discussing at this hour?Before I could catch any words, he noticed me. He quic
After the picnic, Vincenzo didn't take us back home. Instead, he drove us to his penthouse in the city. I glanced at him curiously, but his expression was unreadable, so I didn’t ask any questions. His actions always had a purpose, and I trusted him completely. The penthouse was just as luxurious as our home, but it felt different—more intimate, more secluded. As we settled in, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Vincenzo reassured me with a kiss and a soft smile, but there was a tension in his eyes that made me uneasy. Later that night, I woke up and found Vincenzo's side of the bed empty. The sheets were cool, indicating he had been gone for a while. Worry gnawed at me as I slipped out of bed and padded down the hallway. I heard his voice, low and intense, coming from his office. Peering around the corner, I saw him on the phone, his expression stern. My heart skipped a beat. What was he discussing at this hour? Before I could catch any words, he noticed me. He
After the picnic, Vincenzo didn't take us back home. Instead, he drove us to his penthouse in the city. I glanced at him curiously, but his expression was unreadable, so I didn’t ask any questions. His actions always had a purpose, and I trusted him completely. The penthouse was just as luxurious as our home, but it felt different—more intimate, more secluded. As we settled in, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Vincenzo reassured me with a kiss and a soft smile, but there was a tension in his eyes that made me uneasy. Later that night, I woke up and found Vincenzo's side of the bed empty. The sheets were cool, indicating he had been gone for a while. Worry gnawed at me as I slipped out of bed and padded down the hallway. I heard his voice, low and intense, coming from his office. Peering around the corner, I saw him on the phone, his expression stern. My heart skipped a beat. What was he discussing at this hour? Before I could catch any words, he noticed me.
Vincenzo's POVI sat at my desk, the glow of multiple computer screens casting harsh shadows in the dimly lit room. Lines of code and encrypted messages flashed before my eyes as I tirelessly tried to track down the origins of this new mafia organization. Months of peaceful existence had been shattered by whispers of a new threat, and every lead seemed to vanish into thin air."Come on," I muttered under my breath, fingers flying over the keyboard. "There has to be something."Despite my best efforts, I was met with dead ends and frustratingly clean digital footprints. Whoever was behind this new organization knew how to cover their tracks well. My frustration boiled over, and with a roar, I swept everything off my desk. Papers, coffee mugs, and electronics crashed to the floor."Damn it!" I shouted, breathing heavily. Just then, the door opened, and Baltazar stepped in, his expression calm yet concerned. "What's going on, Vincenzo?" he asked, his voice steady.I clenched my fists, t
Vincenzo's POVThe office was cloaked in a heavy silence, broken only by the soft hum of the computers and the rustling of papers. Baltazar sat across from me, eyes scanning through some documents. I leaned back in my chair, the weight of recent discoveries pressing heavily on my mind."Do you have any siblings, Baltazar?" I asked suddenly, breaking the silence.He looked up, a flicker of something I couldn't quite place crossing his face before he masked it. "Yeah, I do. Why do you ask?""Just curious," I replied, trying to sound casual. "You never really talk about your family."He nodded, a shadow passing over his eyes. "It's not something I like to discuss. Family can be... complicated."Before I could press further, the door swung open, and Katana walked in. She had that mysterious smile on her face that always made me wary. Her presence often heralded significant news or events."Well, look who's hard at work," she said, her tone playful but her eyes sharp."Katana," I greeted,
The doctor's presence brought a measure of calm to the chaos, his experienced hands and soothing voice guiding Annizah through the labor. Vincenzo never left her side, holding her hand tightly, whispering words of encouragement."You're doing great, bella," he said softly, wiping the sweat from her brow. "Just a little more. You're so strong."Annizah's grip on his hand tightened with each contraction, her face contorted with pain and determination. The minutes felt like hours as she pushed through the agony, her eyes locked onto Vincenzo's for strength.Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the sound of a baby's cry filled the room. Annizah's tears of pain turned to tears of joy as the doctor carefully placed their newborn into her arms. "It's a girl," the doctor announced, a smile breaking through his professional demeanor.Annizah looked down at their daughter, her heart swelling with love and relief. "Enzo, look," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "She's perfe
Vincenzo arrived at the Russian airport, his eyes scanning the crowd with practiced ease. He stepped through the terminal with confidence, his presence commanding attention. As he exited the gates, a tall man with a sharp suit and an equally sharp smile approached him. It was Helios, one of his long-standing business partners in Russia."Vincenzo, welcome," Helios greeted, extending his hand.Vincenzo shook it firmly. "Helios. Good to see you.""How was your flight?" Helios asked as they started walking towards the exit."Uneventful, just the way I like it," Vincenzo replied.Helios laughed, a deep, booming sound. "I hear congratulations are in order. How's your family?""Annizah gave birth to our daughter," Vincenzo said, a rare warmth in his voice."That's wonderful news!" Helios exclaimed, patting Vincenzo on the back. "Congratulations. I assume you’re here on business, though?""Always," Vincenzo said, his tone shifting to a more serious note.They walked to a sleek black car wait
PROLOGUEI found myself gazing at the crowd, bewildered by the unfamiliar surroundings. How did I land in a place like this? Each person was adorned in exquisite dresses and sharp suits, radiating an innate elegance. It seemed as if grace and sophistication were second nature to everyone present.I wore a light blue backless dress, with my hair up in a tight bun and just a bit of makeup. It made me feel like a completely different person. My parents were busy chatting with some important people, not paying attention to me at all. I couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place in the fancy crowd."I see you've got a beautiful lady right here," an old man remarked, a smile playing on his face as his gaze rested on me. Uncomfortable, I couldn't help but avert my eyes. The way he looked at me sent shivers down my spine, yet my parents remained oblivious, seemingly turning a blind eye to the situation."Ah, yes, of course. This is our daughter, Annizah," my dad chimed in, placing a han