Chapter EightDante's POVFuccccckkkkk!I smash my glass of wine angrily against the wall. Just when I thought things were going as planned, that fat bitch just had to show up and ruin everything!She ruined everything!Does she have any idea that my inheritance is at stake here? My fucking birthright was going to be taken from me!“Fuckkk!” I curse again, angrily clearing my desk. I didn't even care that my laptop hit the ground. That stupid bitch was about to cost me everything!”Dante?” I hear suddenly. “Are you okay in there?”Was I okay? Would I be breaking things if I was okay? When I didn't give a response, the door opened and Piper stepped in.Her eyes scan through the mess and she stares at me with a puzzled expression.“What happened?” She asks.“Gianna!” I hiss. “That's what happened.”Her expression immediately changes. “Your ex-wife?”“You mean my uncle's wife?” I retort and for a few seconds, she stares blankly at me.“I… I don't understand…”“Maxmillian brought her to d
Gianna’s povWe returned to the mansion late and tired. Personally, I'd say it was a bad idea. I would have preferred if we went back to his penthouse but for some reason, I was back to this horrid nightmare.Thankfully, I was tipsy enough to get my mind off it. Max took me to his room and the mere thought of the things we could do in here made my cheeks heat up.As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I cursed inwardly. I wasn't the type to think about things like that but just being in the same space with Max made my brain malfunction.He was at the bar, pouring me another drink. I didn't tell him I was tipsy already, nor did I reject his offer. I needed liquid courage for whatever was going to happen tonight.“Here you go,” he offered me a glass and I immediately accepted it from him.“Are you purposely trying to get me drunk?” I asked, sipping my drink. He chuckled.“I don't need alcohol to do the things I want to do to you,” he said, sitting on the couch just across the room. I s
/Gianna’s povI didn't want to go downstairs. Not after everything that happened last night. To make things worse, Max had to leave for an important meeting earlier so I was stuck here until he came back to fetch me.The initial plan was to hide away in my room until Max came back but my stomach didn't agree. My stomach grumbled loudly and by the time I checked the time, I discovered it was way past breakfast.The only option was to cook so I headed for the kitchen to make something easy but delicious for myself. I entered the kitchen and was stunned by the magnificence of it. It was even more beautiful than Dante's and a lot bigger.I moved to the cabinets, ready to explore it when I heard a voice behind me.“What are you doing here?”I immediately turned to see a woman I didn't quite know. She was most likely a sibling of Max or maybe Dante's cousin. I wasn't sure which one but she was one of the people that didn't like me.“I skipped breakfast so I came to make something to eat,”
Gianna-/I didn't realize I hit her until she staggered back, clutching to her cheek.I stared at my palm in disbelief. I didn't think I had it in me to retaliate or defend myself.“I didn't mean…” I started but she immediately lunged at me.“Did you just hit me? How dare you?!” She growled, hitting me. I took the first slap because I deserved it. I should have just talked back rather than raise my hand on her.But then the second slap came and she claws going to give the third when I caught her hand.“That is enough, Melody. I was wrong to hit you but that doesn't give you enough reason to hit me thrice,” I told her, shoving her back. Her eyes blazed with fury as she stared at me.“You think two slaps is enough to erase the imprint of your filthy hands on me? You have another thing coming,” she said and stormed out of the kitchen.I stood for almost two minutes, trying to process what she just said to me.I cleared up the debts and walked out of the kitchen. I sat there in my room, w
Gianna-/“Hey.”I opened the door slowly.“May I come in?” He asked.“It's your house,” I muttered, walking away from the door. he entered the room with a tray of something I couldn't quite tell.He set it down on the table and sat on the couch.“I brought you breakfast,” he said.“Okay,” I said simply. Silence followed for a few minutes. “About last night…” he started. “I talked to my mother and sister. They are going to stay out of your way from now on and I hope you can stay out of theirs. We are only staying here for a few days and then we will move to my house so you don't have to deal with anything.”“Okay.”“Okay? That is all you have to say?” He asked.I looked at him. What else would be have me say? He already concluded without hearing from me and now he was talking like he was doing me a favour.“Yes.”He let out a sigh. “Are you mad at me?”I looked at him in disbelief. Was he seriously asking me that after everything that happened?“I don't have anything to say to you,”
/-Maxmillian-/“Boss, the shipment has been secured,” my right hand man informed me. I took the file from him and scanned through it. I shut the file and glanced at him.“Clean?” “Clean,” he confirmed. “Move it to the warehouse and get it ready for dispatch. Tell the boys to clear up RCee for tonight. Volkov will be there at 10, you all must be in position. I don't trust that son of a bitch,” I instructed. “Yes boss,” he bowed and made to leave but I stopped him. “Wait…” I opened my drawer and took out some big bundles. I tossed it to him and his expression shifted immediately. “You boys did good. Go buy yourselves a drink.” He tried to contain his smile as he bowed. “Appreciated boss.” “Hey, I said drink. I don't want any of you getting high on my shit. We have to be alert tonight. I need you in your right frame of mind!” I stated. “Yes boss."As he walked out of the office, Dante entered. I furrowed my brows at him. What the hell was he doing here and why didn't my secretary
Gianna’s povI finally finished bandaging my injuries and exhaled. I had to clean up the mess she made because arguing with her would only trigger another set of accusations I wasn't ready to deal with.Just when I thought I could finally rest, a call came to my phone. It was an unknown number. I ignored it at first but the person became very persistent until I got pissed and answered.“Took you long enough,” the voice made me freeze.Dante? What the hell does he want from me now? Didn't Maxmillian ask him to stay the hell away from me?“What do you want?” I asked coldly. He chuckled“Come on, sugar, there is no need to be in a hurry. You see, I just wanted to remind you of some things you seem to have forgotten…”My blood immediately ran cold. I didn't like this at all. Not in the least.I hated the fact that he had one singular mistake over me. A mistake that has ruined my life for years.“I already told you, Dante. I didn't know Max was related to you. If I did, I promise you, I wo
/-Gianna-/My heart stopped.Max stood in the doorway, his broad frame blocking the doorway as he took in the room.Oh, God! I am screwed. There is no escaping this! Then his gaze locked with mine and I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. Anything to avert this embarrassing moment.His eyes flickered from me to the half-dressed man groaning on the floor, and then back to me. The air in the room grew suffocating.His jaw was tight, his knuckles still clenched from the punch he had just thrown. Every muscle in his body was wound like a predator ready to strike again. He was not just angry, he was furious. Enraged.I swallowed hard. “Max, I…”“Not. A. Word,” he bit out, his voice dangerously low.My mouth snapped shut.The man on the floor groaned and tried to sit up, blood dripping from his nose. “Who the hell…”Max moved so fast I barely saw it happen. Another punch landed, harder this time, sending the man sprawling onto the carpet again.“Shut up.”Max’s tone was pure venom.
Gianna- /I should run.That was the reasonable thing to do but these men all had guns. Running would be suicide, especially when all they had to do was pull the trigger.My entire body froze. I wasn't afraid only of the gunmen that tried to take my life.It was the person holding me now in his hands, telling me that everything will be okay as if he didn't just kill a bunch of people before me. Who was Maxmillan North, really? Every time I think I know him, something comes up to prove me wrong.His world was dark. Ruthless.And tonight, I had seen it in its rawest, bloodiest form.I felt his heartbeat against my cheek, steady and unbothered, as if killing was second nature to him. As if the bodies littered around us were just another part of his day.I pulled back slightly, looking up at him. His sharp, unreadable eyes met mine."Max…" My voice was barely a whisper. It didn't even sound like my voice. I was shocked and beyond terrified even when the people that were trying to kill u
Maxmillian-/The drive should have been peaceful. With Gianna in my arms, all I wanted was a little peace but apparently, I wasn't going to get that.The first bullet hit the rear mirror and Gianna immediately jumped away from me.“Max…”She barely completed the sentence before the next round of bullets shattered the back windshield.“Down!” I barked, pulling her onto the floor just as the driver swerved sharply to avoid the gunfire.The SUV skidded, tires screeching against the pavement. Another shot rang out, hitting the side mirror, sending shards of glass flying.“Where the hell is it coming from?” I demanded, gripping my gun.“Three vehicles tailing us!” the guard in the passenger seat shouted. “Fully armed!”Of course, they were. This wasn’t random. It was a planned hit.Gianna was trembling beside me, her fingers clutching my arm. “Max—”“I’ve got you, baby,” I muttered, pressing a quick kiss to her temple before rising slightly to get a view.One of the black SUVs pulled up on
Gianna-/“Gianna, wait!” Max hurried inside the elevator before it slammed shut.I let out a sigh.“You don't have to apologise, Max. It wasn't your fault, you had nothing to do with it,” I told him but I could see the guilt dancing in his eyes.“She had no right to lay a hand on you. Off all the employees, she knows our true relationship. She had no right to disrespect you that way,” he said.“I am just glad you were there to witness it and not get a doctored report later on, else you would have blamed it on me,” I muttered and something shifted in his gaze.“Are you still holding that against me? I thought we were past that?” He muttered.Past him believing his sister's lies over my truth, yeah. I guess I wasn't angry anymore, but for all I know, today could have been a repeat of that if he wasn't present. His sister would have just turned the story to favour her and he would believe her.“I am so sorry, baby,” he said softly. “I’ll make this right, I promise.”I found myself meltin
Gianna-/I was back to the same boring routine. Meetings, seminars, break, more meetings and work.Despite all that, it was better than staying idly at home. Maxmillan was still in a meeting but he dismised me for lunch break and as much as I wanted to display professionalism, I was hungry.I headed downstairs to the company's cafeteria. As I walked to the cuisine to pick my lunch, I could feel the eyes on me, boring holes into my skin.No matter how hard I tried, I could never get used to the stares. Some were glares, others out of plain curiosity and then the judgemental ones.After picking my food, I turned, searching for an empty table with my eyes.I spotted one at the far back but even as I walked, I could feel the eyes follow me with hushed whispers. After what seemed like forever, I got to table and kept my head down.I was well aware of the rumors spreading. Everyone was worried about my closeness to Maxmillan. Some believed that I was seducing him to keep my job but Max wasn
Gianna-/The silence between us stretched as I watched the realization dawn on Max’s face. He knew he had messed up—badly.“Gianna, I—”I held up a hand, stopping whatever excuse he was about to make. “Save it, Max. You thought it was a good idea to bring her here, into our home, for dinner?” My voice was calm, but the fire in my chest burned hotter with every word.He sighed, dragging a hand down his face. “I didn’t think it would be a big deal.”I let out a sharp laugh. “A big deal? Oh, of course not. Having dinner with your ex-wife is completely normal, right? Maybe next time I’ll invite Dante over so we can all play happy little house together.”His jaw clenched at the mention of Dante, and I saw a flicker of jealousy in his eyes. Good. Let him feel something.“That’s not the same, and you know it,” he bit out.“Oh, really? Because from where I’m standing, it’s exactly the same.” I stepped closer, tilting my head. “Tell me, Max—what was the point of all this? What were you trying
/-Gianna-/When Max had me to dress up nicely and prepare dinner for three, I naturally assumed it was a work associate that was coming over.Nothing prepared me to face his ex-wife, Kesley. I didn't know whether to be mad or confused.To think he even went to pick her up and she looked God, like she was going on a date. Maybe she was.The moment I opened the door, Max walked to me and kissed me deeply on the lips.“You look gorgeous, baby,” he commented and despite the way I felt inside, I found myself smiling like an idiot.“You have company,” I noted,. letting my attention rest on Kesley.“Yes, she will be joining us for dinner. Kesley meet the love of my life, Gianna. Gianna, meet Kesley, my ex-wife,” Maxmillian introduced.I could have sworn I saw a glint of disappointment in her eyes when he introduced me to her. Another reason for me to believe that she had an ulterior motive.I forced a polite smile, even as my stomach twisted. “It’s nice to meet you.”Kesley’s lips curved int
Kesley-/“She is pretty, I give her that,” I said, stirring my coffee idly.“That is all you are going to say? Your husband is with a nobody and all you can do is give her compliments?” Isabel asked in disbelief. “Is that the reason you asked me to keep an eye on him? To compliment whoever he goes out with?”I took a sip of the coffee. “Where is this form? Coffee & Cakes? I could have sworn they make better coffee,” I said and she frowned.“No, this is from the office cafeteria but that is not the point. We're talking about your husband…”“Ex-husband,” I corrected. “Besides, I don't think you should be worried about her. Max doesn't take her seriously. He is still hopelessly in love with me.”Isabel looked at me as if I had grown two heads.“Are you being serious right now?” She asked me.“I saw him at the party, Isa. I saw the way he looked at me and I can confidently tell you that if I decided to go back to that man right now, that little girl he keeps by his side. What is her name
Dante-/“Are you sure of this? How much is the deal worth?” I asked.“It's half a billion dollars, boss. They have already finalized everything with Maxmillian and the goods will move on Saturday night,” he informed me.“I see and you are certain the Russian made this offer?” I asked.“Yes boss. Dmitry Ivanov met with him to make the offer himself. The initial offer was three hundred million dollars but Maxmillan wrote it off and wouldn't budge until it hit half a billion. The goods are currently at the Chicago warehouse, ready to be moved,” he continued.Wow!These bosses come over here and wouldn't even offer me up to a hundred million on anything and yet they beg Maxmillian to sign at half a billion.Annoyance and anher bubbled within my chest. This was the same fucking deal I was bidding for at fifty million dollars and somehow, Maxmillan, who didn't even show interest to begin with was offer half a billion?My grip around my phone tightened.“Well let's see who will be celebratin
Gianna-/It was hard to avoid the eyes at every corner I turned. Everyone was just looking at me in some kind of way and it made me feel extremely uncomfortable.I gathered everything I needed and headed to the counter. Maxmillian had a permanent scowl on his face, directed at the manager. He had a pleading look in his eyes. Like his job was on the line. Maybe it was.“I got everything,” I informed Maxmillian.“Please sir, I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. I had no idea she was your…”“You don't need to have an idea of who she is before you have basic courtesy. A card was declined, you try again or ask for another one, not declare her a thief and embarrass her before everyone!” Maxmillian said angrily and the man lowered his head with a flustered expression.“If there is anything I can do to fix this, sir. I honestly do not want to lose my job,” he pleaded.“Anything?” Max asked and I immediately knew it was about to go down.“Yes, please. Anything at all,” he affirmed.“Fi