Isabela's hands trembled as she tried to catch her breath. Her mind screamed that she needed to get out of there, to run as far away as possible before Alejandro discovered that she had heard too much.But where would she go? How could she escape without raising suspicion? She couldn't leave him—Alejandro had warned her before his trip to Colombia.Alejandro was capable of locking her up for life in a room and denying her access to her children. The thought horrified her. Isabela pressed her lips tightly together and closed her eyes for a moment.She couldn't panic. She had to think clearly.Taking a deep breath, she exhaled slowly. Her legs shook, but she couldn't stay there. Forcing herself to move, she walked lightly toward the stairs.She needed to get to her room as soon as possible. If Alejandro found her awake in another part of the house, he would ask questions. Questions she had no convincing answers for.
The light was dim, the curtains were closed, and the scent of whiskey and tobacco filled the air.— My world is dangerous, my queen—always a deadly trap.— I know… You’d be surprised to learn just how much I know about the world you live in.— Oh, really? And where did you learn all that?With a defiant smile, Isabela replied:— My father wasn’t exactly a wine merchant… He was an arms dealer.— Well, that’s very interesting, Alejandro said, smiling.Isabela stared at him for a moment. Then, she smiled and said:— You already knew.— I pride myself on staying one step ahead of everyone—and everything.Letting out a low laugh, Isabela said:— Now I understand why you call me queen. — I just want to know—why did you choose me instead of my older sister?— That’s easy—because you drove me crazy from the very first time I saw you.Between them, there was always that game o
Upon returning to the mansion, Alejandro was absolutely satisfied with Isabela. He was sure that her soul was just as dark as his own.With an intense kiss, Alejandro expected to find the fierce woman, to have a passionate encounter that would seal a perfect night.— Not now, Alejandro. — The children must be waiting for me to say goodnight.— You’re right, my queen… Give them a kiss from me. — I have to take care of a few things in my office, and then I’ll come up in a few minutes…— Wait for me, because I want to love my wife.With a smile, Isabela turned her back to him, climbing the stairs with firm steps, as if nothing had changed.But that night, she didn’t feel capable of looking into her children’s eyes. She felt dirty.Upon entering her room, where no one could see her, her expression changed. Her gaze was no longer cold and heartless—she was a desperate woman.
The security cameras of the Moretti mansion moved slowly in different directions, hinting at the feeling that the wind was about to change.The shadow of a war that had already begun loomed over them. Dino was behind the boycott against the Colombians...The bastard knew how the mafia operated. He had worked with Alejandro for years and could anticipate some of his moves. This time, he had caught the capo off guard.Alejandro was focused on what was happening with his espada. Once he had earned her forgiveness—or at least, that’s what he believed—the change in Isabela had thrown him off balance.Dino would take advantage of that distraction to make his move.The night of Saturday, July 10, fell heavily over the mansion, like a dark shadow.Outside, the property’s lights shone brightly, but inside, the atmosphere was unsettling.The calm of the past few days was suddenly interrupted by the sharp sound of shatter
The Moretti mansion had regained its calm, but the air still smelled of gunpowder and blood. The guards were cleaning up the remains of the attack, dragging away the bodies of Dino's men and disposing of the evidence that could not reach the police.Alejandro watched from his study, a cigar between his fingers, his gaze lost in the security cameras. His kingdom was still standing, but the war was far from over.The door opened, and Miguel entered discreetly.—The Colombians are wounded but alive. We left them where you ordered, boss.Alejandro nodded.—Good. Let word spread about what happened tonight. I want everyone in the city to know what happens when they mess with me.—Understood, boss.Miguel left without a sound.Alejandro put out his cigar and rubbed his face with his hands. He felt like a king, but also like a weary man. Power was a burden that kept him alert, a balance between brutality and
Days of calm followed Dino’s attack. The wretched man was recovering slowly in a hospital, his lover never leaving his side—nor did Alejandro’s informant.A doctor had been paid a large sum, not only to keep an eye on Dino but also to ensure that if he opened his mouth, his days on this earth would come to a swift end.At the Moretti mansion, things were running smoothly until Ramiro gave his report to the boss.When he entered Alejandro’s office, he wasn’t alone—his wife, Isabela, was with him. That was still unusual for Ramiro, but the boss never strayed from her side, and neither did she from his.Ramiro hesitated, unsure of how to greet them.— "Boss… Ma’am..."— "Relax, Ramiro. You can speak to me as you always have… Isabela and I are one now. Whatever you have to say to me, she will hear as well."— "As you say, boss."— "What news do you have, Ramiro?" Isabela asked, sitting on a leather armchai
The night had settled in with the chill of a premonitory hourglass. In a hidden hangar on the outskirts of Bogotá, a shipment that would define the underworld’s future awaited its turn.Meanwhile, in the office of her secure hideout, Isabela meticulously reviewed every detail of the plan. In front of a screen displaying routes, maps, and checkpoints, her gaze hardened with the determination of a queen under siege.—Ramiro, check the land and air routes again. There must be no room for error —she ordered, her voice low and firm, each word imbued with authority.Ramiro, fully aware that any mistake could be fatal, nodded without hesitation.The operation was as bold as it was necessary: delivering a shipment of high-caliber weapons to a Mexican guerrilla cell that, in the shadows, defied the imposed order.Armored trucks, armed escorts, and meticulously chosen routes were part of an intricate plan that only someone with Isabela’s
It was 5 in the morning when Isabela woke up thinking about her children. She longed to hear their childish voices and tell them that today she would go shopping to bring them many gifts and souvenirs from her trip to Colombia.She called her husband, hoping to hear his voice, but her phone was off. That struck her as odd.For a moment, jealousy made her imagine him in another woman's arms. But then she decided to call one of her children’s caregivers.— Natasha, my…— Is it mom? — Mateo asked excitedly.Isabela was happy to hear her son's voice.— Give the phone to Mateo, Natasha.— Yes, ma’am.Excited, Mateo said: — Are you coming back soon, mom? My sister and I miss you so much.— I miss you both too. I just have one more thing to do here and then I’ll be back home, I promise, my love.Isabela squinted her eyes as she listened to Mateo’s voice on the other end of the line. Her eyes
In the discussion between the Mikelos sisters, there was an involuntary witness. Nikos.He hadn't meant to overhear, he had returned to the mansion with the intention of talking to Isabela and asking her some questions.His fiancée was in agreement. She was having a good time with Isabela's children. Nikos's fiancée was a school teacher, she loved children and found Mateo and Lucía fascinating.Although he heard everything, he didn't mention a word to anyone about what he'd overheard.That night, he dined with Alejandro, whom he liked very much, and the entire Moretti family. Fífi was not invited to the dinner.The morning light broke through the windows of the house, tinting the linen curtains in golden tones.Nikos had woken up early and was watching the sea horizon from his room. His fiancée was still asleep, but he had spent the night awake, torn between the ghosts of the past and the urgent need to act.Hi
Alejandro had found out about the meeting Isabela had arranged with Andreas’s lawyer. He knew that her decision meant something serious.He feared he had lost her again. And what hurt and worried him the most was that this time, he wasn’t guilty of anything—except loving her madly.The first to walk out of that room was Fifi. Her face said it all.Running into Alejandro in the hallway, she stopped and looked at him straight in the eyes.— You’re a bastard, Alejandro. If you had the guts to choose me instead of daddy’s little princess, all of this would’ve been ours, and her organization would have a very powerful leader…— Now, you’ll have nothing. And do you know why? —That stupid Isabela gave it all to daddy’s bastard… he owns everything.Fifi’s bitterness was spit like venom, thinking no one was listening.But behind a heavy curtain stood Isabela.— I can’t believe I fell in love with a bastard like you. —I w
Isabela walked out of the room with her heart ablaze with fury. She no longer cried, but her chest ached so much it made it hard to breathe.Her so-called calm was merely the prelude to the chaos boiling inside her. Her hands trembled and burned. Everything inside her was rage and disappointment.Once again, her perfect world was crumbling before her. Once again, Dino’s words echoed in her head like a lingering curse.— Alejandro was never truly yours. He’s cheated on you with other women… If you don’t believe me, ask him yourself.— That bastard! I saved myself for one man, and you slept with every woman who spread her legs for you…— But if my sister thinks I’ll let her sleep with Alejandro the way she did with Christopoulos… she’ll have to kill me first.Isabela burned with rage, never had she so deeply wished she didn’t have a heart.Every step she took thundered against the marble floor, an echo
The sky had turned red for Isabela, as if even the heavens could sense the storm about to erupt inside the Mikelos mansion.The fine linen curtains quivered slightly with the sea breeze, and inside Isabela’s room, the air grew thick—almost suffocating.Everything in the house seemed calm, but not in Isabela’s mind.She remained still for a few seconds, her fingers gripping the back of the chair, as if letting go would make her crumble entirely.Alejandro’s words hung in the air, spoken with that tone—part guilt, part resignation—he used when he knew he could no longer hide the truth.— “Fífi... always came after me, Isabela. Even before you and I got married.”Time seemed to freeze at that confession.Isabela blinked slowly, as if her body resisted processing everything she had just heard.Alejandro had confessed all the secrets hidden behind her sister’s hypocritical gaze.It made her burn wi
Alejandro had enjoyed his stroll along the turquoise sea with the sound of his children’s laughter as music to his ears.When they reached the dock, Mateo said:— Dad, do you think Aunt Fífi will like me?— Of course she will, champ. How could she not like you? You're the spitting image of your father.Mateo started laughing, while Lucía, tired from the trip, slept in Alejandro's arms.Heading to his children’s rooms, he left them in the care of their nannies.Before he left, his son Mateo asked:— Are you going to see Aunt Fífi?— Not now, champ. I have to take care of a few things. I’ll see her at dinner. But I think your mom will bring her by so you can meet in a few minutes.— Then I’m going to change my clothes. – said Mateo, excited.Alejandro ruffled his son’s hair.— Dazzle her. You’re a Moretti, just as handsome as your father.He used to joke with his son, seeing him
Fífi had won. Yannick’s mother would not be pleased to see her beloved son marry her. And that would be her first victory.— "It’s a beautiful engagement ring, darling," she said, thrilled.— "No more than you deserve, my beloved Fífi." Yannick was happier than he had ever been. He had married the mother of his twin children.Fífi Mikelos was a young, stunningly beautiful, and overwhelmingly sensual woman. And he was addicted to her. Though his parents would be furious when they found out he had married Fífi, Yannick had no intention of losing her.She was his goddess, his weakness, and his need.After slipping the engagement ring on her finger, Yannick showed her the wedding rings.— "Darling, the minister is waiting for us in the chapel in an hour... then, my love, I’ll let you go, knowing you’ll return to me with our children."Radiant with happiness, Fífi threw herself into Yannick’s arms, hanging from
Isabela's sister couldn’t fall asleep, even though it was three in the morning and she felt exhausted.Because Isabela’s voice had reopened old wounds. One in particular was deeper than the rest. One that neither time, nor pride, nor the miles between them could heal.And deep inside, a soft but persistent anger whispered:— You took everything from me. Dad's love. Alejandro’s love. You kept everything I ever longed for.She rubbed her face, as if she could wipe the past away with her hands. But the tears came without permission.Tears from an old wound that still oozed pain and rage.And now that Isabela was asking her to return, that wound felt more alive than ever.— To go back to my father’s house. To the land where I left behind so many memories...— To relive the crime scene.— I don’t know if I want justice or if I just want to watch Isabela’s world burn.— To see her happy with Alejandro… I don’t know
The sea breeze caressed the windows of the Mikelos mansion, just like in the days when Andreas Mikelos would walk through it with his firm and proud stride.His memory could still be felt in every corner of the house, in the private dock where his yachts lay as well cared for as when he was alive.Mateo and Lucía had gone out a few times to sail on the turquoise sea in the yacht that had once been their grandfather Andreas’s favorite.Alejandro was enjoying a couple of days of peace and intense passion with his wife. Especially since Christopoulos had vanished from the face of the earth thanks to Isabela's strategy.But the game was not over yet. Even though he wanted to return to his homeland, Alejandro understood that his queen wanted to knock a few crowns off the heads of the traitors who had taken advantage of Andreas’s death.— Boss…— What is it, Ramiro? — Alejandro replied, lying down on the soft, fresh
The barrel of the gun rested against his right temple like a cold caress.Christopoulos was breathing heavily, his hand trembling, while his heart pounded like a drum in his chest. Giving the order to kill someone was very different from seeing oneself on the other side of the gun.His office was dimly lit, and the echo of his own misery drilled into his ears. He had ordered everyone in his mansion to leave.No one was to see him fall. Not his servants, not his lover, not his men. Not even those who still owed him loyalty… if he had any left.—This is the end, Christopoulos—he said to himself, whispering his sentence to the air with a hollow laugh—. I never thought I’d see myself in this situation. Me, the great Christopoulos… This was impossible.His hands trembled. His index finger stroked the trigger with the familiarity of someone who had given many death orders… but never his own.When he finally gathered