CHAPTER 007

CHAPTER 007

The room pulsed with quiet efficiency; men and women in tailored suits, each with a reason to be there and clearly on purpose, circulated in and out of Nero’s expansive office. Near the window, Lucia stared at the streets below them. Her thoughts, like the city itself, never slumbered. She never made a decision or a move that didn't bring her closer to her revenge.

“Lost in thought, Lucia?” Nero's voice broke through her reverie. Seated behind his desk, his sharp gray eyes studied her like a puzzle he hadn't yet solved.

She forced a faint smile and turned. “Always. It keeps me focused.”

Nero smiled and waved her in closer. ‘You’ve done good; you’ve earned trust and respect perhaps faster than I had thought.’ What’s on your mind today?”

Her fingers brushed the hem of her jacket, and she hesitated. This was her chance. She couldn’t falter now. Her voice was steady but firm, but she began, ‘I’m going to need a favor.’

Nero arched a brow. “A favor? That’s a bold request. Go on.”

She said, “I want you to introduce me as your cousin.” The implication hung heavy in the air with the words. “It will give me the access I need to get closer to Matteo and the Roselli family.”

Nero looked off, his expression lost. She thought he might refuse for a moment, but then he chuckled softly. “My cousin, huh? You aim high, Lucia. Why should I risk my reputation for this game, my game?”

"It's not just my game," she stepped closer. If I succeed, Matteo’s empire falls. That benefits both of us.”

He stopped smiling and became thoughtful. She knew Nero for a man who didn't often do anything without some kind of blueprinted stroke behind it, and she could see the cogs of his genius turning. Finally, he nodded.

“Fine,” he said. But remember, Lucia, it's your responsibility if something goes wrong, not mine.

---

It was a high-profile affair, with alliances and rivalries all hidden beneath a layer of manicured smiles and expensive champagne. Lucia ran her hand over the cuff of her dress; she had just made sure her heart beat smoothly beneath a perfectly calm exterior. All these powerful figures watched as she led Nero into the grand hall.

He casually introduced her with his hand on her shoulder. “My cousin, Lucia. She’s been traveling for a while, but she’s back to help me with some... family matters.”

She gave him a polite smile as her gaze swept across the room. Matteo Vulpin. A group of associates stood near the bar, laughing with him. His blue eyes glinted with the charm that had one time put a stop to his charms, and his hair was perfectly styled, dark.

She made herself breathe steadily. He wouldn’t charm her this time. She was in control this time.

Matteo turned as if sensing her gaze; the laughter left his face, and his eyes met hers. For a moment, neither moved. A shiver ran down her spine as she smiled slowly and like a predator. He left his group and crossed the room to her.

Matteo greeted with a smooth, confident voice, “Nero.” “I didn’t know you had such lovely relatives,” I said.

Nero smirked. “Matteo Vulpin, Lucia, this is.” You’ve heard of him, I’m sure.”

Reaching out, Lucia nodded her hand. It was a pleasure to meet you, sir, Mr. Vulpin.

Matteo took her hand and held it a moment too long. “The pleasure is mine.” He stared so long he was trying to figure her out, to uncover secrets. She looked him in the eyes without flinching.

At last he released her hand. “I hope you’ll enjoy the evening,” he said. "Perhaps I’ll take you away for a dance later."

Lucia smiled demurely. “We’ll see.”

Nero leaned in, his voice low, as Matteo moved away. “He’s interested. Be careful, Lucia. ‘Men like him don’t play fair.’”

She whispered back, her eyes tracking Matteo’s every step. “Neither do I.”

---

The party was noisy, but the business deal happened in a private room upstairs. Nero had insisted on bringing Lucia along and had introduced her as an observer learning the family trade. Her presence amused Matteo; his eyes would drift to her whenever he thought no one was looking.

Lucia was quiet, watching the talks. The discussions revolved around territory control and the potential for misuse of power. She knew exactly what she had to do.

At the ideal moment, she leaned over to Nero and whispered something into his ear. He raised a brow, nodded subtly, and adjusted his offer in a way that was minor but would have devastating effects on the Roselli family’s standing. Nero was too preoccupied with trying to outmaneuver Matteo to notice.

When the Rosellis signed the deal, they had unwittingly given away terms that put them in such a vulnerable position. Lucia smiled, but the smile slipped back down as she hid her satisfaction. Everything was aligning, each component of the puzzle fitting perfectly.

-

At the end of the evening, Matteo came to the balcony when the cool night air brushed against her skin. His smile was surprisingly disarming as he casually leaned against the railing.

He said, “You’ve been quiet tonight.” ‘So I can’t shake the feeling you’ve been hiding something.’

Lucia turned to look at him blankly. “Perhaps I’m just adept at observing.”

He agreed, his gaze scouring hers. “Or maybe you’re hiding something,” he said.

She deflected, laughing softly. ‘Everyone has their secrets, Mr. Ulpin,’ I told him.

He stepped closer, 'Call me Matteo,' he said. Lucia, I don’t ever recall having met anyone like you. “You’re… interesting.”

But she was heartbroken, and her voice was steady. “Is that your usual line?”

He admitted, his smile fading, “No.” “You’re different.”

Lucia’s stomach twisted. The sincerity in his tone surprised her; she had anticipated and prepared for his attention. Secondly, you must maintain your vigilance if you have the financial means to do so.

She stepped back towards the door. “Goodnight, Matteo.”

As she turned to leave, his voice stopped her. “Lucia.”

She placed her hand on the doorframe and paused.

“I mean it,” he said. “I’m going to figure out what it is about you.”

She walked away, her mind racing. Matteo would ruin everything if he suspected her. Was he really curious, or was it something else? The uncertainty gnawed at her, a dangerous reminder of the elevated stakes.