Antonio's POV"Reports indicate our re-strategize efforts are failing," I growled, frustration etched on my face.I stood at the head of the conference table, surveying my team.The four men whom I had added earlier, Alessandro, Mario, Franco, and Roberto, sat quietly, their faces set.Giulia’s eyes narrowed. "Someone's leaking information."“Exactly! And we still haven't figured out who it is.” Rage was building up inside of me.Vincenzo nodded, his expression thoughtful.Giulia's gaze met mine, concern flickering.Mario, my head of security, spoke. "Sir, I've reviewed the protocols. Our systems are secure."Franco, my financial advisor, added, "Transactions are clean."Roberto, a seasoned enforcer, grunted. "My guys are loyal."Lorenzo took notes, his expression intent."Who could be betraying us?" I demanded.Alessandro, my private detective voice dropped. "We'll investigate every angle."Giulia's hand brushed mine and my gaze swept the room."Vincenzo, what do you think?" I asked
Giulia's POV“Marco De Luca is here,” the bodyguard who hurriedly walked in said.I suddenly found it difficult to breathe. This was completely insane.What was he doing here?I felt the blood drain from my face as Marco de Luca walked in, his eyes blazing with anger.He had his hands crossed behind his back and bodyguards surrounding him."What's going on here?" Marco demanded, his voice echoing through the room.Leonardo's smile faltered, but he quickly regained composure. "Just discussing a mutually beneficial arrangement, Marco."Marco's gaze locked onto me, and I shrank under his intense stare. How did he know about Leonardo's proposal?How did words spread so fast?"You think you can take her from me?" Marco spat, his voice dripping with venom. "She's mine."I turned to Antonio who watched Marco with intense gaze. He seemed unbothered by whatever he said; he didn't spare me a glance.“What makes you think she is yours?” Leonardo asked.“She was sent here on a mission,” he paused
Antonio's POV“What just happened has nothing to do with me,” Leonardo shrugged. “I came here for something, and I'm going to leave with it.”Those words hit me like a bomb. I had to think of something fast.If I should let Leonardo take Giulia, there had to be a way to bring her back. I wasn't just going to do something without thinking of a solution.She was my companion and our contract hadn't expired yet but that wasn't excuse enough.My empire was failing and I needed the negotiation but letting Giulia go just didn't go well with me.“Leonardo… you will surely leave with what you came for,” I said and his eyes glimmered in triumph.I turned to Giulia who sat stunned at my speech.“Antonio, do you…” Vincenzo started but I interrupted him.“But we'll have a deal,” I continued. “What deal?” Leonardo asked.“You’ll take Giulia for the negotiation but the moment my empire gets back on its feet, you'll give her back.”Leonardo laughed. “ Your empire is below getting back on its feet;
Giulia's POV“Welcome to my home, Giulia,” he said, his voice dripping with charm. “I'm glad we could come to an agreement,” Leonardo said as he gently removed my blindfold.He smiled, his eyes gleaming with triumph.I stepped out of the car and onto the driveway, my eyes widening as I took in the grandeur of Leonardo's mansion.The building was a masterpiece of modern architecture, with sleek lines and towering spires that seemed to touch the sky.Leonardo's hand was wrapped around my wrist, his grip tight as he pulled me towards the entrance. I stumbled and my heels clicked on the marble floor as we stepped inside.The interior of the mansion was just as impressive as the exterior.The walls were adorned with priceless artwork, and the furniture was elegant and modern.I felt a surge of unease as I realized the true extent of my situation. I was a pawn in a game of power and manipulation, and there was no way out. All thanks to my dad.Leonardo's voice cut through my thoughts, his t
Giulia POV“Giulia, take off your panties and begin to touch yourself.”There was no smirk on his face, his expression was blank. I wasn't sure if I should do as he had said or disobey.I stood there watching him in silence. I was scared but I wasn't just going to let him take advantage of me.“You are quite stubborn,” he said. “The thing is, there's no guarantee that you are going to see Antonio again.”“I will see him again,” I answered almost immediately.“Well… till then, you'll do as I say.”“I’ll do as you say but not on this one.”“Then, I'll make you,” he scoffed.The crackle of a gun brought me to my senses.“You can either choose to die or do as I say.”I took my panties off and here I was naked before my captor’s rival. All I wanted was to run away from earth entirely.My life was a total mess. I began to wonder how I became so unfortunate.I let my hands roam all over me; from my breasts to my laps and he watched quietly.I walked to him slowly and seductively. He watched
Giulia's POV“You are quite brave to confront me, Giulia Mancini.” His deep voice echoed in the room, commanding attention.I had walked into this office with all the boldness I could muster to demand for my father's release but this didn't seem to go as planned.The opulent decor seemed to intensify my anxiety, and my legs were trembling, but I managed not to show it.I took a deep breath and decided to say something, “You are holding my father hostage and I want him released.” A playful smile that disappeared almost immediately curled his lips.“Oh, yes… Your father owes me a substantial debt.”My eyes welled with tears as my sweaty palms clutched my small purse containing my last savings. “I'll pay it, whatever it takes.”“Lorenzo.” He called out.A man in his late thirties who stood behind his table the whole time watching in silence walked towards him and dropped a file on the table after which he went back to his initial position. He went through the file for a split second a
Giulia's POV“Where are we going?” I asked as Lorenzo led me down a dimly lit alley.“My boss has got a special job for you.” For the first time, I saw Lorenzo smile, and it sent shivers down my spine.The alley led us to a nondescript door. Lorenzo brought out a keycard and swung open exposing us to a stairway.As we descended the stairs I adjusted the annoying short black dress I was forced to wear.We climbed until we reached a door. The bouncers outside gave a slight bow to Lorenzo and pushed the door open.The door revealed a smoke-filled room, and my stomach churned. I had never seen a place like this.“Welcome to Black Heaven,” Lorenzo said as he gestured for me to go in. I was hesitant and my legs felt too numb to take a step.Before I realized what was happening, Lorenzo grabbed my arm and pulled me inside.The clamor of clinking glasses, unpleasant laughter, and shuffling cards overwhelmed me. The air reeked of smoke and desperation.“Follow me,” Lorenzo muttered to my hear
Giulia's POVI didn't turn to look at the door. I was so scared. The aura he exuded was menacing.The maid bowed and rushed out. He must have signaled her to leave.I heard his footsteps as he walked towards me. Soon, he stopped. I could feel him behind me as his warm breath rested on my neck.“Giulia.” He called, his voice deep and fierce.“Yes, master,” I answered, my voice barely audible. I stood still and didn't look back.He walked slowly from behind and stood in front of me. I could see the rage in his eyes.“How dare you disobey my orders?”“I'm sor…” he didn't let me finish. He put his index finger on my lips. He looked at me for a split second and turned his back on me.“I own you now, young woman.” He let out a dry laugh. “ You have no choice but to do as I say.”He turned back to face me. He took a step forward and I took a step backwards. This continued until I got to the wall and he was two steps away.“I asked you to wear a dress Giulia, and you declined.” He paused to l
Giulia POV“Giulia, take off your panties and begin to touch yourself.”There was no smirk on his face, his expression was blank. I wasn't sure if I should do as he had said or disobey.I stood there watching him in silence. I was scared but I wasn't just going to let him take advantage of me.“You are quite stubborn,” he said. “The thing is, there's no guarantee that you are going to see Antonio again.”“I will see him again,” I answered almost immediately.“Well… till then, you'll do as I say.”“I’ll do as you say but not on this one.”“Then, I'll make you,” he scoffed.The crackle of a gun brought me to my senses.“You can either choose to die or do as I say.”I took my panties off and here I was naked before my captor’s rival. All I wanted was to run away from earth entirely.My life was a total mess. I began to wonder how I became so unfortunate.I let my hands roam all over me; from my breasts to my laps and he watched quietly.I walked to him slowly and seductively. He watched
Giulia's POV“Welcome to my home, Giulia,” he said, his voice dripping with charm. “I'm glad we could come to an agreement,” Leonardo said as he gently removed my blindfold.He smiled, his eyes gleaming with triumph.I stepped out of the car and onto the driveway, my eyes widening as I took in the grandeur of Leonardo's mansion.The building was a masterpiece of modern architecture, with sleek lines and towering spires that seemed to touch the sky.Leonardo's hand was wrapped around my wrist, his grip tight as he pulled me towards the entrance. I stumbled and my heels clicked on the marble floor as we stepped inside.The interior of the mansion was just as impressive as the exterior.The walls were adorned with priceless artwork, and the furniture was elegant and modern.I felt a surge of unease as I realized the true extent of my situation. I was a pawn in a game of power and manipulation, and there was no way out. All thanks to my dad.Leonardo's voice cut through my thoughts, his t
Antonio's POV“What just happened has nothing to do with me,” Leonardo shrugged. “I came here for something, and I'm going to leave with it.”Those words hit me like a bomb. I had to think of something fast.If I should let Leonardo take Giulia, there had to be a way to bring her back. I wasn't just going to do something without thinking of a solution.She was my companion and our contract hadn't expired yet but that wasn't excuse enough.My empire was failing and I needed the negotiation but letting Giulia go just didn't go well with me.“Leonardo… you will surely leave with what you came for,” I said and his eyes glimmered in triumph.I turned to Giulia who sat stunned at my speech.“Antonio, do you…” Vincenzo started but I interrupted him.“But we'll have a deal,” I continued. “What deal?” Leonardo asked.“You’ll take Giulia for the negotiation but the moment my empire gets back on its feet, you'll give her back.”Leonardo laughed. “ Your empire is below getting back on its feet;
Giulia's POV“Marco De Luca is here,” the bodyguard who hurriedly walked in said.I suddenly found it difficult to breathe. This was completely insane.What was he doing here?I felt the blood drain from my face as Marco de Luca walked in, his eyes blazing with anger.He had his hands crossed behind his back and bodyguards surrounding him."What's going on here?" Marco demanded, his voice echoing through the room.Leonardo's smile faltered, but he quickly regained composure. "Just discussing a mutually beneficial arrangement, Marco."Marco's gaze locked onto me, and I shrank under his intense stare. How did he know about Leonardo's proposal?How did words spread so fast?"You think you can take her from me?" Marco spat, his voice dripping with venom. "She's mine."I turned to Antonio who watched Marco with intense gaze. He seemed unbothered by whatever he said; he didn't spare me a glance.“What makes you think she is yours?” Leonardo asked.“She was sent here on a mission,” he paused
Antonio's POV"Reports indicate our re-strategize efforts are failing," I growled, frustration etched on my face.I stood at the head of the conference table, surveying my team.The four men whom I had added earlier, Alessandro, Mario, Franco, and Roberto, sat quietly, their faces set.Giulia’s eyes narrowed. "Someone's leaking information."“Exactly! And we still haven't figured out who it is.” Rage was building up inside of me.Vincenzo nodded, his expression thoughtful.Giulia's gaze met mine, concern flickering.Mario, my head of security, spoke. "Sir, I've reviewed the protocols. Our systems are secure."Franco, my financial advisor, added, "Transactions are clean."Roberto, a seasoned enforcer, grunted. "My guys are loyal."Lorenzo took notes, his expression intent."Who could be betraying us?" I demanded.Alessandro, my private detective voice dropped. "We'll investigate every angle."Giulia's hand brushed mine and my gaze swept the room."Vincenzo, what do you think?" I asked
Giulia's POVI navigated the dimly lit warehouse, maneuvering through shady figures negotiating tirelessly over illicit goods.Don Antonio had described where I would find Victor, and I looked around for it."Giulia!" A huge black guy behind a marble counter called out to me.“Name?” I asked as I approached him.“Victor, Why?” he answered with raised brows.“I just wanted to be sure,” I answered, handing over the envelope."Package from Antonio."Victor's eyes scanned the contents before nodding. "Good work. Tell Antonio, 'Eagle's Wings' are secured."I nodded, allowing the cryptic message to sink in.As I turned to leave, my gaze swept across the warehouse. That was when I saw him – Lorenzo, standing near a pillar, conversing with someone.My curiosity sparked and I edged closer.The person beside Lorenzo wore a hoodie, face hidden but a flash of red lipstick caught my attention.Sophia?I froze, unsure.Lorenzo's companion sensed my gaze and swiftly pulled the hoodie tighter, conceal
Giulia's POVI walked to Antonio's study with the files he asked me to keep earlier lost in thought.The current situation of the empire was just so unexpected and unpleasant. Who'd think that this would ever happen?What also bothered me was how Don Antonio allowed Sophia to go after all she did.Maybe he had something special in mind for her, who knows?That dude is dangerous!Suddenly, Lorenzo appeared beside me."Giulia, can I have a word?" he asked, his tone low.“Okay,” I answered a bit surprised.Lorenzo wasn't the one to talk to me. The only time he spoke to me was when Don Antonio asked him to assign me to a task.We stepped into an empty hallway."I'm listening, Lorenzo," I said."You've been noticing things, haven't you?" His eyes locked onto mine.I hesitated. "What do you mean?""Antonio trusts you, but be careful. Not everyone shares his faith." His words sent a shiver down my spine."I still don't understand what you mean by this statement.”Lorenzo's gaze drifted aro
Antonio's POV I paced my study, my mind racing. Sophia's betrayal was all I could think of. How could she? How did she even think of it? "Lorenzo, get in here," I called out, my voice echoing off the walls. Lorenzo entered, his expression cautious. "Sir?" "I need you to find out who's feeding Sophia information," I growled. "I want names as soon as possible." Lorenzo nodded, his eyes darting toward Giulia, who stood by the window. "Yes, sir." Lorenzo walked out and Vincenzo came in almost immediately. "Giulia, what do you know?" I demanded, my gaze locking onto hers. Her eyes widened. "Nothing, Antonio. I swear." I studied her, searching for deception but her expression seemed genuine. Suddenly, a wave of fatigue washed over me and my legs trembled. No, not now. I clenched my jaw, fighting the familiar symptoms. Fibromyalgia which had given me a chance to live a normal life for some time now was lurking back in. "Antonio, are you okay?" Giulia and my brother asked in uni
Giulia's POVAs I walked to Antonio's study, I couldn't help but ponder why he called me.I hadn't been in his study for a very long time. He neither allowed me to go to the casino nor did he ask me to go with him to the warehouse since the last time.As I entered the room, my heart began to race; the space was filled with tension.Lorenzo, Vincenzo, and several other familiar faces who sat around the huge table in the center of the room turned to me.I drew out a chair at the far end of the table and sat down.Lorenzo's eyes darted toward me, his expression guarded. I could sense unease beneath his composure."So, everyone's here now.” Antonio, who sat at the head seat with his elbow resting on the table, said. His gaze commanded attention.Was everyone here? I had looked around for Sophia but I couldn't find her; maybe she was yet to arrive.Antonio began, his voice low and menacing. "My empire is being dismantled, piece by piece. Someone is leaking information to my rivals."The m