Deal

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CHAPTER 15

~Trisha’s POV~

The streets of Thania sped by in a blur as we made our way across the city. Matteo sat next to me, his eyes fixed on the road, but I could feel his unease radiating in waves. 

Good. He knew this wasn’t a social call, and Luca Tadeo wasn’t exactly the type you visited without cause.

As we pulled up to the lavish but dark façade of Luca’s mansion, two guards approached, eyeing us warily. 

Matteo rolled down his window and flashed them his ID, a quick display of who we were. They nodded, then stepped aside, allowing us to drive through the towering iron gates.

Inside, Luca was waiting in his luxurious sitting room, lounging on a sofa. He glanced up as we entered and a smile spread across his face.

“Trisha Don Mars. What a surprise,” he drawled, standing to greet me with a gaze that lingered just a little too long. “I didn’t think the esteemed family would show up at my door. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

I smiled tightly, taking a seat across from him as Matteo stood at my side. He had this icy cold look on his face that told everyone not to mess with me. 

“It’s simple, Luca,” I stated calmly, “I’ve come to discuss an opportunity that might be... mutually beneficial.”

His brow lifted with interest, though the glint in his eyes was calculating. “Interesting. And what opportunity would bring the ever-loyal Trisha here to broker a deal with me? Your brother’s body language suggests it’s nothing trivial.”

Matteo shot me a glance, but I ignored him, holding Luca’s gaze. “I believe we have a common enemy,” I replied. “Or rather, a common inconvenience. A certain girl Damon has with him—a nobody from Arthdal Strike, to be exact. The same girl who apparently crossed you, too.”

Luca’s smirk faded, his expression sharpening. “Ah. So, you’ve heard. Yes, our little ‘nobody’ had the nerve to deny me and then went running off with Damon. Bold move.”

“Exactly.” I leaned forward, letting my gaze meet his. “Damon’s attachment to her is… complicated, and I can’t allow it to continue. But I’m certain it’s a complication you’d prefer to see removed as well?”

Luca chuckled darkly. “So, you want her gone. And you’re willing to strike a deal with me to make that happen?” He studied me, a wicked glint flashing in his eyes. “Interesting. Why, if I may ask? What did she do to the mighty Trisha to make you hate her?”

I scoffed, leaning back. “Well,” I drawled. “Let’s just say her existence is a big mistake. So, agree?”

He did not hesitate and immediately his business acumen rose. “What’s in it for me?”

“Simple,” I replied, tilting my head “If you help me extract her from Damon’s life, I’ll ensure your business operations get exclusive access through our family’s northern border. No more tedious inspections, no more delays. I’m sure you’d find that arrangement… advantageous.”

Luca’s eyes flickered with intrigue, though he kept his expression neutral. “So you are promising me almost the same privileges as Damon Dark?” He chuckled darkly. “I must say no one in their right mind should cross you. They’d be a fool.”

I smiled. “Deal?” 

Rather than responding to me, he turned to Matteo, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “And you? You’re here to keep her honest, I assume?”

Matteo gave him a cold stare. “I’m here to make sure this agreement doesn’t cross any lines. The family’s boundaries are non-negotiable.”

Luca’s smirk widened, his gaze returning to me. “Fine. I’ll play along. But just know this. Seeing her beg and bleed dry is more than enough benefits for me. Anything else, I’ll take it as your generousity since we are business partners.” 

“Ah, I see.” 

But his gaze turned dark. “But one question Trisha—why go through so much trouble? She’s just one girl you can easily deal with.”

I leaned forward, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “She’s a distraction. And I won’t let some nobody come between me and what I’ve worked for. Besides, we don’t want Damon haing on me now, do we?”

Luca watched me, amusement flickering in his eyes. “So, how do you want this done? Subtle or… memorable?”

I returned his smile. “Memorable enough to leave an impression, but subtle enough that Damon’s attention doesn’t land on you directly. After all, we wouldn’t want him sniffing around, would we?”

Luca chuckled, tipping his head in agreement. “Consider it done, then. I’ll take care of your little problem.”

We stood, the deal silently sealed. As we turned to leave, Luca’s voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Trisha,” he called out, his tone amused. “You should know—Damon’s not the type to let go of what he wants easily. Make sure you’re ready for what comes next.”

Without looking back, I replied coolly, “I always am.”

With that, Matteo and I left, the first step in reclaiming my place beside Damon finally set into motion.

~Arianna’s POV~