109Rosa’s POV The ballroom gleamed under the light of a thousand chandeliers, a dazzling display of power and wealth that screamed my family’s influence. These events were routine—a stage for alliances to be maintained, deals to be whispered over glasses of champagne, and enemies to be assessed with polished smiles.Tonight, though, I wasn’t just representing my father. I was testing Allesio.I stood near the entrance, wearing a floor-length black gown that hugged me in all the right places, exuding the quiet confidence that was required in this world. Guests filtered in, their faces familiar: allies, rivals, and those who played the dangerous game of pretending to be neither.Then, there he was. Allesio.He walked through the arched doors like he owned the place, dressed in a tailored suit that seemed to enhance every ounce of his sharp confidence. His dark hair was slicked back just enough to look refined without losing its edge, and the way his gaze swept the room was both calcul
110Allesio’s POV The event was all gloss and shine, the kind of gathering that screamed wealth, power, and a hundred secrets whispered between champagne flutes. It wasn’t my first time in rooms like this, but tonight felt different. Not because of the high-profile faces or the sharp undercurrent of danger, but because of Rosa.I watched her move through the crowd, effortless in her charm, commanding in her presence. She was magnetic, pulling everyone’s attention without even trying. It was fascinating to see her in her element, but more than that, it gave me a glimpse of her world—a world I was supposed to infiltrate.But as I stood by her side, observing and calculating, I found myself distracted. Not by the glittering chandeliers or the murmured alliances being forged in the corners, but by the way her lips tightened when she saw *him*.It happened quickly, almost imperceptibly. A man approached—sharp suit, sharper eyes, his smile as thin as the blade he probably had hidden somewh
111Rosa’s POV I wasn’t used to being caught off guard. In my world, surprises were rarely pleasant, and trust was a luxury most couldn’t afford. It was safer to anticipate every move, to read between the lines before anyone had a chance to strike.But then there was Allesio.It had been a long week. Meetings, negotiations, and the endless balancing act of keeping both my family’s interests and my sanity intact. I’d barely had time to breathe, let alone think about anything else. So when Allesio showed up this evening, his expression unreadable, I braced myself.“What’s with the look?” I asked, leaning against the doorway of the sitting room.He smirked, hands tucked casually into his pockets. “What look?”“That look,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “The one that says you’re up to something.”He chuckled, the sound warm and easy. “Maybe I am.”I crossed my arms, waiting. “Out with it.”Instead of answering, he pulled something from behind his back—a small, weathered book. At first glance
112Rosa’s POV The rain tapped softly against the windows, the steady rhythm filling the quiet space between us. Allesio sat across from me on the couch, his expression as easygoing as ever. There was something about the way he looked at me, like he wasn’t in a rush, like he could wait forever for me to say something. It was infuriating and comforting all at once.I swirled the wine in my glass, watching the deep red liquid catch the dim light of the room. The silence between us wasn’t awkward—it never was—but tonight, it felt heavy kind of. My heart was filled with words I wasn’t sure I wanted to say.“You’re quiet tonight,” he said, breaking the stillness. His voice was low, warm, and it pulled at something deep inside me.“Just thinking,” I replied, lifting the glass to my lips.“About?”I hesitated, glancing at him. His eyes were steady, curious but not probing. Somehow, that made it harder to resist.“My father,” I admitted finally, my voice softer than I intended.He didn’t say
113Allesio’s POV Alaric’s voice still rang in my ears as I paced the length of my room. He hadn’t raised it, hadn’t even sounded angry, but his words had carried enough warning to make my chest tighten.“You’re getting too comfortable, Allesio,” he’d said. “I don’t care how charming you think she is—your job is to get the information. Stop wasting time.”I rubbed a hand over my jaw, staring out the window at the darkened grounds of the mansion. Alaric always knew how to dig his claws into people, and I wasn’t any exception. The problem was, for the first time in my life, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to follow his orders.The mission had been simple enough at first. Gain Rosa’s trust. Get close enough to learn her family’s weaknesses, their strategies, the cracks in their armor and if they were ever involved in Dominic’s death, or if they knew if the Cruz family had done it. I’d done it before with others, and I’d done it well. But this time, it wasn’t so easy to compartmentalize.Maybe
114Rosa’s POV The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows, practically blinding, if I hadn’t dropped the curtains a bit when I entered. I leaned back in my chair, scrolling absentmindedly through an email on my laptop. It was some logistics report my father insisted I review, but the words were swimming on the screen. My mind was elsewhere.It wasn’t like me to be distracted. Focus was one of the few things I prided myself on—especially in a house like ours, where any misstep could mean a weak link. And yet, here I was, replaying the conversation I’d had with Allesio in the garden last night.Something was off with him. I could see it in the way he carried himself, the tightness in his jaw, the way his normally easy confidence felt… strained.I tried to shake it off. It wasn’t my business. Allesio could deal with whatever was bothering him on his own. That was the logical thing to think, and I told myself to stick to it. But logic had little to do with the way my chest
115Rosa’s POV The conference room smelled faintly of leather and freshly brewed espresso, a combination that always reminded me of my father. It was his space, his domain, where every deal, decision, and strategy was meticulously planned. I sat at the long oak table, flanked by my father’s most trusted advisors and a few of my cousins, including Marco. I glared at him.I had grown up in rooms like this. I knew the game well—speak only when necessary, choose your words with precision, and never let your emotions betray you. Today, however, I was finding it harder to stick to those rules.“So, what’s the story with this Allesio?” my father asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp as he looked directly at me.I froze for a split second, the question catching me off guard. My father rarely inquired about my personal life, let alone anyone I might be spending time with. The room seemed to grow quieter, all eyes subtly shifting toward me.“What about him?” I asked, keeping my tone neutra
116Allesio’s POV The moment I realized I was in too deep, it felt like the floor beneath me had given way. I’d spent years learning to control my emotions, perfecting the art of staying detached, of seeing people as pieces on a board rather than as individuals with lives I could ruin. But Rosa was starting to crack that armor, and I hated myself for it.We were sitting on the balcony of her room, watching the city lights flicker like stars against the darkness. She had a glass of wine in her hand and her legs tucked beneath her on the lounge chair, looking more at peace than I’d seen her in weeks. The glow from the outdoor heater softened the angles of her face, and for a moment, she looked so vulnerable it hurt.I told myself not to stare, but it was impossible not to. Rosa was magnetic in a way I hadn’t anticipated. She wasn’t just beautiful; she was smart, confident, and surprisingly kind beneath all her guarded edges. I’d thought seducing her would be easy—a game I’d played a hu
208Emilia’s POVThe package sat on the dining table, wrapped in elegant gold paper and tied with a satin bow. Francesca bounced on her toes, her small frame radiating excitement.“Can I open it now, Emilia? Please?”I hesitated, glancing at the doorway where I knew Alaric would appear any moment. My stomach twisted at the thought of his reaction. This wasn’t just any gift—it was from Alonso.“Go ahead, sweetheart,” I said softly, smoothing down her curls. Francesca’s joy was infectious, and I couldn’t bear to ruin it for her.Her tiny fingers worked quickly to tear the paper, revealing a sleek black box. She opened it with a gasp, pulling out a beautiful, hand-carved wooden horse. The craftsmanship was impeccable, every detail perfect, from the delicate reins to the smooth finish of the wood.“It’s so pretty!” Francesca exclaimed, holding it up for me to see. “Look, Emilia! It’s like the ponies in my storybook!”I forced a smile, though my chest felt tight. “It’s beautiful, love. Do
207Emilia’s POVAlaric paced the living room like a caged tiger, his hand raking through his hair as he muttered under his breath. I sat on the couch, my arms folded, trying to keep my own emotions in check. This had become a familiar scene since I’d returned from seeing Alonso, the air between us heavy with tension neither of us seemed willing—or able—to break.Finally, he stopped and turned to face me, his dark eyes blazing. “I don’t understand how you can even consider letting that man into your life after everything he’s done.”I took a deep breath, bracing myself. “It’s not about letting him in, Alaric. It’s about understanding where I came from, about finding some kind of peace with it.”“Peace?” he repeated, his voice sharp. “You think you’re going to find peace with a man like Alonso? He’s a manipulator, Emilia. He’ll say whatever he thinks you want to hear to worm his way into your good graces.”I stood, my frustration bubbling over. “Do you think I don’t know that? Do you t
206Emilia’s POVI was seated across from Alonso in the dimly lit study of his villa, the journal clutched tightly in my hands. It felt strange to be here again, to look into the eyes of a man who had caused me so much pain and confusion, yet who claimed to have loved my birth mother more than life itself. He looked different today—not the powerful, untouchable mafia king, but a man weighed down by his own ghosts.“I found this,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt as I placed the journal on the polished wooden table between us. “It was my mother’s.”Alonso’s face softened, his gaze dropping to the worn leather cover. He didn’t reach for it. Instead, he leaned back, his expression shadowed with something I couldn’t quite name. Guilt? Pain? Regret?“She kept it hidden,” I continued. “But it paints a picture I’m not sure I can reconcile. She loved you, Alonso. That much is clear. But she was also afraid of you, afraid of what this life would do to her—and to me.”His shoulders sagged,
205Emilia’s POVI sat at the edge of the couch, clutching my mother’s journal like it was my lifeline. It had this emotional weight to it that I hated, pressing against my chest like a phantom ache and making me feel suffocated. Alaric paced the room, his sharp movements punctuated by the occasional clenched fist. I’d just finished reading him the most damning entries, and the fire in his eyes made me question whether I should’ve shared them at all.“She loved him,” I said quietly, breaking the tense silence. “That much is clear. But she was scared, too. Scared of what his world meant for her—and for me.”Alaric stopped mid-step, turning to face me. His jaw tightened, and his eyes were colder than I’d seen them in a long time. “She was scared because Alonso dragged her into hell. He promised her safety, and instead, he handed her over to a life she couldn’t escape.”His words cut deep, and not because they were wrong. The journal painted a picture of a man who loved my mother but cou
204Emilia’s POVThe late afternoon sunlight filtered through the wide windows of the library, casting golden patterns across the polished wood floor. My fingers brushed against the spine of an ancient leather-bound journal, its surface cracked and worn with time. I had found it tucked away in a small wooden chest Alonso had left in the room I was temporarily staying in—a chest I wasn’t supposed to open but couldn’t resist. I hadn’t even remembered about it until now.The name Inscribed on the cover made my breath catch. Isabella. My mother.I hesitated, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. I had spent weeks trying to piece together who she really was, struggling to separate the idyllic image I had as a child from the fragmented truth Alonso had given me. And now, here in my hands, was her voice—her thoughts, her fears, her love—all bound in a fragile relic of the past.My heart pounded as I flipped open the cover. The pages were filled with a delicate script, the ink faded b
203Alaric’s POVThe meeting room was quiet except for the low hum of voices as my men debated logistics. Allesio stood at the head of the table, his arms crossed, the tension in his posture mirroring my own. I sat back in my chair, listening but not speaking, my fingers steepled as I processed the information.“They’ve been hitting our distribution routes near the docks,” Allesio said, his tone clipped. “Two shipments delayed this week alone. It’s not coincidence, Alaric.”My jaw tightened. “And you’re sure it’s the Santoros?”Allesio nodded. “As sure as I can be. The timing, the method—it fits their MO. They’re small-time, but they’re not stupid. They see the tension with Alonso and think it’s their chance to play kingmaker.”“Idiots,” I muttered, leaning forward. “They won’t survive stepping into this war.”“We could let them,” Allesio suggested. “Let them hit Alonso’s operations, stir up trouble on his end. It might even work in our favor.”“No,” I snapped, the finality in my voic
202Alaric’s POVThe house was quiet, too quiet, as I sat in my office with a glass of whiskey that I hadn’t touched in over an hour. The amber liquid caught the dim light of the desk lamp, swirling lazily as if mocking my restless mind. Emilia was in the next room, probably pacing, possibly crying, but definitely not telling me everything she was thinking. That was the problem with her. She’d shoulder a world of burdens without letting anyone else carry even a fraction of the weight.And it was killing me.I heard the soft creak of the door opening, and when I looked up, there she was. Her hair was slightly disheveled, her face weary, but there was something very dull in her expression. She didn’t wait for me to invite her in—she rarely did these days. Instead, she closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a moment, as if gathering her thoughts.“Are you going to stand there all night?” I asked, my voice rougher than I intended.She crossed the room and sat in the chair ac
201Emilia’s POVThe house was unusually quiet when I stepped through the front door, the familiar scent of leather and polished wood greeting me like an old friend. My body ached from the stress of the day, and my mind was still reeling from everything Alonso had said. But as my gaze swept the empty entryway, I felt a pang of longing—for the comfort of this home, for Francesca’s sweet voice, and, yes, even for Alaric’s brooding presence.I hadn’t even taken a step toward the living room when I heard the unmistakable sound of Francesca’s laughter floating down the hallway. It was light and unburdened, and it felt like a balm on my frayed nerves.I followed it, my footsteps soft against the tiled floor, and found them in the sunroom. Francesca was perched on Alaric’s lap, her tiny hands clutching one of his much larger ones as she giggled at something he’d said. Alaric, for his part, looked almost relaxed, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.The sight made my heart twist
200Emilia’s POVThe air inside the car felt heavy and suffocating as though the stupidity of my decision pressed down on every passenger. The convoy surrounding us—a caravan of SUVs loaded with Alaric’s men—only heightened my anxiety. Outside the tinted windows, the world passed by in muted colors, but my focus was on the knot in my stomach that tightened with every passing second.“I still think this is a mistake,” Alaric’s voice crackled through the small earpiece I wore, his tone as sharp as the blade he always carried.“I know,” I replied quietly, glancing at the driver, who kept his eyes locked on the road. “But I need to do this.”He sighed audibly. “We’ll be right outside. If anything feels wrong, anything at all—”“I know,” I interrupted. “You’ll storm the place. Just… trust me, Alaric.”The line went quiet, but I could sense his frustration. He hated this, hated the idea of me walking into Alonso’s villa even with his men stationed at every entrance and exit. Still, he’d agr