All Chapters of The Heist of Hearts: Chapter 21

The study’s heavy doors shut with a muted finality as Nico entered, the silence thickened by the room’s golden-tinged light. His mouth twisted into a smirk, the venom in his gaze sharpening as he took in Lorenzo’s calm demeanor and Elena’s steady presence nearby.“Should I leave you two to it?” His words were laced with contempt. “Wouldn’t want to interrupt your ‘heartfelt reunion.’”Lorenzo barely acknowledged Nico’s barb, his attention narrowing instead on the bruising across Nico’s jaw, the tense set of his shoulders, and the charred edges of his jacket, now a singed reminder of the recent blast. A flicker of concern passed over Lorenzo’s expression, one only a brother might catch.“Nico,” he said, his voice calm but direct, “are you intact?”Nico nodded sharply, the anger in his eyes smoldering, though he shifted uncomfortably under Lorenzo’s gaze. “I’m fine,” he replied, his tone tight, as if unwilling to accept any sympathy. Lorenzo took him in for another second before nodding