All Chapters of Crowned In Betrayal (The Santoro Family 1): Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

ENZO A stranger I hardly knew sat on the edge of my bed, her presence more unsettling than the raging storm outside. Rain lashed against the windows, but it was the least of my concerns. She wore a torn blue dress that once looked elegant, now in tatters, and her hair was a wild mess, partly hiding her striking face. Cuts marked her arms and legs, painting a grim picture. I stood frozen, unsure how to handle the situation especially since she now knew my secret. God, I hated men who abused their wives. "Stefano, I need your help to investigate something. A man called Sylas. Once you are done, send his information to the police. Make sure nothing traces back-” I said as I stood by the window speaking to my Captain on the phone. A hand suddenly gripped mine and I turned to see the woman who had just entered my room. The look of fear in her eyes made something turn in my stomach. “ Please don't tell the police.” She begged, her voice barely audible. “F**k!” I said hanging up bef

When we arrived at the shop, I got out of the car and watched as Enzo’s driver carefully helped him into his wheelchair. As I stepped into the antique shop, my chest tightened. The place was in chaos. Workers were everywhere, clearing things out. My books, my paintings. Everything I’d collected and loved was being packed up and hauled away.Then I saw it. My office. My things, my private space, all being dismantled. Panic rose in me like a tidal wave. Without thinking, I rushed forward and grabbed the arm of one of the workers, desperate to make it stop“ What do you think you're doing? This is my shop. You don't have the right to move anything.” I said, staring at the workers when suddenly, Sylas stepped out of my office, making me stagger in shock. What was he doing? Samantha didn't tell me he was here. “Lauren, I knew that you would come here the moment you heard that the antique shop was in danger. Too bad. This place doesn't belong to you anymore.” Sylas said making me clench m

ENZO“Five million dollars?” Lauren whispered catching my attention as she sat beside me. Her hands her hands curled into fists in her lap. She was trying to appear calm, but I knew better. Was it because of her ex-husband? I had seen what that bastard had done to her. How he had taken everything she had built and left her with nothing. Now, he sat across the room with his whore on his arm, acting as if none of it mattered. If he was here on behalf of the Riccardi family, there was no way I was going to let him leave with the painting.“Five million dollars,” The auctioneer announced.“Ten million,” Sylas said without hesitation, making the crowd gasp.He had doubled the price without hesitation which confirmed my suspicion. He was here for the Riccardi family. My eyes darted to Lauren and for the first time, I noticed how elegant and sexy she looked in the red dress she was wearing. Her silky vibrant red hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded over her shoulder. And that dress.

The next morning, the sharp thud of a door closing downstairs jolted me awake. Even from my room upstairs, I could feel the faint tremor it sent through the house. My eyes fluttered open, drawn to the ceiling as sunlight spilled through the windows. I didn’t need to guess who had just arrived. It was Enzo. After last night, I tried to forget about what had happened but I couldn’t. Sleep wouldn’t come and I was forced to get myself a glass of milk. Getting out of bed, I headed to shower and took a quick bed before heading downstairs to fix something to eat.Walking down the stairs, I headed into the kitchen. The scent of freshly brewed coffee along with cologne told me Enzo had been here a few seconds ago. The house was as silent as before with not even a single sound being made. My stomach growled in protest as I swung open the fridge, scanning its meager contents. Despite the hunger gnawing at me, an unsettling feeling coiled in my chest, making it difficult to focus on anything. I g

LAURENJake Donovan has been my long-time friend since I can remember. Back in high school, he had been my first crush before I got to meet Sylas. When he got promoted to detective, I couldn't go and meet him because Sylas had been too jealous and I wanted to please him. However, I could use his help now to win Enzo’s favor. I swallowed hard, watching Enzo’s expression shift as my words sank in. His grip tightened around the glass in his hand, knuckles paling. His intense gaze locked onto mine, studying me. The last thing I wanted was for Enzo to think I was some sort of spy for the police. I needed to know the truth about his dealings with my father's paintings. “Yes, Jake Donovan. He is just a friend. He can help get your sister out without digging too deep. He'll do whatever I tell him to.” I said trying to sound confident even though I knew I would need much more to convince Jake. Enzo's eyes narrowed at me and I could tell that he was not fully sure about my story. Watching as