After His Betrayal, I Became His Mother-in-Law

Juliana's POVMy heart sank into a pit of despair. "What?!"This was our home, an elegant townhouse on the Upper East Side. My father ran the trading company that had been in the Rossi family for generations. We had never wanted for anything.My mother collapsed onto the sofa, her makeup a mess of tear-streaked mascara. "The Feds... there must have been twenty agents. They just stormed in."Her voice broke. "They said it was fraud and money laundering. The company accounts are frozen, all our assets seized. Jules, we're ruined.""That's impossible," I said, my throat tightening. "Dad has always run a clean business.""It was a set-up. Someone framed him." My mother gripped my hand. "You know what happens when you piss off the wrong people. They can do whatever they want.""The bail is an astronomical sum. If it's a RICO charge, he could rot in jail before he even sees a trial."My phone vibrated in my pocket. I frowned when I saw Marco's name.Clenching my jaw, I stepped out onto the f

Juliana's POV"Don Landini," the housekeeper said, her head bowing instantly."I asked you a question, Maria," he said, his voice holding an authority that allowed no argument. "You are to inform me when I have a visitor, not dismiss them on your own." His gaze fell on me. "Come with me."I followed him down a lavish corridor. Carved stone pillars, imported Italian marble floors, and priceless classical oil paintings on the walls."My time is valuable, Miss Rossi," he said, gesturing to an elevator. "I'm granting you a moment of it. Now, come."He led me into a massive private study. The walls were lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and a beautifully carved solid wood desk sat in the center.Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the setting sun painted the New York skyline in shades of gold and red.He wore a crisp white Italian shirt, the sleeves rolled to his elbows, revealing the hard, lean muscles of his forearms. My eyes lingered a second too long."Ahem."A soft cough snapp

Juliana's POVMy head whipped around, my eyes wide with shock as I stared at Dante.He'd investigated me. Thoroughly."How did you know he was my ex-fiancé?""Little escapes my notice in New York, Miss Rossi," he said, one hand resting on the steering wheel. "And I know my daughter's fiancé, Marco, was your childhood sweetheart. That you two were even engaged."I drew in a sharp breath. He'd even dug up something from my distant past."That's all in the past now," I forced myself to look straight ahead. "For Isabella's sake, I hope their wedding goes smoothly. Marco and I had our issues, but I hope he's truly sincere with Isabella."The passing scenery grew familiar. Dante didn't just know my past; he knew where I lived. Before this man, I was an open book, every secret exposed.My hand drifted to my neck, my fingertips brushing the still-warm skin. The memory of his lips and tongue lingered there."If you're done staring, get out," Dante's voice pulled me from my reverie. We were park

Juliana's POV"Franco, why is a stranger in my house?" Dante's voice was dark and dangerous as he walked past his son and toward me."I thought I made myself clear, Miss Rossi. We were not to see each other again. Showing up at my house... that's bold. I'll give you that."Shame burned my cheeks. He thought I was here to stalk him like some crazed admirer."Nothing to say for yourself?" His accusation stunned me into silence. He turned to Franco. "Get her off my property."His gaze fell on me again, turning dark and unreadable as he assessed me.Between the running around and the painting, I was only wearing a white tank top, slightly smudged with paint, and a pair of denim shorts.A shiver of unease traced its way down my spine. I felt naked under his gaze as it swept over my bare waist before dropping to my legs. I saw his nostrils flare."Don, I think there's been a misunderstanding," Franco interjected, bracing himself."I'm not here for you, Don Landini," I said, straightening my

Juliana's POV"Marco?" Isabella said again, tapping his arm lightly. He was too busy glaring at me.Her touch made him blink, as if remembering where he was."Do you know this woman?" she repeated."No," he said, shaking his head. "I've never seen her before."His words struck me like a slap. Seven years, and now we were strangers."Marco's probably just surprised to see me with a woman," Dante interjected, his gaze a silent warning fixed on Marco.Isabella's face cleared, and her eyes sparkled with genuine curiosity and kindness as she turned to me. "Papa never brings women home, so Marco was probably just surprised. You must be special. I'm Isabella Landini, and this is my fiancé, Marco Valenti."I forced a smile. "I'm Juliana Rossi. It's a pleasure to meet you.""Rossi?" Isabella tilted her head. "That name sounds familiar.""My father is Francesco Rossi, of the Rossi Trading Company.""Oh!" Isabella gasped, her face paling. "I heard about what happened to your family. I'm so sorry.