登入My fingers were trembling so violently I could barely keep them on the keyboard. With a dry, painful swallow, I navigated the file directory, clicking on the sort-by-date icon. “This better not be what I'm thinking.” I swallowed hard. Then I typed in the exact date of my sister's murder, holding my breath as the screen refreshed.A single file blinked into view at the top of the list with the title, -Grim Evening-A cold sweat broke out across my back, as my stomach was churning with terror. I didn't want to click it. Every instinct in my body screamed at me to close the tab, to run away, and pretend I had never seen any of it. But I wanted the truth. The real truth. With a shaking hand, I clicked the file and hit play.The low-resolution surveillance footage loaded, casting a pale light over my face. It was that dark, rain-slicked alleyway I remembered perfectly. On the screen, my sister was cowering on the wet concrete, her small frame shivering as she clutched a greasy paper
~ William's POV ~The screen flickered softly, the green progress bar lingering for a second before the hidden folder fully expanded across the screen of my phone. I sat frozen in the chair, still can't believe that Dante actually used my name.“What the hell was he thinking?” A cold shiver crawled down my spine. Why would he use my name? Had he known from the very beginning who I was, or had he grown so attached, so recklessly consumed by me, that my fake identity had become his undoing? “It doesn't matter.” I shook my head. I didn't have time to process the terrifying weight of that realization and what this all meant.My fingers trembled as I clicked into the main directory, I didn't know why I was trembling so much, but I felt so uneasy. The folder was massive, filled with rows and rows of digital data, meticulously organized, dated, and titled down to the exact second.Curiosity overrode my panic and my hand moved to the very first file at the top of the list, dated not too
"Alright, alright, lesson learned," Lorenzo said, flashing a bright smile as he changed the subject. "Anyways…. I actually cooked dinner for everyone. The food's ready, so tell your grumpy guards to come and eat before it gets cold."Marco, who had walked back into the living room just in time to hear the tail end of the exchange, grinned broadly. "Well, Lorenzo is a notoriously good cook when he's not busy being an idiot. I trust it's a delicacy."“I actually improved.” Lorenzo winked as he shuffled past me in hurried steps and dragged Marco to the kitchen. “Let's go before Dante kills me with his glares.” He pouted and they continued chatting as they went into the kitchen.I sighed, rubbing my temples again. “These brats!” I hissed. Dinner was loud and chaotic that it grated on my already frayed nerves, but eventually, the house settled into a silence after everyone had calmed down.By midnight, I went to the guest bedroom assigned to me. I stripped off my shirt and collapsed onto
The interior of the mini-mansion was surprisingly warm and well-lit. The other members who had been trailing behind immediately fanned out, their boots thudding against the polished wood floors as they dropped their gear and began chatting with ease.I stood in the center of the living room, my eyes sweeping over every dark corner, every blind spot, and every potential entry point. Despite the cozy atmosphere, my instincts screamed that we were exposed.I turned my head, catching Marco walking by. "Marco," I called out in a low, authoritative murmur. "Don't let them get too comfortable. Keep guards posted at the front gate and the back alley. I want a rotating watch all night."Marco gave a curt nod, his face tightening. "Already on it. I'll get the boys organized." He turned and walked off toward the kitchen.A few feet away, Lorenzo was leaning casually against the wall, a smartphone pressed to his ear. He was chuckling softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners as someone ranted on
My thumb swiped across the screen, accepting the call before it could ring a second time."What kind of game are you playing, you reckless little brat?" I barked into the speaker, the frustration that had been building in my chest finally boiling over. "Do you have any idea how much chaos you've caused by sneaking back into the country?"On the other end of the line, Lorenzo didn't sound even remotely intimidated. Instead, a bright, carefree laugh echoed through the earpiece. "Good to hear your voice too, big bro! You always were a worrier.” I could sense that annoyingly cheerful edge in his voice.“Do you think this is a joke?” I spat.“Look, stop shouting for a second…I'm sending you my exact location right now. Come meet me, and we'll catch up."Before I could fire off another warning, the line clicked dead. A second later, a digital pin dropped straight into my messaging app.I let out a harsh, bitter snort, shaking my head as I tossed the phone onto the console. "Kids these days.
~ Dante's POV ~My black car ate up the miles of dark asphalt, its headlights cutting paths through the fog-choked night. I sat in the passenger seat, with my arms crossed over my chest, staring out into the pitch-black wilderness, though I wasn't really seeing anything. I felt…uneasy. This prickly feeling started as soon as I pulled out of the mansion gates. It was that old instinct, the mental alarm bells that had kept me alive through decades of blood, turf wars, and betrayal.“Something was wrong.” I muttered as I tightened my fist. I let out a slow breath, my shoulders dropping as I pinched the bridge of my nose. From behind the steering wheel, Marco gave a sidelong glance at me before focusing back on the road. He shifted gears, the clicking sound unnaturally loud in the quiet cabin. "You've been sighing for the past twenty miles, boss. If this is about Lorenzo, relax.” He offered. “The kid is probably just blowing off steam and doesn't want to come home yet. He’s not worth a
~ William's POV ~I practically sprinted out of the club, ignoring the booming music, and hailed the first available taxi. I had to make use of this golden opportunity while Dante was busy getting a fucking lap dance. That disloyal prick!When the taxi pulled up, the mansion was eerily quiet. Only
I leaned forward in the chair, my eyes cold. "I heard you entertained a certain Minister of Foreign Affairs last night," I stated, my voice devoid of emotion.Eve burst into a loud, theatrical laughter, before wiping an invisible tear from her eye. "Oh Dante darling! I think it's fair if I say I’m
My chest was heaving, and the anger was choking me in my throat. With a snarl, I slammed my fist onto the desk. The expensive wood shuddered, but the impact only rattled the frustration deep in my bones.“Fuck!” I cussed annoyed. "Boss please don't be upset," Antonio's voice came through the haze
Rocco sauntered into the study, the door slamming with unnecessary force. He walked recklessly then dropped into the armchair opposite my desk, throwing his feet up onto the table surface. “Welcome home.” Antonio offered but was very well ignored.Rocco fixed his golden eyes on me, a peculiar frow







