ADRIANO ADRIANO SLOWED TO stop in front of the grand villa and got out.Word must have reached the house that he had arrived because men were waiting for him at the gate. They gestured for him to step aside from the vehicle, which he did without argument, then they proceeded to frisk and check if he carried any weapons.When they were certain that he was not with any weapons, they allowed him to walk in."We thought you would not come," a tattooed man said in a small voice as they headed for the front door."I almost didn't," Adriano replied truthfully. "But I knew that your father would probably come to have my head, Fabio."Fabio laughed heartily. "No, he won't. Father likes you. I think he is more fond of you, than even of me, his own son."Adriano rolled his eyes. During his younger years, he had spent a lot of time on these grounds. His father had sent him to work for the Salvatore family as collateral while he tried to pay up his debt.The house had been repainted and refurbish
ADRIANO"WE WILL BE landing in a few minutes, sir," the pilot's voice called through the speakers. Adriano sighed and removed the cover on his window slightly. He peered out, seeing the bright roofs of the houses and the bright sun.He sighed and closed it, leaning back. He heard the annoyance in Avery's voice when he told her he was traveling, but there was nothing he could do about it. He did not want her to be involved in this part of his life.Adriano had received a strange call the previous day, thinking it was a normal business call from one of his partners, he had picked up the call.It turned out to be the mafioso family in Italy. He was being summoned.That part of his life was something he often tried to ignore or pretend did not exist, but now his past was catching up with him.He could guess why the sudden call came even though he had cut ties many years ago. He had a deep sinking feeling as the plane touched down and taxied down the runway."We are here, sir," his airhost
AVERYIT HAS BEEN two days since Clarance abducted Iris, and things were starting to die down. Adriano informed the police that it was just a misunderstanding, and he did not press charges. Iris seemed to be doing better, too. The event did not affect her as much as we thought it would. She was already a happy and secure child, so she easily bounced back.As I sat in my office, lazing about, I gazed the the ring on my finger. It sparkled and reflected light in different angles. There was no doubt that it was very expensive. It would be pure gold and diamonds, I was sure. I held my hand up to take a clearer look at it."Avery Quinn Mancini," I muttered. It doesn't sound that bad. It definitely had a good ring to it. I chuckled and ransacked my bag to bring out my notepad, but then I saw a small black card. I took it out and saw the name Jean Carter written in stylish cursive letters. I frowned and then remembered the man who had approached me a few weeks ago, begging me to attend to hi
CLARANCE WAS FILLED with many conflicting emotions. She was mad, sad and confused all at once as Adriano walked away from the club. As she sat down on the chair, she was vaguely aware that Adriano was gone. In every sense of the word, he was gone. She did not have any effect on him anymore as she once did. He did not even fear her and the lawsuit waiting for him anymore.It was like since he got closer to the doctor, he had gotten immune to Clarance's wiles and charms."Pour me a shot!" Clarance yelled at the bartender.She downed them. Shots after shots. And then, in a drunken state, she reached for her phone and dialed Laura Hills, who turned out to be her only friend and the only person she could share the hate for Avery with."Hellooo," her voice was slurred."You're getting drunk without me?" Laura asked.Clarance chuckled and gave Laura the address of the bar. In a few minutes, Laura arrived. She joined Clarance at the table and they ordered more drinks. "So, what's the occasio
ADRIANOFEELING WEIRDLY SATISFIED at the meeting he has with Enzo, Adriano went up to his chambers. He rubbed his neck in exhaustion as he pushed open the door. Avery was on the bed, but she was not sleeping. She was seating up, reading a book while she waited for him.As soon as he saw her, he remembered something very important."Did you dismiss Enzo?" She asked.He held up a finger. "I'll be back." He turned and hurried downstairs to the garage. He went to the car he had used to pick Iris. That was the car he drove when he bought the ring. He took the beautiful ring case from the glove box of the car. He opened it and admired as it glinted beautifully in the dim light of the garage.Putting the box in his pocket, he went back to his room. Avery had a surprised look on her face at the way he exited the room."What was that all about?" She asked when he walked in again.Smiling softly, he walked up to her side of the bed. As he went down on one knee, he brought out the box and opened
ADRIANO SEEING HIS DAUGHTER scared and shaky on the bed like that stirred something in Adriano. It made him furious that she was in that state, and all because of Clarance. We had gotten used to Iris, being a lively and happy child, that he forgot how she used to be before they met Avery.As he kissed her forehead, his heart ached. He brushed a bit of hair from her forehead. She looked so peaceful as she slept.He sighed and took Avery's hand as they walked out. She squeezed his hand slightly to let him know that she was with him."I am going to make that bitch pay with every drop of her blood," he growled as soon as they were out of Iris's room.Avery was silent for a while then she said, "Can you not do that?"Adriano frowned, looking at her in surprise. "Do what?""Make her pay with every drop of her blood," Avery said. "Don't press charges, inform the police that it was all a misunderstanding."Adriano released her hand. "Where are all these coming from?" He asked. "Why? You know