LOGIN(Celeste Morettiâs POV) I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me. The light blue silk evening gown clung to my body as if it had been made specifically for me, the fabric smooth and fluid against my skin. The backless cut revealed the gentle curve of my spine, while the high slit exposed flashes of my legs whenever I shifted. There were no crystals or embroidery, nothing excessive or loud, just flawless tailoring and the quiet kind of luxury that spoke for itself. For a moment, I simply stood there, letting the image settle in my mind, before pushing open the fitting room door. âWhat do you think?â Vincenzo was seated on a velvet sofa, his posture relaxed, one arm draped casually along the backrest. But the moment his eyes landed on me, something changed. His gaze darkened, sharpening in a way that made my breath hitch. I watched his throat move as he swallowed, once, then again, like he was steadying himself. âPerfect,
Victoria swept into the house, her face glowing with a triumph she had not felt in years. She tossed her limited-edition handbag onto the sofa and looked at her son with sparkling eyes. âSuccess?â Stefano Conti asked, standing up from the armchair. âBetter than success,â Victoria beamed, unbuttoning her coat. âThe Matriarch of the Conti family was actually pleasant. She did not just accept the gift, she invited me back next week for private tea. Just the two of us.â Stefano let out a long, heavy breath as the tension that had knotted his shoulders finally began to ease. âThat is the signal,â he said, a rare smile touching his lips. âIt means the main branch is finally softening their stance toward us.â âI knew it would work,â Victoria said, pouring herself a glass of water. âBut you must be careful, Mother. When you go back, keep the conversation light. Do not press for business favors yet. We need to show elegance and patience.â âI know how to play the game, Stefano,â Victoria
(Vincenzo Contiâs POV) I strode through the massive double doors of the Conti estate without slowing, my footsteps echoing faintly against polished marble as I made my way into the drawing room. The Matriarch of the Conti family sat elegantly on a velvet sofa, a porcelain cup of Earl Grey poised delicately in her hand. She looked up the moment I entered, one perfectly sculpted eyebrow arching with quiet amusement. âWell, if it isnât the prodigal son,â she said, her voice laced with affectionate sarcasm. âI was beginning to think you treated this house like a hotel. Or perhaps you are simply avoiding my calls about the debutante ball guest list.â I ignored the jab entirely as I unbuttoned my suit jacket, my expression giving nothing away. âMother,â I acknowledged with a brief nod. My gaze swept across the room and settled on Serena. She sat in a wingback chair, her posture a little too rigid, her face faintly flushed. She had clearly just finished seeing off Adelina. âSerena,â I
(Celeste Morettiâs POV) A strange calm settled over me. The panic that had threatened to suffocate me earlier faded away, replaced by a cold, sharp clarity. I frowned slightly as I followed Director Lorenzoâs gaze, studying every face in the conference room with quiet intensity. My thoughts moved fast, piecing everything together. Who framed me? It wasnât Carlo. He was opportunistic enough to throw anyone under the bus for his own gain, but he lacked the nerve for something as extreme as arson. It wasnât Tiziana either. She had left early, and her alibi was solid. The rest of them barely spoke to me. None of them had a reason strong enough to risk everything just to hurt me. My eyes narrowed as I searched for the smallest crack in anyoneâs composure. Slowly, my gaze drifted across the room until it landed in the far corner. Matteo Zanetti. The quiet technician was hunched in his chair, trying to shrink into himself. His eyes were glued to the floor, as though he wished it wou
(Auroraâs POV) Director Lorenzo clearly hadnât expected Vincenzo Conti to personally involve himself in a laboratory incident at Vitale Group International. The head of R&D stood rigid, visibly unsettled, shifting his weight as though trying to find stability under a pressure that kept tightening with every passing second. âMr. Conti, truly, I assure you this is nothing more than a minor mishap,â Lorenzo said, forcing a strained smile that failed to reach his eyes. He gestured vaguely with a pen as if the situation could be reduced to paperwork and inconvenience. âThere was no significant property damage. I am already conducting internal interviews with the two employees involved. It is under control.â It was clear what he meant even if he did not say it outright. He wanted it contained quickly, quietly, and preferably in a way that allowed him to assign blame without consequence to his authority. I stood a few feet away, my hands clasped behind my back, my posture deliberately st
(Stefano Contiâs POV) I stood in the hallway, the paper bag from Bouchon heavy in my hand. I had woken up early to drive to Beverly Hills for these pastries. It was a peace offering. I was being the bigger man, forgiving her tantrum. I tapped my foot against the carpet. I had used a keycard from a friend who owned a penthouse on the top floor to bypass the front desk. It was too early for announcements. I pressed the doorbell again. The electronic chime echoed inside, but there was no movement. No footsteps. Nothing. Across the hall, a door opened. Mrs. Gable stepped out, a leash in hand, her poodle yapping at her heels. She stopped when she saw me, her eyes widening behind her glasses. I ignored her and pressed the button a third time, holding it down longer. My patience was thinning. âYoung man,â Mrs. Gable said, her voice trembling slightly. âYouâre wasting your time.â I turned slowly, fixing her with a cold look. âExcuse me?â âThe young lady,â she said, pointing a manicur







