Mag-log inRIVETTE"You stole my points!" Leo yelled, shoving a small finger against the glowing glass screen."I did not steal anything!" Aiden argued back, clutching his own device tight against his chest. "You just missed the answer!""Boys, please." Pinching the bridge of my nose, I let out a long breath.The temporary playroom inside the secure safe house felt too small for their boundless energy. Digital chimes and cartoon explosions echoed off the bare walls. They sat cross-legged on the plush rug, arguing over a basic math puzzle application on their iPads. Ever since we fled the hospital, the twins demanded constant entertainment. Being locked off the grid tested everyone’s patience."Momma, tell him to give my points back," Leo demanded, pouting his lower lip."The game is automated, Leo," I reasoned, forcing a calm tone. "Nobody can steal points. Just start a new round and focus on the screen."Before the argument could escalate into another shouting match, footsteps sounded in the ha
"The weather in Nice is spectacular this time of year, my son."Her voice filtered through the encrypted secure line, smooth and warm. Hearing the gentle cadence of his mother’s tone, Kiel gripped the edge of his mahogany desk. A violent surge of wrath threatened to break his composure. He stared at the blank wall of his private study, forcing his jaw to relax."I imagine the coast is beautiful, Mother," Kiel replied. His deep voice betrayed nothing. He kept his tone even, projecting the image of a devoted son checking in on his family."Oh, it is breathtaking," the Dowager sighed, a smile evident in her words. "I spent the entire morning walking near the Mediterranean. The water is a brilliant shade of sapphire right now. Later, I had lunch at a small café near the promenade. Fresh croissants, rich espresso, and the most delightful roasted duck. You work far too hard in that gloomy Packhouse, Kiel. You need to take a vacation.""Pack business requires my attention," he stated, tracin
CHAPTER 190OLIVIATwo months flew by in a blur of healing, careful planning, and quiet anticipation.Returning to Rome felt completely different this time. When Antonio’s private jet touched down on the Italian runway, I did not feel the suffocating dread that used to define this country for me. The crisp autumn air smelled like pine trees and salt water.The biggest change awaited me at the Romero estate.During the weeks I spent recovering in New York, Antonio had ordered a massive renovation of his ancestral home. The towering, oppressive iron gates that once made the property look like a high-security prison were removed, replaced by elegant, open wrought-iron fencing. The heavy velvet drapes that used to block out the sun were gone. Natural sunlight poured through the tall windows, illuminating the freshly painted white walls and the polished marble floors. He had purged the dark, violent history from the house, turning a cold fortress into a warm, breathable sanctuary.My body
CHAPTER 193OLIVIAThe previous afternoon had been ridiculously peaceful. We spent hours walking through the shaded stone pathways of the renovated estate gardens, listening to the quiet rustle of the wind through the olive trees. Antonio had fussed over the hospital bag for the fourth time that day, checking the inventory of tiny socks and blankets with the same intense focus he used to inspect weapon shipments. He had driven the route to the private Roman clinic twice just to memorize the traffic patterns, obsessed with preparing for every possible variable.Now, seven months after the grand gala, all of that careful preparation was falling apart in the middle of a Tuesday morning syndicate briefing.Sitting in my padded leather chair at the long mahogany table, I tried to focus on the printed logistics report resting in front of me. Silvio, the minor capo who now managed our commercial freight in Naples, was droning on about port tariffs and delayed shipping containers. The room sm
CHAPTER 192ANTONIO The flash of paparazzi cameras illuminated the grand ballroom like sudden bursts of white lightning.Walking down the grand staircase with Olivia on my arm, the sheer volume of the party washed over us. The ballroom was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with the most powerful people in Europe. Politicians, wealthy industrialists, and rival syndicate bosses mingled under the massive crystal chandeliers. Waiters in crisp white jackets circulated through the crowd, carrying trays of vintage champagne and delicate hors d'oeuvres. A string quartet played a classical symphony in the corner, providing a sophisticated soundtrack to the dangerous, calculated conversations happening across the room.This was where the modern world blended with the ancient mafia elite. The men wearing designer tuxedos were the same men who ordered executions in the dark alleys of Naples.I kept my hand firmly secured on the small of Olivia’s back, guiding her through the sea of guests. Everywhere
CHAPTER 191OLIVIATonight was the biggest societal event of the year in Rome. It was not just a charity gala or a simple dinner party. This event was a calculated, strategic move orchestrated by Antonio. He intended to reintroduce me to the global syndicate and the high-society elite. I was no longer the fragile hostage hiding in the shadows of a fortified compound. I was the undisputed queen of this empire, and my growing stomach held the next heir to the throne.Standing on the second-floor balcony, I rested my hands on the cool marble railing and watched the chaotic preparations below. A soft, fluttering kick pressed against the inside of my stomach. The baby was restless today. Smiling to myself, I rubbed the small bump hidden beneath my loose silk robe.How did I get here from that ruined gallery in New York? The journey felt like a violent, terrifying dream, but the reality surrounding me was beautiful. The oppressive, dark history of the Romero estate had been scrubbed clean.







