Chapter 4

After leaving the Rossi family, the world suddenly seemed brighter.

No more waking in the middle of the night to gunfire, no more taking bullets meant for Lucio, and no more enduring Camilla's fake, sugary concern.

Even my complexion improved.

My friend Serena pulled me into investing in her newly opened art gallery. It was right on Norla's most bustling avenue.

"Ada, your eye for art is sharper than it ever was for firearms!" Serena said, thrilled as she admired the work of a rising young painter we'd just signed.

I lowered my gaze to review the contract terms, feeling perfectly content. "I know. I should've done this ages ago."

"Tonight, there's a charity gala at the Vittorio estate. Are you coming? I hear it's high-profile, with lots of interesting people."

"Of course," I nodded.

It was time certain people saw just how well I could live without the Rossi name.

When I arrived, my arm looped through that of Andre Costa, the eldest son of the Costa family. He was a key partner for my gallery.

We drew a stir. Andre was young, strikingly handsome, and effortlessly elegant.

"Ada, you're dazzling tonight," Andre murmured sincerely.

"Thank you. You look rather charming yourself," I replied with a smile.

Just then, another wave of commotion rippled at the entrance.

Lucio walked in with Camilla.

Lucio, in a sharp suit, was still handsome, but the arrogance between his brows was deeper.

Camilla clung to him, beaming like the cat who'd caught the canary.

Andre caught the shift in the air, tilting his head toward me.

"If you'd rather not see them, we can slip into the side hall."

"No need." I shook my head.

But Lucio already spotted us. His eyes lingered on Andre for a moment, darkening.

"Everyone," he suddenly raised his voice, lifting his glass, "allow me to formally introduce my partner: Camilla. From today on, she will represent the Rossi family in all matters."

Polite applause followed, though more than a few eyes darted toward me.

Camilla, smug, tightened her hold on Lucio's arm, her gaze locking onto mine. "Thank you, everyone. I'll do much better than certain people."

Andre gently held my hand and offered, "Want me to handle this?"

I was about to refuse when Lucio, with Camilla in tow, strode over.

"Ada," he said from above, his tone dripping with condescension, "found yourself a replacement so soon?"

Andre's brows knitted, but I patted his arm lightly.

I met his eyes, calm, "Lucio, we're divorced. Who I'm with has nothing to do with you."

"Nothing to do with me?" He looked genuinely offended, his voice rising with an absurd possessiveness. "It's only been a few days, Ada. You just couldn't wait, could you?"

Camilla leaned in, her tone syrupy with false pity. "Ada, I know you're hurting, but you can't just throw yourself away like this."

My lips curled into a cold, mocking smile. "Throw myself away? Says the woman who was sleeping with her friend's husband."

Color drained from her face.

Lucio's stare hardened, his voice dropping low. "Actually, with Camilla's help, I've remembered some things."

"Oh?" I tilted my head slightly, holding his gaze, "like how you pretended to have amnesia so you could roll around in my bed with Camilla, planning to dump me the moment the Della Vera deal was sealed?"

The feigned affection in his expression was shattered.

"You're spouting nonsense!" Camilla snapped, her voice shrill.

"Whether I am or not, you both know the truth," I said evenly, "Lucio, drop the act. You never lost your memories. You just got tired of me and wanted a neat excuse to shove me aside for your 'true love.'"

Lucio's eyes went black with rage. "Ada Bianchi, who gave you the nerve to slander me?"

He jabbed a finger toward Andre, sneering. "Or do you think latching onto the Costa guy means you're untouchable? Dream on. The Della Vera contract is about to be signed! When the Rossi family becomes the most powerful in Ritelle, you'll regret this day. That man of yours isn't even fit to shine my shoes!"

Andre's jaw tightened, but his upbringing kept him silent.

Camilla, emboldened, lifted her chin. "Ada, if you apologize now, maybe we'll let you stay on as a maid. Lucio's about to reach heights you'll never touch, and you-"

Just then, a sharp ringtone cut through her gloating.

Lucio frowned, glancing at the caller ID. It was the Della Vera family's chief contact.

He answered immediately, tense and expectant. "Hello? I'm-"

"Lucio Rossi!" a furious male voice roared so loudly, everyone nearby could hear even without a speakerphone. "What the hell are you playing at? Don Della Vera is livid!"

Lucio's heart lurched. "What do you mean? The deal-"

"Deal, my ass!" the man snapped. "Don Della Vera says he only acknowledges Ada Rossi! And that idiot you sent, Camilla? Even the dogs at our estate can't stand her!"

Camilla went white as chalk.

"And I'll quote him directly-" the voice turned icy, "Tomorrow, Ada herself better sign the deal, or every last member of your family will be fed to the sharks."