Chapter Fifty
CARLY'S smile deepened as she watched Billie and Terrence embrace, their reunion unfolding like a scene from a romantic film where the characters finally claimed their happily-ever-after. Billie's eyes sparkled with pure happiness that had been missing for far too long—a radiant joy that warmed Carly's heart with secondhand bliss. This moment belonged entirely to Billie, she deserved every second of it. After witnessing her best friend wade through the wreckage of heartbreak and disappointment, happiness was finally hers.
When she and Giovanni returned from the island, Billie's mom and closest friends had secretly arranged a surprise birthday party for her. She had been so lost in her sadness that her own special day had nearly passed by unnoticed.
Chapter Fifty-Three"CAN you excuse me for a sec?" Giovanni murmured to Carly when he noticed his father slip into the corridor, Charles O'Marra in tow.Though puzzled, Carly only nodded."I won't be long," he assured her, pressing a quick kiss to the top of her head. "Finish your food."Giovanni walked with casual strides toward his father's private office. Two bodyguards flanked the door, but they stepped aside at his subtle signal. He pressed his ear against the door—nothing. Soundproofed, of course. He cursed under his breath. Nearly every office of his father's was designed to keep secrets locked away from prying ears.He tried the k
Chapter Fifty-Two"OH, y-you're here. I thought you said seven o'clock."Carly's heart gave a hard thud the moment she saw Giovanni.He had gotten a haircut, she noticed. And if it was even possible, it only made him look hotter. Sexier."Can't I show up early just because I missed you?" His lips curved into that infuriatingly charming half-smile.Carly felt the temperature in her face spike. She was blushing, she just knew it. And what did he just say? He missed her?While she tried to casually take in the sight of him in his gray suit and black undershirt, Giovanni made no effort to hide the way his eyes slowly swept over her, hot and searing."I hope I'm not too flashy... or too casual?" she asked, a little self-conscious.She was wearing a simple V-neck mini dress with three-quarter sleeves, black with a delicate chain belt that cinched at her tiny waist. It was a careful choice. Elegant without being too s
Chapter Fifty-One"EVERYONE in position?" Giovanni asked Jaime after tossing him the phone."Yes, Boss. They're standing by for your order.""Good."Salt air swept across the high rooftop where Giovanni crouched motionless, his dark silhouette dissolving into the deep shadows that clung to the building's concrete ledge. Below them, the pier stretched like a finger into the black water, its weathered planks gleaming under the sparse streetlights. The smell of diesel fuel and rotting fish hung heavy in the air—a perfect cover for the kind of business that thrived in darkness.For the past three weeks, he had done nothing but monitor and cri
Chapter FiftyCARLY'S smile deepened as she watched Billie and Terrence embrace, their reunion unfolding like a scene from a romantic film where the characters finally claimed their happily-ever-after. Billie's eyes sparkled with pure happiness that had been missing for far too long—a radiant joy that warmed Carly's heart with secondhand bliss. This moment belonged entirely to Billie, she deserved every second of it. After witnessing her best friend wade through the wreckage of heartbreak and disappointment, happiness was finally hers.When she and Giovanni returned from the island, Billie's mom and closest friends had secretly arranged a surprise birthday party for her. She had been so lost in her sadness that her own special day had nearly passed by unnoticed.
Chapter Forty-NineGIOVANNI heard the faint sound of an aircraft cutting through the night. He slipped carefully from the bed, making sure not to wake Carly. After adjusting her blanket, he dressed silently in the darkness. It seemed they had unexpected visitors.He reached under the bedside table for his gun, checking that it was fully loaded before tucking it into the waistband at his back. Moving carefully, he left the room and paused to listen. He couldn't tell if whoever had arrived was friend or foe. Still, only one person knew his location. Jaime. And he trusted that Jaime wouldn't sell him out without good reason.His eyes swept sharply through the darkness. The house was pitch-black, with only the dim glow of the lampshade in their room providing light. He moved toward the window and peered outside. No movement. Despite his height and build, he moved like a cat. Silently, he slipped out of the house.He was about to search the en
Chapter Forty-EightEVENTUALLY, they made their way to the beach. Even though it was nearing midday, the sun hadn't yet grown harsh, and the sand felt warm and powdery beneath their feet. The water was crystal-clear, sunlight shimmering on its rippling surface. Now and then, Carly caught glimpses of colorful fish darting just beneath, their movements so swift and graceful it almost felt unreal.She didn't dare wander too far into the deeper parts, she wasn't used to swimming beyond what she could see or touch. But Giovanni was relentless, he teased her constantly. Tugging her hand, coaxing her further, only to let her splash back toward the shallows when she shrieked."Stop laughing!" she protested as he smirked at her sputtering.