Calmly, Rene gazes at the faces of everyone, his brows creasing tightly together, and then to everyone's shock, he smiled, his eyes sparkling with joy as he said, "How can I want to leave the Rossi when you all have been so good to me.""What?!" Princess blurted out, her eyes widening as she glared at him with parted lips.Gazing up from his phone, Luca scoffed, scowling at Rene, and said, "This guy is really an idiot."Layla, never one to hold back, chimed in with a sneer. "Or a golddigger. He'll do anything to stay associated with money. It’s pathetic, really."Rene stood his ground, his expression a mask of calm despite the harsh words being thrown his way. He knew the Rossi family well enough to expect such reactions. It only fueled his determination.Mr. Rossi leaned back in his chair, his gaze icy as it rested on Rene. "You must understand, Kia, that your presence here is... tolerated. But do not mistake that for acceptance. You are an outsider, and your persistence in staying w
When Rene didn't budge, Josh’s face turned bright red as he stormed toward him, fists clenched and eyes wild with anger. The room fell silent, everyone holding their breath between Mr. Rossi’s stern decision and Josh’s explosive outburst.Rene met Josh’s rage with a calm, steady gaze, refusing to back down. He stood firm, not breaking eye contact. Sensing the danger, Maria stepped in front of Rene, spreading her arms open, her face showing both desperation and defiance.“Dad, please!” Maria’s voice trembled as she pleaded with Mr. Rossi. “This isn’t right. You can’t force us into this.”With a scoff, Mr. Rossi’s gaze remained fixed on Rene, cold and unyielding. “Maria, there’s no discussion here. Actions have consequences, and today you’ll see that.”His father's words made Josh’s anger boil over and he raised his hand to slap Maria, but in a flash, his wife Vittoria clinging to him, tears streaming down her face. “Josh, stop! Let’s think this through.”Frowning at her, Josh’s voice
As the ink dried on the documents, the gravity of the situation became painfully clear. Mr. Rossi’s gaze never wavered from Maria, his eyes cold and unyielding. He rose from his seat, his imposing figure casting a long shadow over the room.“Now that Kia is legally your husband,” Mr. Rossi began, his voice cutting through the lingering silence with icy precision, “you are responsible for him in every way. His failures are your failures, his disgrace is yours, and his image is now your own.”Maria’s eyes widened in shock, the weight of Mr. Rossi’s words sinking in. Her face was pale, and her lips trembled as she tried to process the enormity of what had just happened. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.Vittoria, who had been silently weeping, could no longer contain her despair. She cried out, “Father, please, have some mercy! Maria is still young... please have mercy! This is too much for Maria to bear. She’s just a child.”Mr. Rossi’s face hardened, his eyes narrow
Maria’s breath hitched as she pulled away from Rene, her eyes wide with confusion and fear. The intensity of his kiss left her reeling, and for a moment, she forgot the heaviness of the situation. Rene’s touch was comforting, grounding her in the reality that, despite everything, she wasn’t alone.“We’ll figure it out, Maria,” Rene said softly, his fingers gently brushing a stray curl from her face. “I promise you, we’ll find a way to get through this. Together.”Maria took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. She nodded, her eyes betraying her with a look of doubt as she looked up at Rene. “Okay,” she whispered. “Together.”"Let's get you clean up first." Rene stood, offering Maria his hand.With a faint smile, Maria clasped onto Rene's outstretched arm, allowing him to pull her to her feet. He then guided her to the bathroom. The dim light from the overhead bulb cast a soft glow on their faces, adding warmth to the otherwise cold and sterile atmosphere. He turned on the
Pacing back and forth in the hall, Parblo was running over countless reasons that would give to Rene would make sense to him so they could go back together."Dad!" Rene's voice echoed down the hall, startling Parblo out of his frantic thoughts.He gazed back to see him approaching, and the moment Rene got closer, he scowled, lashing out lowly, "What do you think you are doing, Theo?! This is not the plan.""Take me back to the mansion," Rene said calmly.Parblo's scowl deepened, confusion flickering in his eyes. "What are you talking about? You just said you needed to stay here."Without a word, Rene walked past him. Parblo frowned, but he followed, his mind racing as they headed for the car.The drive was silent. Parblo’s hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as he drove through the city streets, his expression tense. Rene sat in the passenger seat, his gaze fixed out the window, lost in thought.When they arrived at the Ford mansion, Rene didn’t waste any time. He stepped out of t
The moment Catherine entered the kitchen and saw Parblo with the other servant, she forgot that she was hungry and rushed out of the room, hurrying for Rome's study.As she approached the stairs, Logan was coming down, and the two locked eyes. She could see the worry in his gaze, and Catherine blurted out, "Is he here?""Yes, ma'am. But I don't think you should go in there just yet." Logan hesitated. "He's planning on staying at the Rossi, and knows the relationship between Master and him-""Rome is going to be infuriated." "Yes. I think it's best you let them talk it out as father and son and try to give them some space for now," Logan suggested, his tone carrying a mix of concern and caution.Catherine nodded, her own worry deepening. "I understand. But if things get out of hand..."Logan took a step back, giving Catherine space, stepping aside, and she gave him a faint smile before rushing up the stairs.When she got to the study, she paced nervously outside the study, her mind ra
Unable to take the suspense anymore, Catherine grabbed the doorknob and pushed the door open, only to see her son and husband hugging. The sight took her breath away, and for a moment, the years of tension and heartache seemed to dissolve in the warmth of their embrace.Rome looked up, his eyes still wet with tears, and managed a faint smile. "Honey," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion. "Come here."Rene, still holding onto his father, turned to face his mother. His eyes, too, were glistening with tears. "Mother," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of relief and sorrow.Catherine hurried across the room and wrapped her arms around both of them, pulling them into a tight, heartfelt embrace. "You guys good?" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.Rome nodded, his grip tightening around Rene and Catherine. "We're getting there," he replied softly. "It's been a long time coming."Rene pulled back slightly, looking at both his parents with a mixture of hope and satisf
Rene took the envelope, his expression firm but unreadable. He carefully opened it, pulling out the contract agreement and scanning its contents. Parblo watched him closely, curiosity mixed with a hint of apprehension."Everything good?" Parblo asked, unable to contain his curiosity.Rene didn't respond immediately, continuing to read through the contract. After a few tense moments, he finally looked up, meeting Parblo's eyes. "I just needed to make sure of a few things," he said, his tone guarded. "There's a lot at stake, and I can't afford any mistakes."Parblo nodded, though his curiosity was still piqued. "Understandable. Just remember, we've worked hard to get to this point. The plan relies on everything going smoothly."Rene nodded, folding the contract and placing it back in the envelope. "I know. And I appreciate everything you've done for me, Parblo." With that, he tapped the old man's shoulder and walked off, leaving Parblo standing in the hallway, still curious, and yet,
As her tears washed away her makeup, Maria stumbled back from the bathroom door, her heels nearly slipping on the tiles. Her breath came in gasps. The scream had torn itself from her throat like something wild and ancient.The heavy doors of the ballroom burst open with a thunderous crack that silenced the music and hushed every murmuring voice in the vast chamber.“BLOOD!” she shrieked, not caring that the music had stopped, not caring that every head in the room turned toward her like she was on fire. “THERE’S BLOOD IN THE BATHROOM! WHERE IS MY HUSBAND?! WHERE IS KIA?!”The crowd stared.Her hands were trembling violently at her sides, her fingers stained red. Somewhere between the stall and the door, she’d leaned against the sink, and her palm had smeared through it... blood. She looked feral. Unhinged. Her eyes darted wildly across the sea of glittering gowns and tailored suits, looking for someone, anyone, but none of them mattered. Not now.“Maria, Maria!” Madam Rossi stood qui
The bathroom door clicked shut behind Rene, muffling out the hum of the ballroom. He exhaled. Deep. Controlled. Let the silence press into him.He stood still for a moment, just past the threshold, the artificial light above casting a sterile white hue over the room's marble walls and gleaming fixtures. A mirror stretched across the far wall, reflecting the image of a man who looked calm, composed. But only just.Rene stepped forward, one hand brushing at the wine blot on his blazer like the gesture might undo it. The fabric clung to him, damp and sticky, the smell of the cabernet still ripe in the air. He peeled the jacket off slowly, folding it once and draping it over the gold hook on the wall. He turned on the faucet, letting the cold water rush over his hands. The temperature bit into his skin, grounding him. He cupped the water and splashed it on his face once, twice, letting it drip down his chin and throat. He closed his eyes and let the cold drag the heat out of his skin.Bu
A hush swept over the ballroom, heads turned. Glasses paused mid-air. Even the chandelier light seemed to bend its attention toward the entrance.She stood there... Catherina Ford.Grace was too small a word.She didn’t walk in, she arrived... poised like she owned the ground beneath her heels. Her dress was a deep emerald silk, folding around her like liquid elegance. Hair up in a classic twist, neck adorned with a single strand of pearls that looked like they'd been fished from the private vaults of royalty. Not a wrinkle in her brow, not a misplaced gesture. Only presence.And it was majestic.Mr. Rossi’s jaw dropped open, actually dropped, hanging loose like a broken hinge before he caught himself with a little cough and a half-step forward.“My God,” he muttered. “Is that-?”Gunnar turned toward the entrance as well, brow lifting in curiosity.Rossi's voice was low but urgent. “Gunnar… please tell me you invited her. We’re not… we’re not close enough to the Fords.”But Gunnar onl
The Rossi convoy pulled into the circular drive of the Grand Meridian, the most opulent skyscraper in the city... glass and steel stretching into the stars. Paparazzi flashes crackled beyond the velvet ropes, their lights bouncing off the tinted windows of the luxury cars. Valets and security formed tight lines, working in sharp, clean choreography.The first wave of family emerged... Mr. Rossi leading with Madam Rossi at his side, flanked by Jason, Antonio, Layla, Bianca, Princess, and the others.Then Maria and Rene stepped out next. He stayed by her side, arm tucked beneath hers, smile faint but present, expression unreadable beneath the golden lights of the entrance.The guards nodded. The family entered.But Alejandro didn’t.He stood off to the side, just beyond the corner of the building where the cameras couldn’t see, leaning against his Jaguar, one leg crossed over the other, a cigarette burning low between his fingers.His tuxedo was only half-buttoned, hair tousled like he'
Maria stood near the window, phone pressed to her ear, her back straight, voice low. She wore a floor-length gown of deep emerald, sleeveless with a high collar and a low, scooped back that exposed the elegant arch of her spine. The silk flowed like water over her body, and her earrings... a cute glimmer of green stones... brought the whole look together with effortless grace.She ended the call with a sigh just as the bathroom door behind her opened.Rene stepped out, adjusting the cufflinks on his crisp white shirt. But it was the suit that caught the room.He wore a midnight black tuxedo, tailored to precision... sharp lapels trimmed in a sheen of satin, shoulders squared, waist nipped, the cut hugging his frame like it had been made by hands that knew him well. Beneath the jacket, the subtle gleam of a black silk vest peeked through, layered over a charcoal-gray shirt with the top buttons undone just enough to be daring, but not vulgar. A small silver pin was fixed on his lapel, a
The evening of the party had arrived.Beyond the grand windows of the Rossi estate, the sky bled into twilight, a deep indigo shroud setting the stage for the storm that loomed unseen. The Rossi residence shimmered with golden light, and distant voices echoed in the halls.The party.The celebration no one could stop.In the master bedroom on the top floor, the world was quieter... thicker with tension.Madam Rossi stood before the ornate mirror, a dark sapphire gown hugging her figure like silk. Her hands were at her sides, clenched and still. The diamonds at her ears glinted like ice, and the sharp bones of her face gave her a statue-like elegance. Yet the furrow between her brows betrayed her.Behind her, Mr. Rossi was finishing the final touches. He moved with an eerie calm, slipping the delicate chain of her necklace into place around her neck. His fingers were steady as always. Precise. Cold.“Your hands haven’t aged,” she murmured, watching his reflection. “Even after all these
The dining room was uncomfortably quiet without Maria and Rene.Jason sat at the head of the long table, his hand around a half-filled glass of wine, his eyes dull and unblinking. Layla sat beside him, unusually still, her perfectly styled hair tucked behind one ear, a forced smile frozen on her lips. Juan and Antonio were seated opposite each other, eating calmly but watching everyone else with barely disguised suspicion.No one spoke unless necessary. Only the soft clinking of silverware and the occasional shifting of chairs filled the room. A storm brewed behind every glance, every twitch of a brow, every sip of water. It was the kind of quiet that could split open at the slightest provocation.Abruptly, Layla’s phone buzzed sharply against the table, slicing through the silence. She flinched. Glancing down at the screen, her stomach turned."Dad."She cleared her throat gently, offering a courteous smile to the table.“Excuse me,” she said, her voice smooth, though her fingers gri
Rene tilted his head slightly, the faintest curve of a smile teasing at the corner of his lips. He gave a soft, contemplative hmm, as though the matter were merely an intellectual exercise. The silence dragged, intentionally, until even Madam Rossi’s fork stilled halfway to her mouth.“I must say,” Rene began, voice light, polite, dangerously unbothered, “you make a compelling case, sir. Betrayal, dishonor, public shame… It’s almost Shakespearean.” He set his water glass down with an elegant clink. “But there’s just one problem.”Mr. Rossi’s eyes narrowed to slits.“I didn’t betray anyone,” Rene said, voice sharpening beneath the charm. “I didn’t cheat. I didn’t lie. And I certainly didn’t ask to be used as some sacrificial pawn in your public relations game.”Jason scoffed quietly, just loud enough to be heard. “You act like you’re above the family, like none of this matters to you.”Rene turned his gaze slowly, lazily, toward Jason. “Oh, it matters. Just not the way you want it to.”
The early morning light spilled through the sheer curtains, casting pale gold streaks across the floorboards. Rene stood shirtless before the mirror, the soft scratch of gauze brushing against his ribs as he wrapped the bruises with practiced ease.The muscles in his shoulders twitched slightly at every pull, his face set in quiet concentration. The wound, though shallow, was enough to remind him of the night before... of passion, of pain, and of the call that followed.He barely flinched as he secured the bandage with a strip of medical tape, the sting long dulled. The quiet was broken by a knock on the door.Maria stirred from the bed, tangled in the sheets. Her voice was groggy, but steady. “I’ll get it.”She padded across the room, pulling his shirt over her shoulders, and cracked the door open. One of the younger maids stood there, neatly dressed with her hands clasped in front of her. She dipped into a polite bow.“Good morning, Miss Maria. Your grandfather requests your presenc