Inside the yacht, Elena tended to Silvio's wound with gentle hands Jia and Tiziano sat in silence nearby but Jia couldn't help but steal glances at the way Elena worked so carefully, so close to Silvio. The way their shoulders brushed, a knot twisted in Jia's stomach.Tiziano noticed the change in her expression, clearing his throat— he shifted his gaze to Jia "Is something on your mind?" he asked, his tone calm Jia's eyes darted to him and she forced a small smile, though it didn't reach her eyes "How did you and Silvio meet?" she asked, voice quieter than she intended Tiziano's lips curled slightly "We are brothers” he replied.Jia blinked, surprised "Brothers?" she repeated, her voice soft with disbelief Tiziano nodded, the smile still playing at the corners of his lips. Jia frowned slightly and after a second…she asked "But you don't share the same last name?"Tiziano grew silent for a moment, his gaze flicking away.. deep in thought. Then he spoke "Not everyone wants to b
As Silvio moved cautiously down the hallway, he spotted four armed men up ahead. They were facing forward, unaware that he was already behind them. Silvio raised his guns and immediately opened fire.Before they could turn or retaliate, the men collapsed, blood seeping from their wounds, their bodies twitching but still. Silvio paused for a moment…ensuring they were down, then stepped out of the resort into the darkness. He cautiously peered around a corner, scanning for any signs of more threats.Suddenly, he felt the cold press of a gun against his neck. Silvio froze."Drop your weapons" a voice commanded.Silvio didn't comply, as the man's finger tightened on the trigger, Silvio acted in a flash.He slammed his elbow into the man's stomach, forcing the gun from his hand. Silvio kicked it aside then twisted the man's arm, bringing him to his knees. He snatched the weapon and slammed the butt into the man's neck.The attacker grunted, choking on the pain.. Silvio shoved him against
Silvio turned toward Jia, who stood frozen..her eyes locked on the fallen bodies.He closed the distance between them, his hand settling firmly on her shoulder "Jia" he murmured She blinked then slowly lifting her gaze to meet his"We need to move. Now"Her lips parted but she didn't respond with words. Instead—she nodded, her eyes still wide with disbelief. Silvio's hand tightened around hers and they hurried toward the exist.As they stepped out of the room, two men came speeding toward them. Jia's breath caught in her throat but Silvio was faster. His gun was out in a flash, two shots ringing out..hitting their legs. The men fell, groaning..unable to chase after them.They didn't slow their pace, but just as they neared the end of the vvip floor, two more men appeared from the left, and another two emerged from the right, each armed with heavy sticks. Silvio's grip on Jia tightened as he scanned their options."What do we do?" Jia's whisper trembled in the air behind him.Silvio
The sky was darkening as Jia finished her photo shoot. She wrapped a silky white robe over her shoulders and gave her goodbyes to the crew before heading toward the resort's entrance.When she reached the elevator, she pressed the button and adjusted the robe, smoothing out the wrinkles. Just as she was about to check her phone— the elevator doors slid open. Jia looked up to find two men standing inside, both dressed in black leather jackets.One was tall, the other shorter and both wore expressions that could cut through steel. Their eyes were cold, unreadable.She gripped her phone tighter, almost feeling the weight of her decision. Taking a deep breath, Jia stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor-the VVIP level The doors glided shut with a soft thud and the elevator began its ascent, each floor passed only adding to the tightness in her chest. The silence was oppressive, making her stomach churn Then, suddenly..a phone buzzed behind her. One of the me
Silvio's reflexes snapped into action, his shoes hit the ground in a flash and he jumped into the water with no second thought He searched frantically, his heart thudding in his chest, calling her name but there was no sign of her "Jia!" His voice cracked through the water He dove again, holding his breath..his eyes darting through the murky depths. And then—through the haze of the water, he saw her..her body sinking, limp and still.With one powerful stroke, he reached her. His hands closed around her..pulling her with all the strength he had, swimming toward the shore.He laid her down on the cold rocks, his hands pressing against her chest but there was no response.Panic clawed at him, he didn't know if he was too late. He tilted her head back and opened her mouth, blowing air into her lungs, then pressed again on her chest, harder this time. Still nothing.His heart pounded as he worked, a cold fear clenching in his chest… He couldn't lose herAnd then, just as the darkness
In the underground garage, Enzo leaned against his car, waiting for Jia. A few minutes later—she arrived."Let's go, Enzo” Jia said, making her way toward the door.But Enzo's voice stopped her "I'm waiting for Silvio" he said, his tone firm.Jia paused and turned toward him, confusion creasing her brow "What for?"Enzo's gaze fixed on the approaching figures."To take back my necklace"Before Jia could respond, Silvio and his men neared, heading for his car. Enzo pushed himself off the car and rushed toward Silvio. But before he could get close.. one of Silvio's men shoved him violently. Enzo stumbled and fell to the groundJia rushed to his side, helping him up "Let's just go home Enzo" she whispered, her voice soft but insistent Enzo gently removed her hands from his. His eyes remained fixed on Silvio "You tricked me into spending so much money on something worthless” he said, his voice filled with frustrationSilvio scoffed, not even glancing at him "Your foolishness broug