DANTEGently carrying Anna to my bedroom, I carefully laid her down, clearing the wild strands of hair scattered all over her face. "I promise to make things right. I know you'll never trust me again, and I don't blame you. But I'll do anything to regain your trust," I whispered, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead before briskly leaving the room.In my office, I signaled Matteo to follow me. As we entered, I perched on my desk, not seeking the comfort of my chair. "We're paying Morello a visit before Anna wakes up," I declared.A smile played on Matteo's lips, and he obviously agreed with me. "What kind of visit are we talking about here? A friendly visit? A warning visit? Or a bloodbath?""A bloodbath. His death is long overdue.""Is this about what Anna revealed today?" he asked, his eyes narrowing in concern."This is about justice for Anna. She always wanted his head, and I must admit, Anna's recent revelation also plays a role." I replied, my voice determined.Matteo beamed at

ANNA Why is the bed so cold and hard? I'll have to let Dante know that this bed is due for changing. I can't even sleep properly on it. With a pout on my lips, I felt Dante's side of the bed to check if he is awake but when I touched nothing but a cold hard surface, I realized that I wasn't the only one affected by the coldness and hardness of this mattress. I wonder what time it is.' I opened one of my eyes with the intention of peering at Dante but what I saw got me yelping. As I slowly regained consciousness, I realized that I was not in my room but rather in a cold and dingy cell. The hard and unforgiving surface beneath me turned out to be nothing but a cemented floor. It felt like I was experiencing déjà vu, as the cell resembled the one where Morello had previously held me captive. In an instant, my heart started to race, and I began to panic. I frantically looked around, trying to assess my surroundings and find a way out.I struggled to recall how I had ended up in this godf

ANNANodding my head, I decided to ask a question I've been yearning to ask like forever. “How long have I been here?"As I sat there, my mind was reeling. Five months? How had I been here for that long without even realizing it? I tried to maintain my composure and not lash out at him, but the anger and frustration were almost too much to bear."Why did you keep me here for over five months?" I finally asked, unable to contain my curiosity and resentment.He gave me a stern look and said, "manners, young lady."I took a deep breath and tried to collect myself, but the anger was still simmering beneath the surface. How could he expect me to just accept being held captive for that long? My frustration must have been evident, as he continued to speak."I wanted you to realize that nobody gives a fuck if you are missing," he said coolly. "I noticed that tiny hope you had in you that someone was going to rescue you, so I let you see for yourself."The realization hit me like a ton of brick

DANTEI beckoned Matteo into my office, my expression tense with irritation. He sauntered in, his face reflecting confusion and concern."Boss, is everything okay?" he asked.I glared at him. "Is that even a legitimate question?"He flinched at my harsh tone. "Sorry, boss.""Why wasn't I informed about the sketch?" I demanded, my voice rising with anger.Matteo averted his gaze from mine, and I could sense his apprehension. "I didn't want to give you false hope," he explained. "That's why I decided to withhold the information until we find out something concrete about them."My frustration reached its peak, and I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me. "You know very well that keeping me in the dark is unacceptable," I snapped.Without a second thought, I reached into my desk drawer and retrieved my revolver. I placed it on my desk, right in front of Matteo's eyes."How many times have I told you not to keep things from me?" I hissed, my voice low and dangerous.Matteo's gaze flick

ANNAIt had been two days since my conversation with Xavier about VH14, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that he was avoiding me. I hoped that his absence wouldn't turn out like the bald man's disappearance, which had left us all worried and perplexed.But just as I was mulling over this, the door creaked open and Xavier walked in. However, he looked disheveled, with puffy eyes that hinted at recent tears or sleepless nights, and a two-day-old stubble on his jaw."You'll definitely live long, Xavier. I was just thinking about you," I said, trying to be friendly.His response was unexpected, and it caught me off guard. "Is that supposed to flatter me?" he retorted, sounding cranky.I was puzzled by his reaction. "What is supposed to flatter you? The fact that you'll live long?"He let out a deep sigh. "No, don't be silly. I already believe that I'm going to live long, that's why I'm here. I was referring to the part about you thinking about me."I couldn't help but burst out laughin