Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 31 - Chapitre 40

At eighteen months, Isabella was a bright, energetic toddler who had everyone in the family wrapped around her finger. She spoke in full sentences, had strong opinions about her clothes and food, and ruled her kingdom (the Valentino household) with an iron fist. To the outside world, the Valentino family was perfect. Massimo was the devoted father who had stepped back from business to spend more time with his daughter. Julia was the loving wife and mother who had adapted seamlessly to her role as a mafia don's wife. And Isabella was the precious princess who would inherit the Valentino legacy. But behind closed doors, cracks were beginning to show. "Your cousin mentioned again that Isabella doesn't look like you," Julia said carefully one evening after a family dinner. Massimo's expression darkened. "I heard him." "It doesn't mean anything," Julia rushed to add. "Genetics are—" "Complicated. I know. You've said that before." Massimo set down his wine glass. "But Julia, I have eyes. I

By week three, Julia and Massimo had settled into something resembling a routine. Isabella ate every three hours. She slept in stretches that were slowly getting longer. And Julia was learning to function on minimal sleep while her body healed from childbirth. What surprised Julia most was how naturally Massimo took to fatherhood. She'd expected him to be uncomfortable, to leave the baby care to her or to nannies. But he insisted on doing everything himself. "I missed so much of my own childhood," he explained when Julia asked about it. "My father was never there—not really. He was always working, always dealing with business. I don't want to be like that. I want to know every moment of Isabella's life." True to his word, Massimo had stepped back from day-to-day operations of his businesses. Marco had taken over most responsibilities, with Massimo only handling the absolute necessities. The rest of his time was devoted to Isabella. And to Julia. "You need to eat more," he'd s

Friday evening descended on the Valentino estate with oppressive weight. Julia stood at her bedroom window, watching the sun sink below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of blood orange and deep crimson. An omen, her mother would have called it. A warning from God. "You look stunning," Massimo said from behind her. She turned to find him fastening his cufflinks, immaculate in a black Tom Ford suit. He'd chosen the outfit carefully—power dressing for a power play. Every detail of tonight was calculated, from the wine selection to the seating arrangement. Julia looked down at her own dress, a midnight blue Valentino gown that hugged her curves before flowing to the floor. Massimo had insisted she wear the sapphire necklace he'd given her on their first anniversary—a show of wealth, of his claim on her. "They'll be here within the hour," Massimo continued, checking his Patek Philippe. "Remember what we discussed. Be gracious but reserved. The Russians respect strength, not warmt

The invitation arrived on thick, cream-colored cardstock, embossed with gold lettering that shimmered under the dim hallway light. “*Il Battesimo di Isabella*,” it proclaimed. Isabella’s christening. Julia and Massimo’s daughter or better said Julia's and Mikal's daughter. Kate traced the elegant script with her fingertip, a bitter taste rising in her throat. ( *Isabella... Another fake perfect addition to their perfect life. God, I sound awful. It's not that I don't want them to be happy, it's just... it's so blatant, isn't it? The difference between us?*) She flipped the card over, the invitation detailing the location: the Valentino family’s estate in Sicily. A sprawling, centuries-old villa overlooking the turquoise Mediterranean. Another reminder of Julia’s gilded cage. ( *A gilded cage that she actually *wants* to be in. That's the worst part, isn't it? Most people would see those bars, the restrictions, the constant threat. Julia... she just sees the gold.*) Kate lea

It was a perfect afternoon, sunny and warm, with a gentle breeze rustling through the meticulously maintained gardens of the Valentino estate. Julia sat on a blanket in the expansive backyard, watching Isabella toddle around the grass, chasing butterflies with delighted squeals. "Careful, baby!" Julia called out as Isabella stumbled, catching herself with chubby hands before giggling and continuing her pursuit. Isabella was trying to walk now, her golden-brown curls bouncing with each unsteady step. She wore a white sundress with pink flowers, and her green eyes sparkled with joy as she discovered the world around her. Julia relaxed back on her hands, tilting her face toward the sun. Massimo was at a business meeting in the city, and Vittoria had gone shopping. For once, Julia had the estate mostly to herself, and she savored these quiet moments with her daughter. She didn't notice the figure slipping through the gap in the perimeter fence. Mikal had been planning this for weeks. Eve