Semua Bab The Tycoon’s Temptress - Red Flower’s Chase: Bab 51 - Bab 60

Valentina’s POV The desert blurred around me as I rode, fast, furious and aimless. I couldn’t see as sand stung my eyes, wind slapped my cheeks, but it was nothing compared to what burned inside me. Raffaele’s words still echoed in my head. Every accusation, every doubt. Did you sleep with them? You’re not worthy! I dug my heels in harder, pushing the horse faster towards it’s limits. I didn’t know where I was going—only that I had to get away. Eventually, the golden dunes gave way to something unexpected. Palm trees. A sliver pool of still water reflecting the sky. An oasis. I dismounted clumsily, nearly stumbling in the sand. My heart was racing. My chest felt tight. I didn’t cry—I couldn’t. I just… undid the straps of my sandals, let them fall, and walked into the water fully clothed. The chill bit into my skin. But I welcomed it. I wanted to wash everything off. The betrayal. The guilt. The ache in my chest that wouldn’t leave no matter how far I ran. I wanted Raff

Raffaele’s POV I had followed that falcon on a whim. It dropped her sandal almost in my lap—like a sign from fate, an omen from God Himself. It had to mean something. She meant something to me. Even if she’d lied. Even if my spirit was crushed. I couldn’t let it end like this. I had to find her. I prayed silently in my heart for a miracle. I rode like a madman through the desert night, the wind slicing my face, my heart pounding louder than the hooves beneath me. Then I saw her. Barely standing. Limping on one leg, barefoot in sand that had burned like fire and now bit like ice. Her hair was tangled, her dress torn. But her spine was straight. Her chin lifted. I saw the defiance in her face—fierce and radiant even in the dark. She stared straight at them—Miles and Tariq, laughing like jackals in that dune buggy, like hunting her was just a game. I swear she smirked, fearless to the end. Then she turned her face fully toward the gun and just stared death in t

Raffaele’s POV I sat in silence in Valentina’s room. The drip slowly fed into her veins. Her pulse was steady, but faint. A heart monitor beeped in the stillness, and the air conditioning vent hummed above us. Our fragile trust was shattered. And our enemies were tightening their grip. Would I protect Valentina as a man betrayed… or as the only one left who truly understands the cost of love and war? I didn’t speak. I didn’t touch her. I just looked at her. She looked like a pale sleeping beauty. A far cry from the fierce woman who once commanded the attention of a whole room. I leaned down and whispered into her ear. It didn’t matter if she heard it or not. “You lied to me, Valentina… but I still chose to fight for you. And things will never be the same again. Just wake up—for my sake—and you’ll see…” Then I walked slowly out, leaving her with nothing but the soft beep of the machine behind me. I’m not the villain she tries to paint me as. But I’m no traditional hero eith

I picked up my phone and immediately dialed Monica Buccella. “Monica, it’s me,” I said, my voice trembling just enough to betray everything I was trying to hide. “Oh dear, are you in trouble, Valentina?” she gasped. “How can I help? You sound awful! What happened, darling?” “I don’t have time to explain,” I rushed out. “Please—fly in Lorenzo for me, will you? I need him. And talk to Giuliana. She’ll understand.” “Of course, dear,” she purred. “Anything for you. No flaming hula hoops this time?” I let out a dry laugh. “No, thanks, Monica. Not tonight. We’re celebrating our honeymoon. Wish you could come—but it’s family only.” “Love you, darling.” “Love you too. Bye.” I had to slip back into my mask of power—to hide my pain. It was my only survival. My power to claim. The only way to reclaim agency in a world where I’m constantly being played, tested, and watched. If I don’t weaponize my femininity—my beauty—how else can I gain the upper hand in a man’s cold worl

Raffaele’s POV I was reeling, cornered, burning with jealousy and adrenaline. What the actual fuck had she done this time? Worst part was—I couldn’t even call her out on her bullshit. Because her plan? Fucking flawless. That comment she gave? “You called me a slut…So tonight, I brought a man who sees me as divine… You want me on your arm? Then win me.” It made my eyes burn. Whoever he was—wherever he came from. I would crush this Beckett Shaw. I’d destroy him so he would never rise again from public humiliation. Smooth. Strong. An arrogant bastard—acting tough and looking threatening in a suit. Exactly the kind of man I hated on sight. Beckett turned towards Valentina and then—he bowed. A graceful, deliberate bend at the waist like a knight offering his loyalty to a queen. She looked moved. The crowd sighed. Some even clapped. And that’s when I saw red. My jaw locked. My vision narrowed and my grip on the fencing sword tightened until my knuckles turned wh