جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 40

Adeline's POV"Get dressed," Kayden said, appearing in the bedroom doorway. "Wear something formal. We have an event.""What event?""Official business introduction gala. The Castellanos are hosting and my father wants us there."I groaned. "Do we have to?""Yes. It's important for appearances. Show the families that the Gravanos are united. Strong." He moved closer. "Besides, might be good to get out of this house for a few hours, away from my father and away from all of this."He had a point. The estate felt suffocating lately. Russio was constantly watching our every move. The weight of what we knew pressing down on us."Fine. But if it's boring, we're leaving early.""Deal."The Castellano mansion was predictably excessive. Crystal chandeliers. Marble floors. Servers carried champagne like it was water.Old money showing off.Kayden and I arrived with Russio, who immediately launched into networking mode, shaking hands, making jokes. Playing the role of respected businessman."Min

Adeline's POVI woke to my phone buzzing incessantly. Beside me, Kayden stirred from his sleep. "What time is it?"I grabbed my phone. It was 7:42 AM. I had twenty-three missed calls and dozens of texts."Something's wrong," I said, scrolling through the notifications.Most were from numbers I didn't recognize. But there were several from Marco, from family members. There was even one from Annabelle. I opened Annabelle's first.OMG!!! You're everywhere!!! Call me!!!"What is it?" Kayden asked, sitting up.I opened one of the unknown numbers. It was a link to a tabloid site.My blood ran cold.MAFIA PRINCE'S LOVE STORY: Exclusive Photos of Kayden Gravano and His Mysterious New WifeThe headline was accompanied by photos. Dozens of them.Me and Kayden in the library. By the window. His arms around me. My head against his chest.Us in the garden at the gala. Talking. Him touching my face.Walking hand in hand through the Castellano grounds.Every intimate, private moment from the past t

Adeline's POVI didn't tell Kayden about the meeting.That night, lying beside him in the dark, the words sat on my tongue, heavy and burning.Your father threatened Annabelle. He admitted to killing your mother. He has annulment papers ready.But I stayed silent.Because what would telling him accomplish? He'd confront Russio, father and son would clash, and Russio had made it clear he'd do anything to protect the empire. Including eliminating threats.Even threats within his own family."You're quiet tonight," Kayden murmured."Just tired.""About the photos still?""Yeah."The lie came easily. Too easily.He pulled me closer and fell asleep.I lay awake for hours, Russio's words echoing in my mind.Remember your place. Remember why you're really here.The next morning, I woke to find bruises on my arm.Five small marks that looked finger-shaped. I found them where Russio had grabbed me during our conversation.I stared at them in the bathroom mirror. The evidence of his threat, hi

Adeline's POVMorning came too slowly. I'd barely slept. I just lay there beside Kayden, watching dawn break.He'd showered before bed, changed clothes and destroyed the evidence.But I couldn't stop seeing the blood on his knuckles. The cold emptiness in his eyes.Around seven, he stirred."Morning," he said quietly."Who did you kill last night?"I wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. I was straightforward, no easing into it.He sat up, running his hands through his hair. "I was hoping you'd let it go.""How can I? You came home covered in blood.""I handled a problem.""What problem? Who was it?"He was quiet for a moment. Then he murmured. "One of my father's men. Carlo Benedetti."The name meant nothing to me. "Why?""Because he was the one who grabbed you. Who left those bruises."My blood ran cold. "How did you…""I asked around and found out he'd been in that hallway yesterday. Around the time you said someone grabbed you." He looked at me. "Was I wrong?"I should have told hi

Adeline's POV"Annabelle," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "This is a surprise.""I know! I should have called first, but I wanted it to be spontaneous." She looked around the table, taking in all the faces. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important.""Not at all," Russio said smoothly. "We were just finishing up. Please, stay. Have some dessert. Tell us about yourself.""Oh, I don't want to impose—""You're not imposing. You're Adeline's sister. That makes you family." His smile was war and charming.Annabelle beamed. "Thank you. That's so kind."A staff member brought her dessert and wine.Kayden leaned close to me. "How did she get past security?" he whispered."I don't know," I whispered back.But I could guess. Maybe Russio had known she was coming and had let her through, to prove a point. To remind me he could reach her anytime he wanted."So, Annabelle," Russio continued. "What brings you by tonight?""I just missed my sister. We haven't seen each other much sinc