Semua Bab Too Late, Mr. Billionaire : Bab 1 - Bab 10

They say love can mend a broken man… but no one ever warned what happens when the one doing the mending ends up shattered instead. For six years, Lucia poured everything into a family that wasn’t hers by blood, yet felt like hers in every way that mattered. She gave her heart, her youth, and pieces of dreams she never got to chase. She rebuilt a home from ruins. She held two children against her chest until their cries faded. She stood beside a man who only seemed to remember her existence when it was convenient. But tonight—under the blinding lights meant to celebrate the rise of the Marchesi family—she learned a truth she had never prepared for: sometimes the deepest betrayal didn’t come from enemies… it came from the people one loved the most. And when a stepmother finally decided to walk away, the world she held together with her bare hands began to crumble… just not fast enough to drown out the pain. In a world that valued blood over loyalty, she had never been enough. ---

Lorenza froze, her eyes widening as if Nina had slapped her. “Nina… how could you accuse me like that?” she whispered, her voice trembling so perfectly, so heartbreakingly, that Leo’s expression shifted immediately. He believed her. Of course he did. The wounded look on Lorenza’s face only convinced him further that Nina must be lying—lying to protect Lucia. Because in Leo’s mind, that was the only explanation. After all, what mother would intentionally hurt her own child? Leo’s voice dropped into that tone he used when he thought he was teaching the kids a moral lesson. “Nina, children shouldn’t lie. And she’s not a stranger. She is your and Nico’s biological mother. Without her, both of you wouldn’t even exist.” “I’m not lying!” Nina cried, her voice shaking with frustration and fear. Lorenza’s eyes glittered with tears. Then she attempted a soft, gentle smile—the kind that made her look pitiful instead of dangerous. “It’s okay, Leonardo,” she whispered. “Kids onl

Luci pressed her lips together and gritted her teeth. She told Lorenza, “Go ahead.”Luci stayed in the hospital all night, watching over Nico, with Nina sitting quietly beside her. She did not step away even for a minute.As for Leo and Lorenza, who had said they would “be back soon”?They never showed up.A bitter pain settled deep in Lucia’s chest.Earlier, on Lorenza’s WhatsApp chat, the picture Leo sent her was clearly taken at home, asking Lorenza if he bought the right items.That kind of care… that wasn’t just co-parenting.It wasn’t just being considerate.It was the care a man showed a woman he still loved.Lucia wondered—was Leo still in love with Lorenza?At first, she believed Leo was simply making up for the past. After all, Lorenza gave birth to his twins, and he even said it himself. But now, after everything…After the way he spoke…After he reminded her that “a stepmother is just a stepmother”…The last six years were beginning to feel like nothing but a hired respons

Alessandro and Damiano’s car pulled away quickly, disappearing into the night. Leonardo and Lorenza settled into their own vehicle. Just as he was about to close the door, Fontana hurried toward them. “Mr. Marchesi,” he called. Leonardo assumed it was good news—perhaps a company interested in partnering with Marchesi Group. He forced a small smile. “Yes, Mr. Fontana?” But Fontana’s expression was tight with irritation. “Apologies, Mr. Marchesi,” he said sharply. “It seems the companies from San Celestino are not very impressed with the Marchesi Group.” Leonardo froze. “Not impressed? We’re the largest medical equipment supplier in Milano.” If Ruggeri Group hadn’t monopolized exports years ago, he wouldn’t even have considered them competition. Fontana’s eyes flicked toward Lorenza sitting beside him, and his frustration deepened. He had clearly hoped tonight’s connections with San Celestino investors would benefit him as well. But Alessandro and Damiano hadn’t even given Mar

Lorenza had already gone back to the guest room, with the maids carrying the mattress behind her.Only Lucia and Leonardo were still standing at the bedroom door.His voice was calm as he said, “I will say it one last time. Lorenza is the kids’ mother, and I have a responsibility to take care of her. Don’t create a scene. I am not in the mood right now.”Lucia almost laughed in disbelief. “Your bad mood is not my fault. The two of you decided to take what belongs to me. Did you even think about how I feel? You care about her, but I’m the one who has to sacrifice?”“I told you it’s not like that!!”“Dad… Mom…” Nina suddenly appeared behind them.Both adults went silent immediately.Lucia’s eyes were red, and she said nothing more. She took Nina’s hand and led her to the kids’ room.Nina had clearly been listening the whole time. Once inside, she said softly, “Mom, can we sleep together? It’s been so long since we shared a bed.”Realizing Nina was trying to comfort her, Lucia couldn’t h