Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 271 - Chapitre 280

Author's Pov.Two weeks later.The air in Alexandro's office felt different. The employees, usually busy with their routines, now stood by the large glass windows, staring toward the project site in the distance.Half built high rises, former project of a school foundation for the underprivileged, now sat abandoned. Yellow police tape was strung around the perimeter. Announcement boards were attached to the zinc fences.Large letters on them read: "CONSTRUCTION TEMPORARILY HALTED BASED ON MAYORAL REGULATION NUMBER 07 OF 2026 REGARDING THE REVIEW OF BUILDING PERMITS."Alexandro stood behind his mahogany desk, staring at his laptop screen displaying the headline news. His company's stock didn't just drop a little, it dropped drastically. Twenty percent overnight. Investors were starting to panic. Business partners were starting to ask questions. The public was starting to speculate.Marco entered without knocking."Sir, this news has spread everywhere," he said, placing a tablet on the

Author's Pov.The next day, early in the morning, one by one trucks started arriving at the mansion's backyard. The roar of engines, the occasional sound of horns, the shouts of workers coordinating parking spots, all mixed into one.Lucia, who was having breakfast in the living room, immediately turned toward the window. Her eyes sparkled. She put down her spoon, walked to the large glass window, and looked outside in awe.Alexandro, sitting across from her, only smiled faintly. He had planned all of this last night. After Lucia went to sleep, he called Marco and told him to contact the best contractor in the city. No matter the cost. What mattered was that the swimming pool had to be finished as soon as possible."Oh my god, they actually came!"Lucia clapped her hands lightly. Her face, still pale from morning sickness, lit up like a child receiving a gift."I told you, I'd build a swimming pool for you.""I thought you were just joking.""Have I ever joked about serious things?"L

Lucia's Pov.I sat on the hard plastic chair in the corner of the police station, but I didn't feel anything. Just the urge to bury my face in the ground and never come back up.Alexandro sat beside me. His hand still held mine. I didn't dare look into his eyes because if I did, I would see disappointment there, or worse, pity."I'm so embarrassed."He didn't answer. Just held my hand tighter.I didn't know how long we waited. Until finally, the iron door at the end of the hallway opened. The inspector came out, followed by Isabella who walked out unsteadily, her hands still shaking, her face pale, and her eyes red like she had just been crying."Lucia," she called in a hoarse voice. "I can go home now. They said Alexandro already paid. I can go home."I stood up. Alexandro stood up too. Isabella walked toward me, smiling faintly, as if everything was fine. As if she hadn't just stolen a diamond necklace and as if she hadn't just embarrassed me in front of my husband."Mom.""What, de

Author's Pov.Fabio walked quickly down the hospital hallway. His white coat billowed behind him, his steps firm and hurried. Alexandro followed from behind with calmer steps, but his eyes were alert. He knew Fabio never acted in haste without reason. If that doctor asked him to leave Lucia's room, it meant something serious.They entered Fabio's office. The room was small, with a wooden desk, two chairs, and a cabinet filled with thick medical books. Fabio closed the door, then locked it. The click of the lock echoed clearly in the silent room."Sit down, Ale."Alexandro sat in the chair across from Fabio. His face was flat, but his jaw tightened."What's wrong? Is something wrong with Lucia or the babies?""Lucia is fine. The babies are fine too. The contractions have stopped. She just needs complete rest.""Then why did you bring me here?"Fabio sighed. He sat in his chair, leaned back, and looked at Alexandro with serious eyes."This hospital has changed.""What do you mean?""The

Author's Pov.The black car drove away from the hospital at a steady speed. Marco drove carefully, occasionally checking the rearview mirror to make sure no one was following.In the back seat, Lucia sat leaning on Alexandro's shoulder, her eyes closed, her breathing steady. Exhaustion from everything that had happened made her fall asleep during the ride.Alexandro looked at his wife. Her face was still pale, the needle mark on her arm still clearly visible, bluish black against her white skin. He held Lucia's hand, feeling the coldness of his wife's fingers. The man clenched his other fist."Who are you?" he whispered to himself.They arrived at the new hospital after nearly an hour's drive. This hospital wasn't his, but he had arranged everything. The hospital director was an old friend of his. All staff had been instructed to maintain Lucia's confidentiality and security.Lucia was placed in a VIP room on the top floor. Two new guards stood watch at the door. Two other guards patr