Chapter 11

"Ex-husband?" Leo's hand tightened around mine.Vincenzo's face instantly darkened."Leo, it's better if you go," I said softly."I'm not leaving you alone with him." Leo stood his ground in front of me, a solid wall.Vincenzo let out a cold laugh. "Kid, do you have any idea who you're speaking to?""I know who you are," Leo shot back, unflinching. "But this isn't New York. Your threats don't work on me here."I saw a flash of murderous intent in Vincenzo's eyes."Leo, it's really okay. You should go."Leo gave me a hesitant look. "Elara, if you need me, call me anytime."He turned and left, but he walked slowly, glancing back at me every few steps.Now, it was just Vincenzo and me."Eight years, and this is how you welcome me?"Vincenzo tried to approach, but I stopped him by taking a step back."What are you doing here?""I'm taking you home.""We don't have a home anymore." My voice was as calm as still water. "You destroyed it with your own hands, remember?"Vincenzo froze, at a lo

Chapter 12

Vincenzo's POVUnder the New York night sky, the De Luca estate was ablaze with light.I drove straight here from the airport, without stopping.In the grand hall, Chloe, dressed in a red evening gown, was directing the maids as they set the long dining table.When she saw my car pull up, she gathered her skirt and ran down the steps, her face fixed in the same innocent, expectant smile I had once believed."Vincenzo! You're back!"She ran toward me, ready to throw herself into my arms, just like every other time."I had the chef make your favorite roasted lamb chops, and—""Sit down."I sidestepped her touch, my voice as cold as a blade.Chloe froze, her smile stiffening on her face."What happened? Is Elara—""I said, sit down."She meekly sat at the long table, her hands clasped nervously in her lap.The table was set with exquisite silverware and fresh flowers.It was the kind of fussy display Elara had always hated, but it was the "lady of the house" life Chloe had always dreamed

Chapter 13

Six months later."Elara, the financial statements for the Rossini winery are complete."My assistant knocked and entered my office."Net profit is up forty percent compared to this time last year."I put down my pen and nodded with satisfaction.This was the sixth client for the investment consulting firm I had founded in Florence.In just six months, I had helped five traditional family businesses complete their modern transformation.Wineries, leather workshops, olive oil mills, these centuries-old family businesses were thriving again under my guidance.I was no longer a financial advisor to a criminal empire; I was an entrepreneur in my own right."Cancel today's meetings," I said, gathering my files. "I'm going home early."In the early evening, I returned to the Tuscan estate.Leo was already waiting for me under the olive tree.A picnic blanket was spread out before him, along with a bottle of 1985 Chianti."What are we celebrating?""We're celebrating you saving another family

All Chapters of Nothing Waits Forever, Not Even Love: Chapter 11 - Chapter 13

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13