Chapter 6 Hidden Agendas

The morning light filtered through the windows, casting a golden glow across the breakfast table where Luca sat. Alessa's mind was still reeling from the photograph she'd found the night before.

He offered her a smile. "Sleep well?"

Alessa managed a faint smirk. "Like a baby," she replied sarcastically.

They ate in silence, and Alessa could feel the tension thickening with each passing minute. She was acutely aware of the photograph hidden in her room, a secret that held the power to shatter everything Luca had tried to bury. Yet, she knew she needed more proof.

Just as she was considering her next move, Carmen entered, carrying a sleek, black envelope. She handed it to Luca with a bow, glancing at Alessa with a look that almost seemed apologetic.

Luca opened the envelope, his eyes flicking over its contents. His expression remained impassive, but Alessa noticed the brief look of surprise in his gaze.

"A dinner invitation," he murmured, setting the paper down. "From none other than Matteo Marconi himself."

Alessa's heart skipped a beat. Matteo Marconi was one of the most feared men in their world, known for his ruthlessness and cunning. A dinner invitation from him was rare, and rarely without motive.

Luca's gaze shifted to her. "We'll be attending together," he said smoothly, as though there were no other option.

She forced a smile. "I wouldn't miss it."

But her mind was already racing. Matteo's invitation couldn't be coincidental-it had to be connected to whatever Luca was hiding about her father's death. She would have to use this opportunity to get closer to the truth.

That evening, Alessa dressed in a sleek, black gown, her hair styled in loose waves that framed her face. The reflection staring back at her looked every inch the poised mafia wife, but beneath the polished exterior, her heart hammered with anticipation and fear.

When she joined Luca by the door, his gaze lingered on her a moment longer than usual. "You clean up well," he murmured, offering his arm.

She accepted it without a word, her mind already turning to the task ahead. They rode to Matteo's estate in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Alessa felt the weight of Luca's presence beside her, a constant reminder of the dangerous game they were both playing.

As they arrived, Matteo greeted them with a charming, practiced smile. He was an older man with sharp, calculating eyes that missed nothing. Alessa noted the way his gaze lingered on her, sizing her up as though she were another piece in a game only he fully understood.

"Ah, the lovely Mrs. DeLuca," Matteo said, extending his hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard...interesting things."

Alessa managed a smile, slipping her hand into his. "Only interesting things? I'm flattered."

Matteo chuckled. "Oh, I suspect you're even more intriguing than the rumors say."

Luca stepped in smoothly, his tone light. "Let's not keep our host waiting," he said, guiding Alessa toward the dining room. But Alessa noticed the subtle tension in his posture, a sign that he wasn't entirely comfortable.

They were seated at a grand table, surrounded by Matteo's closest allies. Alessa recognized a few familiar men, who had once been loyal to her father but now pledged their allegiance to Luca. It was a bitter reminder of how swiftly alliances could shift.

Throughout the meal, Matteo steered the conversation effortlessly, touching on everything from business ventures to family matters. But Alessa sensed the undercurrent of an unspoken challenge that hung in the air between Matteo and Luca.

Finally, as the plates were cleared, Matteo leaned forward, his gaze fixed on Luca. "I've heard you're interested in expanding your operations," he said, his tone casual. "Particularly in the territories that once belonged to the Russos."

Luca's expression didn't falter. "You're well-informed, Matteo. I see that hasn't changed."

Matteo smiled. "I've always taken an interest in the affairs of old friends. It's unfortunate what happened to Alessa's father, don't you think?"

Alessa stiffened. This was it-the opening she'd been waiting for. She forced herself to remain calm.

"Yes, it was a tragedy," Luca replied, his voice smooth. "But the world moves on."

Matteo's gaze shifted to Alessa, a knowing look in his eyes. "And you, my dear? Do you think the world moves on so easily from such... unfortunate events?"

Alessa met his gaze, her voice steady. "The world may move on, but some of us don't forget. My father's legacy still lives on, in one way or another."

Luca's hand tensed beside her, but he said nothing. Matteo's smile widened, as though he'd just confirmed a suspicion.

"Interesting," he murmured, leaning back in his chair. "Loyalty is a rare quality these days. But sometimes loyalty can blind us to the truth. Don't you think, Alessa?"

She held his gaze, refusing to back down. "Loyalty may blind us, but betrayal opens our eyes."

The words hung in the air, charged with meaning. Matteo's expression remained unreadable, but Alessa could see the faint glint of approval in his eyes. He gave her a slight nod, as though acknowledging her unspoken challenge.

At that moment, Luca placed his hand over hers, a reminder of the power he held over her. Alessa resisted the urge to pull away but the weight of his touch only served to remind her of the battle brewing between them.

The night was winding down when Matteo pulled Luca aside, leaving Alessa alone in the grand hallway. She took the opportunity to explore, her gaze sweeping over the decor. Her steps carried her down the hall, where she caught sight of a door left slightly ajar.

Curiosity flared, and she slipped inside, finding herself in a dimly lit study lined with bookshelves and antique furniture. The air was heavy with the scent of old leather and a sense of secrets hidden just beneath the surface.

Her gaze landed on a small stack of papers on the desk. Glancing back to make sure no one was watching, she reached for them. The first few pages were business contracts and invoices. But as she flipped through, her eyes caught something that made her blood turn to ice.

It was a list of names-her family's allies, each marked with a status update: "neutralized," "aligned," "eliminated."

At the bottom of the list, her father's name was highlighted, followed by a chilling note: Confirmed as instructed.

Alessa's hands trembled as she clutched the papers, the horrifying realization sinking in. Matteo hadn't just been a friend of her father-he'd been part of the plan to take him down. He and Luca were both responsible.

Just as she began to back away, footsteps echoed from the hall. She froze, panic surging as the footsteps grew louder, coming closer. There was no escape-she was trapped.

The door creaked open, and she spun around, the papers still clutched in her hand. Her heart plummeted as she found herself face-to-face with Matteo.

His eyes flicked to the papers, a dark smile spreading across his face. "Curiosity can be a dangerous habit, Alessa," he murmured, his tone both amused and threatening.

She swallowed hard, refusing to let her fear show. "Then maybe you should be more careful with your secrets."

Matteo's smile widened, his gaze narrowing. "Oh, I will. But you... you may find that knowing too much comes at a price."

He took a step closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You should ask your husband what price he's willing to pay to keep his secrets safe."

Before she could respond, he turned and left, the door clicking shut behind him. Alessa was left standing alone, her heart racing and her mind reeling with the weight of what she'd just uncovered.

She clutched the papers tighter, her resolve hardening. The time for waiting was over. If Luca and Matteo thought they could keep her in the dark, they were about to find out just how wrong they were.