Chapter 4 Uncovering the truth

Leonardo's POV

Morning light streamed through the study windows, I sipped my coffee, reviewing the day's schedule.

My security chief, Brian, knocked and entered.

"Don, we've received information about Genna," he said, his expression grave.

I set my cup down. "What is it, Brian?"

Brian handed me a file. "This is Clinton, Genna's brother."

A photograph showed a young man with a striking resemblance to Genna.

"What about him?" I asked.

Brian's voice was somber. "He was murdered, Sir. The same night you found Miss Genna on the road."

My grip on the file tightened. Genna's desperation to find her brother made sense now.

"Who's responsible for his death?" I demanded.

Brian's expression turned grim. "Some masked men. We don't know who they are or why they targeted Clinton but they were searching for Genna too."

I studied the photo, my mind racing. Genna's past seems to be more complicated than I'd thought.

"Is there anything else?" I asked.

Brian hesitated. "Yes, Don. We found out that Genna has an aunt. She's the one who sold her to those men that night."

My eyes narrowed. "What?"

Brian nodded. "Our sources confirm the aunt was involved. After the men dragged Genna out of the house, the aunt was nowhere to be found."

A surge of anger coursed through me. Who would sell their own family?

"Find the aunt," I ordered. "I want to know her role in this."

Brian nodded. "Already on it, Don."

"Genna must not hear about this, yet. Until I find out everything about her." I demanded.

"Alright, Don." Brian nodded. "Understood, Don."

As Brian left, I couldn't shake the feeling that Genna's presence was more than a coincidence.

Why was she on that road, that night?

What did she know about her brother's murder?

And what did it have to do with me?

My gaze drifted to the dungeon, where Genna was being held.

Just then, Denise burst into the room.

"Uncle Leo, where's Genna?" she demanded.

"Denise, what's wrong?" I asked.

"I won't eat breakfast until I see Genna," she said, her lower lip jutting out.

I sighed. "Fine. Bring Genna to me," I ordered.

A few minutes later, Genna was led into the room, her eyes flashing with defiance. Her hair was disheveled, and her clothes were rumpled from the night in the dungeon.

"Genna," I said, my voice cold. "I have a proposal for you."

"What is it?" she asked warily.

"I want you to be Denise's nanny," I said.

Genna's eyes widened. "You can't be serious."

"I am," I replied. "You'll take care of Denise, and in return, I'll provide for you."

Genna shook her head. "No."

I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing. "You're indebted to me, Genna. I saved your life."

I watched her jaw clench on defiance, and she looked really cute. "That doesn't mean I'll be your servant."

"I'm not asking you to be a servant," I said. "I'm offering you a chance to repay your debt."

Genna's eyes flashed, but she knew she was trapped.

"You'll do as I say," I emphasized. "You'll follow my rules."

Genna's gaze dropped.

"Fine," she muttered.

Denise clapped her hands. "Yay! Genna will be my nanny!"

Genna forced a smile. "I'll take care of Denise."

I nodded. "Good. Brian will show you to your new quarters."

As Genna followed Brian out, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

Genna would stay under my roof, and I would uncover the truth.

******

I stood at my study window, gazing out at the perfectly manicured lawn.

Suddenly, a sleek, tinted car drove up the winding driveway. My gaze narrowed and a tall, imposing figure stepped out.

Marco. My twin brother.

I clenched my jaw. Marco's presence was always unwelcome.

As Mafia leaders, our paths often crossed, but our relationship was strained.

We were identical twins, we shared the same chiseled features and powerful build. But our similarities ended there. He had always been my father's favorite and he bullied me mostly when we were younger.

Memories flooded in as I remembered the constant comparison, rebuking and favoritism on his side. I had to struggle to build my own empire from the scratch.

Marco's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze cold and calculating.

He strode toward the mansion, flanked by his bodyguards.

Marco stepped into my study, his presence commanding attention.

Denise, sitting on the couch, looked up at Marco with wide eyes.

"Uncle Leo, who's that?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Marco's gaze shifted to Denise, and he smiled.

"Hello, little one," he said, crouching down.

Denise's eyes filled with fear, and she scrambled off the couch.

"Uncle Leo!" she shrieked, running to me.

I wrapped a protective arm around her.

Her screams brought Genna's attention and she entered the study immediately, her eyes scanning the room.

"Denise, come here," she called gently.

Denise rushed to Genna, clinging to her hand.

As Genna turned to leave, her gaze caught on the photo of Clinton on my desk. She stared briefly at the photo before turning away.

Marco's gaze locked onto Genna and their eyes met.

She quickly looked away and ushered Denise out of the study.

But his eyes still lingered on the doorway where Genna had disappeared.

"Who is she?" Marco asked.

"None of your concern. What do you want, Marco?" I asked.

Marco's smile widened.

"You will soon know. I'd love to meet that woman again. She is charming"

I stepped forward.

"You'll stay away from her."

Marco raised an eyebrow.

"The protective Macho man, aren't you?" He sneered.

"Leave my estate" I growled.

Marco's visit was no coincidence.

He was after something or someone. His sudden interest in Genna was unwanted.

As he walked back to his car, he spotted Genna.

My eyes narrowed as Marco changed direction, striding toward Genna.

She stood alone, her eyes fixed on the flowers. Marco approached her, his smile charming.

I couldn't hear their conversation. He reached for Genna's hands. She pulled back, her eyes flashing. Marco persisted and my anger boiled.

Genna's gaze met mine and for a moment, our eyes locked.

Then Marco turned, following her gaze.

His eyes met mine.

Marco released Genna's wrist, but his parting words made her pale.

Genna hurried away and Marco watched her go.

Marco got into his car and drove away.

I strode out of my study, finding Genna in the hallway.

"Genna," I called.

She turned.

"What did Marco say?" I demanded.

Genna hesitated.

"Nothing," she muttered.

"Tell me," I ordered.

"He asked me to dinner," she whispered.

My anger boiled.

"Did he threaten you?" I asked.

She nodded.

I'll handle Marco. No one touches what's mine.