Chapter 9 Lingering tensions

The weight of Victoria's words still lingered in the air long after dinner had ended. The tension at the table had been unbearable, and Elena could still feel the invisible burn of eyes on her as she walked through the dimly lit hallways of the Russo mansion.

She was heading to her room, desperate to be alone and process everything, but a sudden force yanked her back before she could reach her door. A strong grip closed around her wrist, spinning her around until her back met the cold marble wall. Her breath hitched, and her wide eyes locked onto the last person she wanted to be alone with-Lorenzo.

His deep brown eyes glinted with something unreadable under the golden glow of the chandeliers. His lips curled in amusement as he took in her panicked expression.

"You seemed so eager to leave," he murmured, his grip tightening just enough to make her wince.

"L-Let me go," she stammered, trying to tug her hand away, but he didn't budge.

"Why?" His voice was smooth, taunting. "Are you scared of being alone with your husband?"

The word made her stomach churn.

His other hand lifted to her face, fingers trailing deliberately slow over her cheek before dipping down to her jaw. Elena turned her face away sharply, but his grip on her wrist pulled her closer until there was barely an inch between them.

"You can play the obedient little wife all you want," he whispered, lowering his head toward her ear, his breath warm against her skin. "But don't forget who you belong to."

Elena flinched, pressing herself against the wall as much as she could.

"Don't touch me," she breathed, her voice shaky but firm.

Lorenzo chuckled, his fingers moving lower, brushing against the side of her neck, his touch feather-light but filled with dominance. Elena's entire body tensed as she tried to twist away, but he held her in place effortlessly.

Her heart pounded wildly against her ribs.

The sound of soft footsteps in the distance made Lorenzo pause. His eyes flickered toward the end of the hallway, his lips curling in annoyance before he finally released her wrist.

Elena didn't wait. She stumbled away from him, nearly running toward her room before slamming the door shut behind her.

She pressed her back against it, hands trembling as she tried to steady her breathing. The sick feeling in her stomach refused to go away.

Few Days Earlier ~

Victoria sat in the luxurious lounge of a high-end restaurant, her manicured nails tapping against the stem of her wine glass as she watched Valeria take a seat across from her.

"You called me here for a reason, I assume," Victoria said, arching a brow.

Valeria smirked. "Straight to the point. I like that."

She leaned back, elegantly crossing her legs. "I have a little... proposal for you."

Victoria took a sip of her wine. "I'm listening."

Valeria's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "I want Elena out of that marriage. For good."

Victoria feigned surprise, tilting her head slightly. "Oh? And here I thought you were playing the doting mother-in-law."

Valeria's expression darkened. "That girl is a parasite. She doesn't belong in our family."

Victoria let out a soft hum, trailing her finger along the rim of her glass. "And what exactly do you need me for?"

Valeria leaned forward slightly. "You're her sister. You know her weaknesses better than anyone."

Victoria's lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. "You're right about that."

Valeria studied her closely. "Are you up for it?"

Victoria set her glass down and met Valeria's gaze with unwavering confidence. "If the price is right."

A smirk played at Valeria's lips as she pulled out a sleek black envelope and slid it across the table. "Consider this a down payment. There will be more, as long as you do your part."

Victoria picked up the envelope, peeking inside before chuckling. "Oh, I'll do my part. Trust me."

Valeria's expression remained unreadable. "Just don't get any ideas, Victoria. Dante is not yours to have."

Victoria's eyes flickered with something dark and unreadable before she smiled sweetly. "Of course not."

But as Valeria left, Victoria's smile faded.

Because Dante wasn't the only reason she wanted Elena gone.

Her fingers curled tightly around the envelope as her mind drifted to a secret she had buried for years-one that had nothing to do with Dante.

There was someone else. Someone from her past.

A man who had disappeared without a trace.

And she had every intention of finding out what had really happened to him.

Present ~

Elena sat on the terrace, staring blankly at the garden below. The wind was cool against her skin, but it did nothing to calm the storm inside her.

A soft voice broke through her thoughts. "Mind if I join you?"

Elena turned to see Alessia standing there with a warm smile.

She hesitated before nodding. "Of course."

Alessia took a seat beside her. "You looked like you could use some company."

Elena sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I... I just feel lost."

Alessia didn't push her to speak, but there was a quiet understanding in her eyes.

After a moment, Alessia smiled. "You know, I wasn't always here either."

Elena glanced at her, curious. "What do you mean?"

Alessia leaned back slightly. "I didn't grow up in this mansion. I had a life outside of all this before I came here."

Elena tilted her head. "Why did you come?"

Alessia's gaze darkened slightly before she quickly masked it with a smile. "For someone important to me."

There was something cryptic about her words, but Elena didn't push.

Alessia changed the subject with a grin. "How about tomorrow I take you out for a bit? A small escape from all this."

Elena blinked. "I don't think they'll let me."

Alessia smirked. "I have my ways."

For the first time that night, Elena felt a flicker of hope.

Dante~

From his room, Dante stood near his window, watching the garden below. His sharp eyes landed on the two figures sitting on the terrace.

Elena.

Even in the dim light, her soft, delicate features stood out. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the moonlight, and her expression-somber, distant-made something stir inside him.

She looked... fragile.

A stark contrast to the ruthless world he was used to.

His jaw tightened.

This was exactly why he needed to stay away. She was a distraction-one he couldn't afford.

A sudden vibration from his phone pulled him from his thoughts.

He glanced at the screen.

An unknown number.

He hesitated before opening the message.

"You're not as untouchable as you think, Russo. Watch your back."

Dante's eyes darkened. His grip on the phone tightened.

Who the hell was playing games with him?

Whoever they were, they'd just made a very dangerous mistake.

MIDNIGHT ~

The mansion was quiet at this hour, the hallways bathed in soft moonlight. Everyone was either asleep or in their rooms, but Victoria moved carefully, her steps light against the marble floors.

She glanced over her shoulder before slipping into the shadows, her fingers tightening around a small, stolen key.

Valeria had been careless, leaving it within reach.

A smirk curled on Victoria's lips as she slid the key into the lock of Dante's private study. A soft click echoed in the silence, and she pushed the door open just enough to slip inside.

The room smelled of whiskey and leather, a strong masculine presence lingering even in his absence. She took a steadying breath before making her way to the massive mahogany desk at the center of the room.

Her fingers skimmed over the smooth surface before she pulled open the first drawer. Empty.

The second. Useless documents.

But the third-

Her heart skipped a beat.

A hidden compartment.

Victoria's lips parted in satisfaction as she pressed against the wood, and with a soft click, the compartment slid open. Inside lay a stack of neatly arranged documents.

She reached for them, her pulse quickening as she scanned the top page.

The moment her eyes landed on the content, her breath caught in her throat.

She read it once. Then twice.

Her grip on the paper tightened.

"So this is what you've been hiding, Dante?"

The moonlight cast an eerie glow over her face, reflecting the dark amusement in her eyes.

She folded the document neatly, slipping it into her dress before quietly closing the drawer.

Then, just as silently as she had come, she disappeared into the shadows.