Chapter 2 THE WEB OF DECEiT

THE WEB OF DECEiT

Luca ordered a drink and a cigarette. He lit the cigarette while waiting for Lorenzo's arrival. His mind was racing with questions, and it wasn't long before Lorenzo appeared in front of him. Lorenzo wore a worried expression, clearly expecting an explanation for Luca's sudden request.

"Is everything okay, Luca? You sounded really disturbed," Lorenzo asked.

"I found a bullet in front of my room, and when I asked to see the surveillance footage, my request was denied. Later, someone in a black shirt, trousers, and a cap spilled a glass of wine on me. I couldn't figure out who it was," Luca explained, exhaling smoke as he remained seated at the counter stool.

"Wow, what a day. That's strange: a mysterious bullet, spilled wine on the same day, and denied access to the surveillance camera. Come on, what else do you need to realize your life is at stake? Someone is after you," Lorenzo suggested.

"How is that possible? I haven't done anything to anyone," Luca defended himself.

"You are a billionaire; you own an empire. You are a prime target," Lorenzo explained. "You really need to leave here today."

Lorenzo paused, deep in thought. After a minute, he spoke again. "Ella sounded really strange today. I remembered our date that was scheduled; she suggested a cemetery, and it got me thinking. I wonder why she said that."

"Bro, and you still wonder if your life is being threatened when everything is handed to you

on a platter?" Lorenzo said, clearing the air.

Luca sipped his drink and said, "I will leave here first thing tomorrow morning." Suddenly, he received a threatening text that read, "You can't run too far." Less than thirty minutes later, he got a call from Ella.

"Luca, I had a change of plans. Let's meet tonight at your place. I won't be able to see you again tomorrow; I have an urgent meeting that requires me to leave early in the morning," Ella explained.

"That's fine with me. Tonight it is! I can't wait to see you," Luca replied, a dashing smile spreading across his face.

"Who was that? Who got you smiling?" Lorenzo questioned, still wearing a worried expression. "No one you know," Luca replied with a smile. "Okay, if you say so, you are a grown man," Lorenzo concluded.

All day, Luca sat reflecting on the events that had unfolded earlier. He tried to piece everything together but couldn't shake the feeling that his life was in jeopardy.

Ella arrived at the hotel wearing a stunning white sleeveless gown, Gucci black heels, and carrying a small diamond-shaped handbag. A knock echoed at Luca's door, and when he opened it, he found Ella standing before him, radiant. "Hey... Ella," Luca said, his eyes admiring her beauty. "Oh dear, forgive my bad manners. Please come in," he added.

"It's early; I didn't think you would come this early," Luca remarked.

"I know, but I had to. I missed you so much; I couldn't stop thinking about you all day, reliving our previous ordeal," Ella explained.

"I had thoughts of you too, Ella," Luca replied. Before he knew it, his lips found hers, and he kissed her passionately. His hands slipped into her gown, feeling the warmth between her thighs. He rubbed her gently until her eyes rolled back in pleasure, and then he thrust into her. They remained entwined for an hour, and Luca was far from tired.

After a few minutes, Ella placed her hands forward, signaling that she needed a break. Luca immediately respected her request, and they both lay back on the bed, exhausted. Luca soon fell asleep, but Ella remained awake. She flicked her fingers near his face, hoping to rouse him, but he was already fast asleep.

Getting up from the bed, Ella took control of Luca's laptop and connected a USB drive. She began hacking into his system. Ella's real name was Giulia Ricci, from Toscana, Italy, and she had been on Luca's trail for some time. She worked for one of Luca's rivals, known as "White Death."Giulia has been hired for her expertise in hacking and gathering