The wind howled over the dunes as if whispering secrets meant only for the brave. Donato wiped the sweat from his brow, his boots crunching against hot sand. Sunlight bounced off the silver water bottles strapped to his side, and a half-empty pack of protein bars hung from his shoulder. He moved like a ghost through the blazing desert, every step a test of will, every breath a silent vow.
The call connected. Static crackled for a moment.
"Luca," Donato’s voice came through, strained but alive. "I’m about to pass the desert. Three more days to reach the next point on the map."
Relief softened Luca’s features. "You crossed the river?"
"Yes. Nearly drowned, but I made it. Found a small store. Stocked enough water and snacks. I can do this."
Luca exhaled, eyes briefly closing. "Morano was furious. He called it reckless, said you need to come back. He’s worried."
Donato chuckled dryly. "He’s not wrong. But fear? That’s not how we were raised."
There was silence for a beat, then Donato’s voice deepened. "We are the Moranos, Luca. We don’t crumble beneath fear. We conquer it. Even if it costs me my life."
Luca’s throat tightened. "That’s true," he said quietly. "But just... be strong, brother. I believe in you."
A pause. Then Donato replied, firm and grateful. "Thank you."
His tone shifted. "Now go resume the office. Immediately. You’re the head now. The family needs you."
"I will," Luca said, resolute.
Meanwhile, the estate remained heavy with the remnants of confrontation. Behind her bedroom door, Alessia sat curled on the window bench, absently staring out at the gardens bathed in late-afternoon gold.
She turned as Daisy poked her head in, grinning with mischief.
"You won’t believe who I just saw."
Alessia raised a brow. "If it’s another old man with an umbrella, I’ll scream."
"No," Daisy said, slipping inside. "Bianca’s parents. Still here. Lurking around like guilt-soaked ghosts."
Alessia sighed. "They should leave already."
"I say they should leave your life," Daisy snapped. "Pack their drama and go."
Alessia chuckled. "Still eavesdropping, huh?"
Daisy flopped dramatically onto the armchair. "Please, I’m part of this family now. There are limits to my eavesdropping. I promise I only listen when it’s juicy."
Alessia threw a pillow at her, laughing softly.
Just then, the door creaked open—and Luca stepped in, his presence commanding, eyes locked on Alessia.
Daisy stood instantly. "I’ll, uh, leave you two before I get kicked out."
Alessia grinned. "Coward."
"Smart coward," Daisy winked and slipped out, pulling the door shut behind her.
Luca crossed to Alessia, and without a word, she rose and wrapped her arms around him. His hands rested on her back, holding her close like he was anchoring his sanity.
"I told them everything," he murmured into her hair. "I offered them money. Safety. A clean slate. But I won’t let anyone blackmail me with a child that shouldn’t have existed. Not anymore."
Alessia pulled back, cupping his face. "I believe in you, Luca. You’re not that man anymore. You’re mine now."
He kissed her gently. "Always."
But their moment shattered.
A low, thunderous rumble vibrated the floor.
Luca’s head snapped up.
Another rumble tires with multiple engines.
The estate’s alert system lit up in a flash—red lights blinking silently.
Luca moved to the window, pulling the curtains aside just enough to peer outside.
Four black SUVs. Tinted windows. No license plates.
He turned sharply. "Alessia, come here."
She obeyed, and he wrapped an arm protectively around her. "Stay close. Don’t be scared."
Her eyes widened. "Who is it?"
"I don’t know yet," he said coldly. "But I’m going to find out."
From outside came the sharp whistle of guards barking orders.
Boots scuffed against marble. Rifles were raised. The estate was seconds away from becoming a war zone.
Luca didn’t move from the window.
And then... from the lead SUV...
A figure stepped out.
Dressed in a white tailored coat and blood-red heels.
Alessia’s breath caught.
"...Who is that?" she whispered.
Because the woman stepping forward—
Wasn’t from this country.
And wasn’t supposed to be alive.
His voice dropped to a whisper.
Alessia looked up at him, panic blooming in her eyes.
"Luca... who is she?"
And then he whispered one name.
The name of the woman they buried three years ago.