Daisy shifted in her seat, her usually bold demeanor softened by worry.
"I didn’t mean to scare you," Daisy said gently, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "I just thought... you had the right to know."
Alessia looked up, her eyes steady. Her heart still pounded, but her voice was calm. "I’m glad you told me. But let’s not panic yet. We stay calm... and see what happens next."
Daisy gave a small nod. "Good. Because whatever happens, you’re not alone."
Alessia offered a faint smile. "Thanks, Daisy. I needed that."
The atmosphere in Luca’s office was cool and sharply modern, with sweeping views of the skyline and the heavy scent of imported cologne lingering in the air.
Luca Morano stood behind his desk, dressed in a sleek black suit, sleeves rolled to his forearms, his tie loosened. Power radiated from him with every movement—measured, in control, untouchable.
The door opened. A woman stepped in.
Tall. Striking. Dressed in a dangerously tight wine-red dress with a slit that danced high on her thigh. Her long legs and hourglass curves held the kind of confidence that silenced rooms.
"Mr. Morano," she purred, stepping forward in expensive stilettos. "Clarisse Fontaine. CEO of Fontaine Tech."
Luca offered a firm nod, gesturing for her to sit. "You requested a meeting. I’m listening."
Clarisse took her seat with elegance, crossing her legs slowly—intentionally.
"I won’t waste time," she said, placing a sleek tablet on his desk. "Fontaine Tech is prepared to offer a full partnership proposal with Morano Enterprises. Equal stakes. Equal voice."
Luca’s jaw ticked. "I appreciate the ambition, Ms. Fontaine. But partnership isn’t on the table."
Clarisse blinked, lips parting. "Why not?"
"It’s not company policy," he said, his tone firm. "We’re family-owned, and we intend to stay that way. No partnerships. Only contracts."
"I was hoping to change your mind."
Clarisse leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping. "Surely we can negotiate..."
Luca checked his watch. "Excuse me for a moment. I need to take this call."
He stepped into the hallway, closing the door behind him.
The moment she was alone, Clarisse stood quickly, heels clicking softly across the floor. She walked to Luca’s briefcase, unzipped the leather, and slipped something inside.
A pair of black G-string lace panties.
She smirked, zipped it back up, and returned to her seat.
Moments later, Luca re-entered.
"My apologies," he said curtly. "Now, if we’re done....."
Clarisse stood, smoothing her dress. "Yes. We are. But I’ll be back, Mr. Morano. Some deals are worth pursuing twice."
She offered a smile full of suggestion before strutting out the door.
As she stepped into the elevator, her phone buzzed. She answered immediately.
"It’s done," Clarisse said. "Job one complete. The balance should be sent."
On the other end, Seraphina’s voice rang with satisfaction. "Well done. I’ll transfer it immediately."
Clarisse grinned. "Pleasure doing business."
The elevator doors closed.
Luca returned home, his jacket slung over one arm. He kissed Alessia on the cheek, his other hand already reaching to loosen his tie.
"I’ll be quick. Just need a shower," he said, heading straight for the bathroom.
Alessia smiled faintly and walked over to his suitcase, hoping to pull out the new set of documents they were reviewing together.
The screen of his phone lit up beside the case.
A message flashed across the screen.
"Thanks for the office quickie . I really enjoyed it. Forgot my pant in your suitcase. You know, when your secretary nearly walked in, we had to clear the evidence. Love you."
Her hands went ice cold.
Alessia deep her hand in the briefcase and found it.
The evidence sat there—plain, cruel, mocking her trust.
Alessia slowly backed away, her eyes blurring with tears she hadn’t realized were falling.
Luca walked out of the bathroom moments later, towel draped low on his hips, rubbing his hair dry.
He paused when he saw her—rigid, broken, staring at his phone.
"Hey... babe?" he asked cautiously. "What’s that you’re holding?"
Then he saw the screen.
"The number’s untraceable," he said instantly, grabbing the phone. "Alessia, this isn’t real. It’s a setup."
She said nothing, only looked at him with a tremble in her voice. "I trust you, Luca... but I don’t know what to believe right now."
He dropped the towel, not caring, and strode to her, cupping her face. "Listen to me. I would never cheat. Never. This is someone’s trap. And I swear, I’ll find out who it is. No one messes with us and walks away."
His voice was steel. His eyes burned with fury.
Then he pulled her into a fierce hug, holding her as if she might disappear.
"I am for you alone," he whispered. "Always."
She closed her eyes, breathing him in. Her heart still hurt... but a deeper part of her believed him.
After a long silence, she whispered, "There’s something I didn’t tell you."
He pulled back, searching her face. "What is it?"
"Lorenzo," she said. "He’s alive."
Luca didn’t flinch. Didn’t blink.
He just sighed and said, "Let him live his new life. As long as he doesn’t cross into ours, I don’t care."
Donato scoured the guest chamber, his brows furrowed in frustration. Pillows, drawers, travel bag—everything had been searched twice.
The door opened quietly.
Princess Elowen stepped in, her presence as graceful as the night wind.
"Looking for something?" she said and crossed her arm. "I know I have been avoiding you, since you rejected my kiss."
Donato stood, lips tightening. "You did what you believed was right. It’s fine."
Elowen’s eyes softened. "I gave your travel bag to Enzo. I didn’t want to see you in person. Not yet."
Donato froze. "You gave it to Enzo?"
"Yes. I... may have touched your phone. Just once. It was in the side pouch. But now it’s not there."
He turned away, face stormy. "I’ve been searching all morning."
The princess stepped closer. "Donato... I saw Enzo in the dark last night. Making phone calls. He’s hiding something."
Donato turned back to her slowly.
"From day one," she continued, "he’s felt off. I already asked two of my father’s guards to keep eyes on him."
Then she said, "My father wants you in the council hall. He’s requested our presence. He says it’s time... for a very important discussion."
Donato stared at the closed door...