chandelier above them seemed to magnify the weight of their shared history, casting long, jagged shadows on the walls. The table between them, once a symbol

ena had made it clear-this wasn't just about two families forced into an alliance; this was about survival, about power. And

quieter now, less a challenge and more an observation. Her gaze h

grazed the edge of her wine glass, the way her lips seemed to curl ever so slightly as if she were savoring the

s tone colder than the icy marble floors beneath their

That's what this is to you, isn't it? Just business." Her e

at twisting words, at turning the knife in subtle ways. She knew how to strike without

ut I will do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of the Moretti name.

seemed almost... human. It was a fleeting moment, one quickl

ly one who's had to fight to survive, Sebastian? You think you're the on

sonal-passed through him. His fingers tightened around his glass, the sudden surge of emotio

ontrolled. "We're not that different. And th

that was almost predatory. "Underesti

oment, the tension in the room dissipated. A servant entered, bowing sligh

Cantu. There is a matter th

es locking for a brief moment before

eating, leaving them once more in t

and purposeful. "Shall we?" she a

is attention. They both knew this alliance wasn't just a matter of convenience. It was about control, power, and the

presence between them. The hallway was dark, the soft light from the chandeliers cast

gathered around a large table, their faces tense, their voices lowered. He could feel the

tian's voice cut through the

o said, his face grim. "They've been making moves. We believe they're planning something-an attack

ons had always been secondary to the Morettis'. If they were starting to m

voice sharp as she stepped forward,

ng toward her. "It's not certain, but there are rumors that it's

ian's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the room seemed to close in around him. The Rizzos were bad en

" Sebastian said, his voice like steel.

. "Agreed. But we should be cautious. The last thi

m not interested in caution right now, Elena. This is a matter of surviv

lips curling slightly. "

more than just a business decision. This was the beginning of something far da

e shadows and secrets bubbling to the surface, both Sebast