Gianna punched in the pin and opened the door to the penthouse. The quiet and arranged living room greeted her. She took quick strides, her heels clicking against the marble floor, and headed straight for the bedroom.
Inside, she found Luca sprawled across the bed, an empty bottle of whiskey on the nightstand. She shook her head, concerned. "Luca, you can't keep doing this," she muttered under her breath.
She approached the bed, nudging his shoulder gently. "Luca, wake up."
Luca groaned, rolling onto his back and squinting up at her. "Gianna?" His voice was thick with sleep and alcohol.
"Yes, it's me," she replied, crossing her arms. "You look like fucking hell."
Luca rubbed his face, trying to clear the fog from his mind. "What time is it?"
"It's morning," Gianna said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "We need to talk."
"About what?" Luca mumbled, still half-asleep.
"About you, about everything," Gianna replied. "You've been spiraling, and it's affecting everything. We can't go on like this."
Luca sat up slowly, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I'm fine, G. Just tired."
"This isn't it" Gianna countered. "It's been weeks. Months, even. Ever since... ever since she came here."
Luca's expression darkened. "Sophia?"
"Yes, Sophia," Gianna's tone softened slightly. "She's messing with your head, Luca. You need to confront whatever it is you're feeling about her."
Luca laughed bitterly. "What I'm feeling? You think I don't know? I hate her, Gianna. She and her father ruined my life."
"Then why does she still get to you so much?" Gianna asked quietly. "If you hate her, why does she have this power over you?"
Luca didn't answer immediately, his jaw clenching. "Because... because I trusted her once. I thought... never mind."
Gianna reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "Luca, you have to let this go. Holding onto this anger, this hatred, it's destroying you."
"And what do you suggest I do?" Luca snapped. "Forgive her? Pretend like nothing happened?"
"I don't know," Gianna admitted. "But you need to figure it out. For your sake, for my sake, for everyone's sake."
Luca sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I don't know if I can."
"You have to try," Gianna urged. "Please, Luca. For me."
"Alright," he said finally. "I'll try."
"That's all I ask," Gianna said, squeezing his arm gently. "Now, get up. Let's get you cleaned up."
Luca nodded, letting her help him to his feet. As they walked, Gianna glanced at him, concerned. "Or do you want me to call Leona?"
Luca shook his head strongly. "No... it's not necessary, okay."
"But look at you, you've lost it," Gianna insisted.
"I'll take care of it, G. Don't worry. I'm going to shower and then we'll go back to the estate."
Gianna sighed but didn't push further. She hoped Luca would follow through on his promise, but deep down, she knew they still had a long road ahead.
.
.
.
.
**New York City **
Ariana stepped out of the black car, her men flanking her on either side as she made her way up the driveway. The house in front of her was a picture of suburban tranquility, with its neatly trimmed lawn and white picket fence. But today, that peace was about to be shattered.
Helen, Alexander's wife, opened the door, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Ariana and her entourage. Her two children, a little boy of four and a girl of six, peeked curiously from behind her legs.
"Miss. DeLuca," Helen stuttered, "I-I wasn't expecting you."
Ariana's expression was cold, unyielding. She didn't acknowledge the greeting. "Go get your husband," she ordered.
Helen hesitated for a moment, glancing nervously at the men standing behind Ariana. She nodded quickly and turned, calling out for Alexander.
Moments later, Alexander appeared at the top of the stairs, his face a mixture of worry and anger. He was panting, having rushed down as soon as he heard his wife's urgent call. "Ariana, what are you doing here?" his eyes darted between her and his family.
"We need to talk," she said sharply.
Alexander stepped forward. "This is my home. My family is here," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Whatever you have to say, it can wait."
Ariana's eyes narrowed. "You don't get to dictate when we talk, Alexander. This is important."
Helen, sensing the tension, quickly ushered the children into another room, her face pale with fear.
"Let's go," Alexander pointed at the couch.
"Fine," Ariana's tone was cold. "Lead the way."
As they settled on the couch, Alexander glanced at Ariana with barely concealed fury. "What is this about?" he demanded.
Ariana leaned forward, her piercing gaze locked onto Alexander's. "You need to stop interfering in my business."
He laughed. "And why should I?" he retorted. "Is it because you're a fraud?"
Ariana's eyes flashed with anger. "Watch your mouth, you fucking bastard," she sneered.b
"Or what? Are you afraid I'm going to expose you for what you did to Sophia DeLuca?"
The mention of Sophia's name caused a visible reaction in Ariana, her jaw tightening as she fought to maintain her composure. "It seems as though you don't love your family," she said coldly, leaning back in her chair. "You don't mind losing them."
His eyes widened in horror. "Don't you fucking dare," his voice trembled with fear and fury.
Ariana's lips curled into a cruel smile. "You think I won't?" she whispered. "You think I won't do whatever it takes to protect my interests?"
"Leave them out of this," he pleaded brokenly. "This is between us."
She shook her head slowly. "This is about more than just us, Alexander. This is about loyalty. Respect. You should have known better than to cross me."
"You're a monster."
"And you're a fool," Ariana shot back. "A fool who underestimated the lengths I would go to."
For a long moment, the room was silent. Then Alexander took a deep breath, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "What do you want from me?" he asked quietly.
Ariana's smile widened. "I want you to stay out of my business," she said. "I want you to keep your mouth shut about Sophia. And I want you to remember that your family's safety depends on your cooperation."
Alexander nodded slowly."Fine," he muttered. "You win."
Ariana stood, smoothing her dress with a satisfied smile. "Good choice, Alexander," she said. "Remember, this isn't just a game. This is your life. And theirs."
As she turned to leave, she paused, glancing back at him with a smirk. "Stay in line. Or you'll regret it."
With that, she walked out of the house, her men following closely behind. Alexander stood there, and his body shook with anger. Knowing that his family's safety was now tied to the whims of a woman he despised.
**Luca Moreno's Estate**
Sophia had been racking her brain to remember Luca from her childhood, but to no avail. In her dreams, he was clearly reprimanding the other boy and accusing him of pushing her into the lake. Yet, she couldn't get past it. Why was her memory failing her now, when she needed it most?
It was evening, and Luca had ordered all his men and staff to gather outside. Sophia was overwhelmed with worry. This past week, she had been able to catch a break because Luca was absent, but now he was back, and the anxiety had returned with him.
As Kim and Sophia made their way outside, Meg suddenly appeared in front of them.
"Hey, did you hear?" Meg nudged Sophia slightly. "They say there's a traitor among us."
"What?" Sophia's brow furrowed.
"I don't know, that's what Diego told me," Meg said with a hint of excitement in her voice.
Kim scoffed. "You're nothing special."
Meg ignored the jab and looked at Sophia. "Be careful, okay? Things might get rough around here."
Sophia nodded, feeling a knot tighten in her stomach. "Thanks for the heads-up, Meg."
They continued walking toward the gathering, where Luca stood at the center, his presence commanding the attention of everyone around. They approached and knelt down just as everyone else did. Sophia tried to steady her nerves, knowing she had to face him again. As she knelt, she could feel his eyes on her, a burning intensity that made her shiver.
"Listen up," Luca's voice boomed. "We have a traitor among us, and today they'll pay."
The crowd murmured in unease, but no one dared to speak up. Sophia glanced at Kim, who looked equally worried. The situation was becoming more dangerous by the minute.