Chereads / Betrothed to the Italian mafia leader / Chapter 18 - betrayal’s really does sting

Chapter 18 - betrayal’s really does sting

Alessandro's eyes narrowed, his voice icy. "Marco, explain yourself."

Marco's expression remained calm, but his eyes flickered with guilt. "Alessandro, I—"

"Don't lie to me," Alessandro warned. "Sophia overheard you arguing with Luca about the Morani family's plans."

Marco's jaw clenched. "I was trying to protect our family, Alessandro. The Morani family's betrayal—"

"Protection?" Alessandro's laughter was cold. "You call betraying me protection?"

Alessia's heart ached, witnessing the rift between the brothers.

"Marco, how could you?" Alessia asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Marco's gaze met hers, filled with regret. "Alessia, I never meant to hurt you or Alessandro. I was desperate."

Alessandro's anger boiled over. "Desperate? You're no better than the Morani family."

Sophia stepped forward, her voice firm. "Alessandro, let Marco explain."

Marco took a deep breath. "I was in deep financial trouble. The Morani family offered me a deal: information in exchange for debt forgiveness."

Alessandro's eyes widened. "You sold our family's secrets for your own gain?"

Marco's face crumpled. "I didn't mean to, Alessandro. I was blind to the consequences."

Alessia's mind reeled. "What secrets did you reveal?"

Marco's voice cracked. "Details about our business dealings...and Project Eclipse."

Alessandro's face turned ashen. "You've put our entire family at risk."

The room fell silent, tension hanging heavy.

Suddenly, Alessandro's phone buzzed.

"Alessandro, we've located Luca," his consigliere said.

Alessandro's eyes locked onto Marco. "You're coming with me."

As they left, Alessia remained, her heart heavy.

"Sophia, what's happening?" Alessia asked.

Sophia's expression was grim. "Alessandro will handle Marco. But the damage is done. The Morani family knows our secrets."

Alessia's determination hardened. "We'll rebuild. Together."

The hours passed in a blur of strategy and planning.

Alessandro returned, his face set.

"Marco's loyalty will be tested," Alessandro said. "But first, we deal with Luca."

The night air was thick with tension as they arrived at Luca's hideout.

Alessandro's eyes locked onto Luca. "You're a dead man."

Luca sneered. "You'll never take down the Morani family."

Alessandro's smile was cold. "We already have."

As the truth dawned on Luca, Alessandro's men took him away.

The Morani family's betrayal had left scars.

But the Bianchi family would rise stronger.