EVAN MANSION
Alina's Room
The fireplace crackled softly, throwing gold against the walls as Alina poured herself a glass of wine. Her smile, though delicate, held sharp edges.
Arina lounged across the chaise, a silk robe slipping off her shoulder.
"So," she said, swirling her glass, "our little Bella is going to marry a De Salvo."
Alina chuckled. "Perfect, isn't it?"
"Lewis De Salvo," Arina said slowly, tasting the name. "Cold. Ruthless. I heard he often made men disappear without a trace."
Alina raised a brow. "Let's hope Bella doesn't test that rumor."
They both laughed.
"She always thinks she's smarter than the rest of us," Arina added. "Let's see how long that clever little mouth lasts once she's inside his house."
Alina's smile didn't waver. "If she behaves, she'll survive. If she doesn't…" She took a sip. "Well, it won't be our problem."
Arina smirked. "Maybe Lewis will handle her for us."
"Maybe he already plans to." Alina leaned back. "Men like him don't like women asking questions. Especially not ones about museums and dead mothers."
Arina's eyes sparkled. "And if she goes missing… tragic. But convenient."
They clinked glasses, smug and satisfied.
Neither of them know about the boy.
Neither of them noticed that Leo De Salvo—the one Lewis would burn the world for—already adored Bella more than anyone else in his life.
They were celebrating the match like it was a trap.
But the only trap was the one they'd just stepped into.