The storm outside had not stopped since the night Alessia escaped the ambush. Lightning flashed through the windows of the Romano estate, illuminating her face as she studied the coded message again. Each symbol whispered betrayal. Each word carried the shadow of someone she once trusted — her uncle.
Her mind was a battlefield of emotions: loyalty to her family, fear for her father, and something deeper, quieter — a feeling that had Lorenzo's name written all over it.
When her father entered the study, his expression was weary. "You haven't slept in two days," he said softly.
"I can't," she replied, eyes still fixed on the message. "The people we trust are the ones aiming at our backs, papa."
Her father sighed, reaching out to hold her hand. "You remind me of your mother — stubborn, brilliant, and far too brave for your own good."
Alessia smiled faintly. "And yet, that's why you trust me with this family."
He nodded. But before he could speak again, the door creaked open. Her uncle stood there, his usual calm smile stretched thin. "I couldn't help overhearing," he said, stepping into the light. "Are we discussing betrayal?"
Alessia's pulse quickened, but she didn't flinch. "Just business," she replied smoothly, folding the coded note into her pocket.
"Business," her uncle repeated, his eyes darkening. "Then perhaps we should handle business properly. I can't help noticing how… distracted you've been lately."
Her father frowned. "What are you implying?"
"Your daughter," the uncle said, smiling thinly, "seems to be protecting the son of your greatest enemy. I hear whispers she even cried for him."
Alessia froze, her nails digging into her palm. She met her uncle's gaze, unblinking. "Careful what you say, Uncle," she said, voice sharp as glass. "Rumors can get men killed."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Then maybe the rumors are true."
Her father slammed his hand on the table. "Enough! She's my daughter, not a suspect. You'll watch your tongue in this house."
The uncle smiled faintly but said nothing. When he finally left, Alessia released the breath she'd been holding. Her father gave her a worried look.
"You know he won't stop, right?" he said quietly.
"I don't expect him to," she replied. "That's why I'm setting a trap."
Her father stared at her, concern etched across his face. "A trap?"
"Yes." She stood, straightening her coat. "I'll give him what he wants — a reason to think I've turned against you. When he finally trusts me, I'll lead him right into his own grave."
Her father hesitated. "And what about Lorenzo?"
Alessia paused at the door. "Lorenzo doesn't need to know. Not yet."
She walked out into the storm, her mind already sharpening every move, every lie she'd have to tell. For her family's safety, she would become the thing her enemies feared most — a woman who could play both sides and make them believe every word.
But in her heart, she whispered a silent prayer.
Lorenzo, if you ever find out what I'm about to do… please understand — I did it to protect us both.