Returning home upon hearing of his twin brother's death, Lorenzo Lombardi, an Italian trillionaire with ties to the mafia, uncovered the grim truth-his brother had been killed after entangling himself with some bad people. Driven by the need for justice, Lorenzo chooses to adopt a disguise, assuming his old identity to immerse himself in the life his brother led. The revelation that his twin had been subjected to continuous humiliation, particularly following his marriage into a wealthy family, fueled Lorenzo's fury. His brother had endured constant mistreatment, bearing insults and eventual ruin, ultimately leading to his tragic demise. The mafia came for revenge.
In Italy,
"Capo, Mr. Romano is here to see you," Marco Russo, dressed in a well-tailored suit informed with an Italian accent as he entered an expansive office that contained a meticulously organized grandiose desk that stood at the center of the room, its surface occupied by different executive gadgets.
The walls were decked with contemporary artwork in gilded frames, the floor-to-ceiling window provided a panoramic view of the city skyline with plush leather chairs and sofas for guests.
He let the file slip from his grasp, raising his eyes to meet his personal assistant's gaze. "Now, what does that stronzo want from me?"
Marco, with a raised eyebrow, responded, "No idea, Capo, but I bet it's nothing good, especially with the incessant calls he's been making."
After a contemplative nod, he declared, "Then let him in,"
Showing a sign of respect, Marco left the office to escort Mr. Romano inside.
He came back to the office with Mr. Romano, a young businessman also the same age as the guy he was smirking at. As a matter of fact, they grew up together as rivals and could never stand each other. Marco observed the tension between the two.
"Lorenzo, Lorenzo, Lorenzo!" Stefano exclaimed in a playful Italian accent while laughing as he walked toward the desk, shaking his head at the same time. "You've ascended to a king now, my friend, but it seems you've forgotten how to take me seriously."
Lorenzo chuckled in response, countering, "Now? Building Spark Conglomerate wasn't a one-day affair, Stefano. Are you out of your mind?"
Stefano clenched his teeth in frustration, pointing accusatorily as he said, "You... cavolo!" shaking his head with a disapproving frown. "Io ho bisogno del tuo aiuto con qualcosa (I need your help with something)."
Lorenzo, tilting his head with an arched eyebrow, responded to the words unspoken.
"Didn't you hear me, or do you want me to speak in English? You worked for my father; you're obliged to work for me, bastardo!" Stefano bellowed, frustration evident in his voice.
Lorenzo, sporting a knowing smile, retorted, "You need my help with something, Stefano. However, just because I worked for your father doesn't automatically mean I work for you. As a matter of fact, you're gazing at one of the wealthiest men in Italy, helming the leading corporation with assets worth trillions of dollars. I'm also the Don of Italy's underground world. I'd advise you to watch your tone with me, or I might forget you're his son."
Stefano, letting out a shaky breath, nodded with a smirk, struggling to contain his anger towards Lorenzo. "Not too long ago, you settled my dad's unfinished business after he passed away, whoo! Even their deaths still give me the creeps!" He shuddered while hugging himself.
Seizing a chair, he took a seat before continuing, "It was enough to learn that despite your accomplishments, you still feel beholden to my father for shaping who you are. I am my father's son, and you are the Mafia of the Romano Family, which is why you must help me."
Lorenzo dismissed Stefano's demands with a shake of his head. "I am no longer tethered to the Romano Family's Mafia; that chapter of my life ceased with your father's death. I work for myself now..."
Bang!
A resounding bang echoed as Stefano abruptly stood, forcefully hitting the desk. "Che cazzo?! Without my family, you'd be nothing! The Romanos plucked you from the street and molded you into the formidable figure you are today, honed you into the most feared so you could be readily relied upon! If not for my family, Lorenzo Lombardi would have remained a nobody, you bastardo ingrato!"
Taking a calming breath, Stefano settled back into his chair. "All I need from you is to eliminate my competitors, just as you did for my father. That bastardo is making things difficult for me. If I'm the problem, consider it as helping me maintain my father's legacy; you owe that much to him!"
Lorenzo shot him a dangerous look. "I owe him nothing. Now, get the fuck out of my office!"
Stefano, in disbelief, retorted, "I'm not sure you're listening to me right now, Lorenzo. I'm ordering you to do as I say!"
Lorenzo curled his lip in disdain. "Mangia merde e morte! (Eat shit and die)! If you do not leave, I won't hesitate to throw you out. I have matters demanding my attention, Stefano."
Stefano seethed with anger, rising from his chair. Adjusting his jacket with a sneer, he warned, "This isn't the end, Lorenzo, mark my words!"
With one last glare, Stefano stormed out of the office, slamming the door in a fit of anger.
"Entitled son of a bitch!" Lorenzo muttered under his breath, casting a disgruntled look at Marco. "Start prepping for the next meeting!"
Marco nodded, adding, "Although, Capo, you've been receiving a call."
Lorenzo frowned and inquired, "With whom this time?" "He identified himself as your grandfather from Beverly Hills, California. His name was Donald Anderson." Marco informed.
Lorenzo regarded Marco, a flicker of surprise crossing his features, though he concealed it. Blinking, he inquired, "And did he convey anything else?"
"Not much, Capo. He insisted on speaking directly with you," Marco responded.
"And did he provide a reason?" Lorenzo probed.
Marco glanced left and right as he recollected the conversation. "Oh, yes, I recall now! He mentioned your brother, Noah, I believe. He said he's dead." Lorenzo was stunned by the revelation. "Connect me with him immediately."
Rachel used to think that her devotion would win Brian over one day, but she was proven wrong when his true love returned. Rachel had endured it all—from standing alone at the altar to dragging herself to the hospital for an emergency treatment. Everyone thought she was crazy to give up so much of herself for someone who didn’t return her feelings. But when Brian received news of Rachel’s terminal illness and realized she didn’t have long to live, he completely broke down. "I forbid you to die!" Rachel just smiled. She no longer needed him. "I will finally be free."
In the previous life, Maggie Johnson was so cowardly, gullible and stupid that she was coaxed by her fiance and stepsister and then broke her legs and lost everything including her fortune, love and even life. However, she was so lucky that she was reborn in the year before everything happened. Since her life restarted, how could she repeat a previous tragedy? Therefore, in this life, she took the opportunity to improve herself and take revenge on the ones who had ever insulted her. Facing the people who had humiliated her previously, she became smart and experienced to break their frames and tricks that had caused her to hurt in the previous life. Finally, no one could stop her pace to amaze the world any more.
Trigger warning!!! Intended for mature readers who enjoy morally complex, slow-burn, poseesive, forbidden, dark romance that pushes boundaries. ***EXCERPT*** Blood everywhere. Trembling hands. "No!" My eyes blurred. His lifeless eyes stared back at me, his blood pooling at my feet. The man I loved-dead. Killed by the one person I could never escape - my stepbrother. *** Kasmine's life was never hers to begin with. Kester, her stepbrother, controlled and monitored her every move. At first, it was all sweet and brotherly until it began to turn into an obsession. Kester was the Alpha, and his word was law. No close friends. No boyfriends. No freedom. The only consolation Kasmine had was her twenty-first birthday, which was supposed to change everything. She dreamt of finding her mate, escaping the sickening control of Kester, and finally claiming her own life. But fate had other plans for her. On the night of her birthday, not only was she disappointed that she wasn't mated to the love of her life, but she found out that her mate was none other than him - Her tormentor. Her stepbrother. She'd rather die than be mated to a man whom she had known as her big brother all her life. A man who would do just anything to make sure she was his. But when love turns to obsession, and obsession turns to blood, how far can one girl run before she realizes there is nowhere else to run to?
In order to fulfill her grandfather's last wish, Stella entered into a hasty marriage with an ordinary man she had never met before. However, even after becoming husband and wife on paper, they each led separate lives, barely crossing paths. A year later, Stella returned to Seamarsh City, hoping to finally meet her mysterious husband. To her astonishment, he sent her a text message, unexpectedly pleading for a divorce without ever having met her in person. Gritting her teeth, Stella replied, "So be it. Let’s get a divorce!" Following that, Stella made a bold move and joined the Prosperity Group, where she became a public relations officer that worked directly for the company’s CEO, Matthew. The handsome and enigmatic CEO was already bound in matrimony, and was known to be unwaveringly devoted to his wife in private. Unbeknownst to Stella, her mysterious husband was actually her boss, in his alternate identity! Determined to focus on her career, Stella deliberately kept her distance from the CEO, although she couldn't help but notice his deliberate attempts to get close to her. As time went on, her elusive husband had a change of heart. He suddenly refused to proceed with the divorce. When would his alternate identity be uncovered? Amidst a tumultuous blend of deception and profound love, what destiny awaited them?
Kara Martin was known as Miss Perfect. She was a beauty with good personality and successful career. Unfortunately, her life changed at one night. She was accused of adultery, losing her job, and abandoned by her fiance. The arrogant man who slept with her did not want to take responsibility. He even threatened to kill her if they met again. What's worse, Kara was pregnant with twins and she chose to give birth to them. Four and a half years later, Kara returned to work at a large company. As the secretary, she would frequently face their notorious CEO. Kara thought it wouldn't be a problem, but as it turned out ... the CEO was the father of the twins!
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.