seemed to suffocate the tiny apartment, making it feel even smaller than it already was. His col

scarry and expressionless look. He had dark, dead eyes, the kind that had seen too much violence to care anym

reaky floorboards. He didn't say a word at first, just stood there, taking in the st

, his voice was cold

ssia's stomach flip. There was no warmth, n

er voice barely above a whisper as she st

king for him?" S

cold as his voice, and she felt exposed, vulnerable, like he could see right through her. H

he man who had been besid

low but filled with a calm menace that made her blo

ightened, her heart pounding

e devoid of any compassion or mercy. "Fi

they couldn't support her anymore, and she had

her head. "That can't be ri

ing no room for argument. "And now you're

tormed into the apartment, pushing past her like she wasn't even there. They began tearing thro

trying to stop them, but Marco's arm shot out, gripping her shoulder and

mly, not even sparing he

men who were ransacking her home and the cold, unmov

hing about this. I didn't know he stole

there was no sympathy there, only a chill

ve million dollars? Alessia could barely wrap her mind around

came out, but not alone, as t

no, stop

a log of wood before she cou

per. "Your brother is in deep trouble, Alessia. And unless you wan

r mind racing. "I... I can't pay that kind of money," she wh

e panic like a blade. "Two days to get the money, or we'll come back.

steal from the Crimson's Empire and why such a huge amount. Money She knew she wouldn't earn in all her lifetime. Even if she sold herself

haking with desperation, but Dante

id coldly. "If the money isn't here in two day

e, her voice breaking. "I don't know where Leo is, but

ect-something insignificant, something beneath him. "That's your problem," he said, tur

m. Marco was the last to leave, his eyes lingering on her for a moment

ment felt empty and cold, like all

was already crying. Her heart pounding in her chest, her mind racing. Fi

e mess they had left behind. How had her life spiraled so far out of control

elt like she couldn't breathe. Tears burned at the back of her eyes, but she refused to let

d, and there was no one to

to fix this and she had n