Forbidden desire with my mafia's stepbrother

tate wasn't simply a venue-it was a symbol of power, wealth, and dominance. Tonight, it hosted a celebration meant to unite two wor

ss the polished marble floors. Gold and crimson drapes framed towering windows that overlooked the restless sea. Beneath the glow of the chandeliers, men in tailor

across continents, was celebrating his dominance with a lavish display. Every guest in the room k

-old adjusted the neckline of her simple satin dress, feeling uncomfortably out of place among the opule

our new life," Elena had said with a smile, her eyes shimmer

nd imposing, his graying hair slicked back, his sharp features exuding authority. He wore a black suit that seemed to ab

se that gnawed at her. Her mother's marriage to Vincenzo had been a whirlwind-quick, unexpected, and surrounded by whispers. Aless

r's eyes, the way her smile sometimes faltered when she thought

m-**Luca Moretti**, Vincenzo's only son. He stood near the bar, a glass of whiskey in his

fined, his tailored suit fitting him like a second skin. He had jet-black hair, slicked back neatly, and dark eyes that seemed to

uld see it in the slight curl of his lip, the way his gaze swept over her as though she were an annoyan

Opportunist

t, turning her attention back to her champagne flute. She didn't care what Luca thought of her. His opini

s fading to murmurs. Vincenzo extended his arm to Elena, his expression softening just enough to show a gli

pered, squeezing her mother's

reach her eyes. "Thank you,

p she could be. She felt like a spectator in her ow

ke center stage. They walked toward the altar near the grand staircase, their movements s

he air, subtle but growing. She glanced around, her heart quickening. The guards statione

he saw

red by the brim of his hat. Something about him set off alarms in Alessia's mind. H

ess what was happening, t

as the guests scrambled to take cover, toppling chairs and tables in their panic. A

gh the ballroom. Men in black suits stormed into the room, their faces hidden by m

She could only watch in horror as Vincenzo staggered,

as she tried to reach him, but one of the

rward, her instincts screaming to protec

, commanding voice

as cold and unyielding as steel. His grip on her arm was

ttered, peering over the edge of the

essia began, he

, his tone sharp. "But if you don't

rt pounding in her chest. The sounds of gunfire and screams filled the a

uickly as they had arrived, leaving behind a scene of destruction. Broken glass and overtu

om until they landed on the motionless form of Vincenzo Moretti. H

stained with crimson. Alessia's breath caught in her throat as she t

oice low and urgent. "

lazing with anger and grief. "We

don't want to help her? Do you think I don't care? But if you

. She hated him in that moment-hated his cold logi

e surveyed the room, his expression unreadable. "They'll c

mother and following Luca. But the look in his eyes left

th, Alessia nodded

her mother, silently promising herself that she would come back.