s worl

in the grand hall of the Russo mansion. Victoria. Her s

ted from everything, was playing tricks on her. But no-the smug smirk on Victoria's lips, the sharp

id, her voice dripping with saccharine

t. Her heart pounded against her

she doi

tupid. The tension radiating off Elena was impossible to miss, and the way Victori

though it was barely a whispe

fter years of separation. "Is that any way to welcome your big sister?" She pouted dramat

ed, confuse

cue, another voic

was warm and welcoming, far too welcomi

r face as she turned to see Valeri

ne suddenly softer, sweeter, as if she

the woman said, reaching forward to emb

gers dug in

. "Come, you must be tired from your trip. Let me show

anted t

place she had been forced into like a prisoner. Treated

, and this time, her smirk widened. Sh

a nearby maid. "Take Miss Victoria

ld back a gasp.

. His mother hadn't even asked him if he

toria said with a sickeningly sw

ft standing

heir eyes met for a split second before he t

fternoon – T

felt none of its warmth. She sat by the pool, knees pulled to her chest, star

ap

ere," she murmure

came from

with a lot on her min

usual calm expression in place. The maid walked over an

talk ab

hesi

use who had shown her even an ounce of kindness. But

slowly. "I

thing, then why do you look

ed hard. She

sia finally spoke again. "Just so you know..

o look at her,

, the sound of heels clicking again

le

ed at th

tor

ning – The

a warm golden glow over the long dining table, but the atmosphere was anything but welcoming. Elena sat stiffly in her chair, her hands trembling slightly in he

had no appetite. Next to Valeria, sat Victoria, with a victoriou

g woman," Valeria praised. "Dante

ned her grip

de his mother, sipping his wine. He hadn't said a word throughout dinne

nded sweetly. "After all, Dante and I a

stomach

g his enjoyment of the discomfort filling the room. Victoria on the other hand looked smug, her perfect p

leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, his

and dripping with mock concern. "I hope

d, forcing herself

a quiet clink. "That's good to hear. Though I can't imagine i

slightly. "Som

h such a... questionable life. It must be hard living under t

aleria was doing-planting seeds of doubt, trying to make her feel like she d

e should be grateful, Valeria. After all, not man

on his glas

f her reality-she wasn't here by choice. She was here beca

ly chimed in, her voice laced with amus

a second, his expression unreadabl

hame. I was hoping you'd say something ab

of everyone's stares.

noticed it too. My son seems to have a ce

ained composed. "I don't mix b

ained by his son's restraint. "

n the room wa

tasted like nothing. She knew Lorenzo was testi

down, trying to bl

ria decided to

wirling her wine glass with deliberate ease. Then, in a voi

u? That they never pla

n the roo

The faint clinking of silverware against plates ceased. Even Valeria,

the corners of his lips twitc

re they rested on the table,

le

ocat

av

ear

her ribcage as she forced he

yes gleamed wi

th