Chapter 2 - Confessions in the Dark
Lorenzo’s office smelled of rich leather, aged whiskey, and danger.
He walked over to his massive mahogany desk and poured two glasses of amber liquid.
He slid one across the polished wood toward Elena.
She ignored the glass, keeping her arms securely wrapped around Maya.
"Who was your husband?" Lorenzo asked, his tone softer now but still demanding.
Elena swallowed hard, her throat painfully dry.
"His name was Julian," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
"Julian Moretti," Lorenzo finished for her, stating it as a terrifying fact.
Elena closed her eyes and offered a single, hesitant nod.
Julian had warned her to run if anyone ever discovered the bear.
He had stitched the family crest inside to ensure Maya would always have proof of her birthright.
"They told me a train derailed, but I always knew it was a lie," Elena whispered.
"It was a hit," Lorenzo confirmed, his jaw tight.
"The other families wanted the Moretti territory, so they burned them all to the ground."
He looked at Maya, who was now quietly playing with a golden paperweight on the floor.
"Your daughter is the last living heir to the most feared syndicate in Italy," he murmured.
Elena’s blood ran cold at the realization.
"And now, they all know," she realized with horror.
May you like
Lorenzo pulled a sleek black handgun from his desk drawer.
"Yes, they do, which means you are no longer safe."
