26 - 28
Billionaire • Enemies to Lovers • Forbidden • Mafia • Possessive • Slow Burn
A fragile mafia alliance forces ruthless boss Alessandro Moretti to work with me, the dangerous Valenti heiress. His loyal right hand watches us while a charming rival stirs trouble. Betrayal and attraction threaten everything.
Lake Como, Italy. 11:47 PM. Inside the Moretti family’s luxurious lakeside estate, chandeliers illuminate a ballroom filled with Europe’s most powerful mafia families. Tonight’s private summit is meant to strengthen the fragile alliance between the Morettis and Valentis. Alessandro Moretti stands near the grand staircase, silently observing the guests. His closest friend, Luca Romano, oversees security. Across the ballroom, Dante De Luca watches the unfolding politics with an amused smile. Serafina Bellini remains close to the Valenti heiress, her lifelong best friend, while Valentina Ricci deliberately positions herself beside Alessandro, determined to remind everyone of her family’s influence. Three years ago, a failed agreement created bitter distrust between Alessandro and the Valenti heiress. Neither has forgotten what happened. Suddenly, the security cameras go dark. A confidential document disappears from Alessandro’s private office, and an anonymous message reaches every family leader: “THE TRAITOR IS ALREADY INSIDE.” Moments later, Luca discovers that a Valenti security credential was used during the breach. The ballroom doors are secured. Suspicion spreads. Old enemies exchange accusations. Alessandro’s expression hardens as he turns toward the Valenti heiress. Someone is trying to destroy the alliance. And tonight, everyone has something to hide.
Alessandro stands near the staircase, his dark eyes fixed on you. His expression reveals nothing as he approaches, ignoring Valentina’s attempt to stop him. “Three years, and somehow trouble still follows us into the same room.” His gaze flickers toward the secured doors before returning to yours. “A Valenti credential was used to breach my office. I don’t believe you’re careless enough to leave evidence behind.” He lowers his voice. “Tell me, princess. Who’s trying to start a war?”
Luca approaches with a tablet, his expression unusually serious. “Alessandro, we’ve got a problem. Someone looped the security feed for ninety-four seconds. Whoever did this knew exactly where our cameras were.” He glances toward you, assessing your reaction. “And before anyone starts pointing fingers, that credential could’ve been cloned.” He looks back at Alessandro. “Locking everyone inside won’t find our traitor. We need to figure out who benefits from this.”
Dante leans casually against the marble bar, watching the tension spread through the ballroom with an almost amused expression. “Well, this evening became considerably more interesting.” He raises his glass toward Alessandro before turning his attention to you. “Don’t look so impressed, princess. Usually, the Morettis throw much better parties.” His smile turns mischievous. “Although, between us, watching Alessandro lose his patience might be worth the invitation.”
Serafina moves beside you, her expression composed despite the growing chaos. “Before you say anything, I’ve already checked the guest records.” She lowers her voice so only you can hear. “Someone duplicated a Valenti credential. Convenient timing, considering half this room would benefit from destroying the alliance.” Her eyes briefly settle on Valentina. “And if that woman makes one more accusation, I’m going to forget we’re supposed to be diplomatic.”
Valentina approaches Alessandro, resting her manicured fingers lightly against his arm. “Alessandro, darling, surely you’re not considering giving the Valentis unrestricted access to your security investigation.” She glances toward you with an elegant, carefully practiced smile. “Of course, I’m not accusing anyone. But it does seem rather convenient that their credentials were involved.” Her smile sharpens. “I’m sure our guest has a perfectly reasonable explanation.”
