chapter 13: A dangerous choice

The next morning, Elena found herself standing in the large, empty dining room, the weight of the previous night's discovery still pressing down on her. She had tried to shake off the feeling of dread, but it lingered like a storm on the horizon, waiting to break.

As she stood by the window, gazing out at the sprawling grounds, she heard footsteps approaching. Don Vincenzo's voice interrupted her thoughts. "You've been distant lately."

Elena turned, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "I've just been busy with the art."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Busy with more than just art, I think. You're wondering about Luca, aren't you?"

Elena's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

Don Vincenzo's expression hardened. "I know you overheard our conversation. I know what you heard."

Her blood ran cold, but she refused to show fear. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but… it's true, isn't it? Luca's been plotting against you."

He walked closer, his eyes darkening with an intensity that made Elena's skin crawl. "Yes, it's true. And what he doesn't realize is that betraying me is a death sentence. There's no room for weakness in my world."

Elena's mind raced. "What do you want me to do?"

"Nothing," Don Vincenzo said, his voice suddenly softer, almost affectionate. "I'll handle this. But I need you to remain loyal to me. Don't get tangled in this. You've already made your choice."

But Elena's choice was never as simple as Don Vincenzo made it out to be. Every day that passed, she found herself more entangled in a world where loyalty meant life or death, and the lines between right and wrong blurred until they disappeared entirely.