☆Chapter 29: A De Luca’s Game☆

Underestimated… Again

Lorenzo and Lucian had been careful.

Very careful.

They made sure to discuss everything in private.

Behind closed doors.

Far from Seraphina's curious eyes.

Or so they thought.

Because what they forgot…

Was that Seraphina De Luca wasn't just a smart kid.

She was a reincarnation.

And in her past life, she had mastered the art of under-the-table transactions and manipulating the powerful.

☆☆☆

It didn't take long for Seraphina to notice the changes.

Lucian was more distant lately.

Lorenzo was busier than usual.

And every time she asked, they both gave vague answers.

"Nothing to worry about, Sera." Lucian smiled but avoided eye contact.

"Focus on school. I'll handle everything." Lorenzo's tone was always final.

But Seraphina wasn't blind.

Or stupid.

And when she connected the dots…

Her mind pieced the situation together faster than Lorenzo's assassins took down a target.

☆☆☆

The Romano family had been pushing their luck.

They had been pressuring Lucian to manipulate her and use her influence over the De Lucas.

But Lucian refused.

Which meant…

They wouldn't stop until they got what they wanted.

And Lorenzo?

He was handling it the only way he knew how.

By burning them to the ground.

But Seraphina…

Had another plan.

☆☆☆

Time to act...

"Nonno."

Her sweet voice echoed through the De Luca mansion's vast study.

Don De Luca, her beloved grandfather, was sipping his espresso, flipping through an old newspaper.

"Hm? What is it, bambina?"

Seraphina grinned, her cutesy charm activated.

"I need a favor."

Nonno's eyebrows lifted.

"A favor?"

Seraphina nodded eagerly.

"I need you to help me… put the Romanos in their place."

Silence.

Nonno blinked.

Then…

Laughter.

"Bambina… you want me to handle the Romanos?"

"Not kill them, Nonno." She pouted, puppy eyes on full display.

"Just teach them a lesson."

Nonno chuckled.

"And why should I not kill them?"

Seraphina's expression hardened.

"Because they're still Lucian's family."

The playfulness vanished.

Nonno's eyes narrowed, his gaze sharpening.

"And if they hurt Lucian?"

Seraphina's smile turned dangerous.

"If they make Lucian sad… they'll wish I let you kill them."

Nonno was intrigued.

And when Seraphina laid out her plan…

Even Don De Luca—a man who had seen everything—

Was impressed.

☆☆☆

Seraphina arranged a secret meeting with the Romano family.

It was risky.

Dangerous.

But Seraphina didn't care.

She arrived alone.

Dressed in an a cute pink cocktail dress full of ribbons and ruffles that screamed princess.

But her eyes…

Cold. Calculating.

Even at fifteen, Seraphina radiated an aura that made grown men nervous.

The Romanos weren't prepared.

"Seraphina De Luca."

Don Romano's voice was smooth, but his eyes couldn't hide his unease.

"To what do we owe the pleasure?"

Seraphina sat gracefully, crossing her legs with confidence.

"Let's not waste time." Her tone was calm, but her words sliced like a blade.

"We both know why I'm here."

Don Romano's smile faltered.

"And what do you propose?"

"Simple."

Seraphina leaned forward, her voice dropping.

"Stop using Lucian."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me." Her eyes narrowed.

"You've been trying to manipulate Lucian to get to my family. I'm here to tell you… that ends now."

Don Romano scoffed.

"And what happens if we don't?"

Seraphina's smile was cold.

"If you don't… I'll personally make sure the Romano name is erased from existence."

Silence.

"You think you can threaten me, little girl?"

"I'm not threatening you."

Seraphina's eyes gleamed.

"I'm making a promise."

"You see…"

She slid a folder across the table.

"I've already dismantled your offshore accounts."

Don Romano's eyes widened.

"And those shady deals you've been making behind my father's back?"

"Gone."

"Your allies?"

"Neutralized."

"Your leverage?"

Non-existent.

Don Romano's face paled.

"You… you wouldn't dare."

"Try me."

☆☆☆

"Here's how this will go."

Seraphina's tone left no room for negotiation.

"You'll leave Lucian alone. You'll stop trying to use him. And you'll stay out of De Luca business."

"And if I refuse?"

Seraphina smiled sweetly.

"Then I'll let Nonno finish what I started."

Checkmate.

☆☆☆

By the time Seraphina walked out of that meeting…

The Romano family was crippled.

They had no choice but to comply.

And Lucian?

He would never know.

☆☆☆

"You're dangerous, bambina."

Nonno grinned, watching Seraphina with pride.

"Just like a true De Luca."

Seraphina smirked.

"I learned from the best."

☆☆☆

Seraphina never told Lorenzo or Lucian.

They didn't need to know.

She had handled it.

And as far as Seraphina was concerned…

No one hurts her family.

Not on her watch.