Chapter 12
The ballroom glowed with soft golden lights, crystal chandeliers humming above the crowd like a quiet storm. Cameras flashed. Waiters moved like clockwork. Every table shimmered under the weight of luxury and suspicion.
The press conference for the Rossi-Fiore family’s new wine had officially begun.
It was supposed to be a celebration.
Every major ally, every silent investor, every reporter who mattered was in the room. Among :hem: Don Sebastian-the youngest, most powerful mafia lord in the northern region and the only guest from the high-rank families. His mere presence elevated the event’s importance.
Marian’s heels clicked against the marble as she entered beside Rupert, dressed in elegance and herve. Her lips curled in a poised smile, but beneath it, she was gripping Rupert’s arm tight enough to bruise.
They exchanged pleasantries with everyone they passed-Don Mathias, Don Roberto, Mr. Black- and finally, Don Sebastian. Marian’s breath hitched slightly. He was striking, colder and mor efined than she’d expected.
She offered a delicate smile and bowed slightly. “It’s an honor to finally meet you, Dor
Sebastian.”
He gave a polite nod. “Likewise, Ms. Rossi.”
Rupert cleared his throat. Marian quickly stepped away, regaining composure as they move‹ oward the stage.
Don Matteo, standing tall at the front, beamed with pride. His voice boomed over the crowd Let’s welcome the future of this family-my daughter Marian and her husband, Rupert.”
Applause rippled through the room.
Rupert took the lead, as always. Marian stood beside him, graceful and silent-the perfec upport role. It was how they’d always done things.
Except for the meeting with Mr. Kim.
“They had made an exception then-knowing Mr. Kim preferred intelligent, gentle women. Mariar
ad pretended to be the soft-spoken voice of reason.
And it nearly cost them everything.
They hadn’t known the Mr. Kim at that meeting was fake. Not until it was too late.
Now, with all eyes watching, their defenses were ironclad. Face-scanning tech discreetly verified every reporter. Staff underwent double verification. Each guest was carefully observed-but with subtlety. Especially with high-profile names like Mr. Kim, Don Sebastian, and Mr. Black ir attendance.
They couldn’t afford another mistake.
Rupert greeted the guests, then gestured for the servers to begin pouring wine.
“This,” he announced, “is our new limited-edition vintage. A blend Marian crafted herself- complex, elegant, unforgettable.”
Chapter 12
2/2 56.3
12:06 am P p p p
Waiters moved across the hall, offering wine to guests and their personal tasters. Everyone remembered the last incident. No one wanted another poisoning.
Rupert stepped aside. “I’ll let my wife take it from here.”
Marian approached the microphone, her expression gentle.
“This wine,” she began, holding her glass up to the light, “was created in memory of my mother. She was sweet, patient, and strong… but life took her too soon.”
Her voice trembled, just enough to earn sympathy.
“With those memories, I created a wine that’s bittersweet. Sweet, like the love I remember. Bitter ike the reality she faced. This wine carries her soul.”
A hush fell over the hall. Even the skeptical tilted their heads.
Marian lowered her gaze. “And since we’re speaking of pain… I want to address the rumors.”
The room shifted, tension thick.
There are lies circulating about Rupert and me-ugly, twisted stories. But I want to say this clearly: I met Rupert after Ivanna became incapable of marrying him.”
She paused, a perfect tear slipping down her cheek.
If anything, I want to thank her. For stepping away. Because if she hadn’t… I would never have :nown the love I feel now.”
Murmurs spread. Some looked doubtful. Others-especially the women-nodded ¿ympathetically.
Then came the question.
One reporter stood up-planted, paid, prepared.
Ms. Rossi, some say Ivanna was betrayed. Is that true?”
Marian hesitated, then nodded sadly. “I didn’t want to do this, but… Ivanna had already betrayec Rupert.”
She clicked the remote in her hand. A screen lit up, showing photos-Ivanna smiling with lifferent men.
She cheated,” Marian said softly. “Before her accident. And yet… we are the ones being ttacked.”
tupert wrapped an arm around her. “If it weren’t for Marian,” he said into the mic, “I might’ve died of depression. She saved me.”
Whispers bloomed across the room. Some mafia allies saw right through the act-but said nothing, Image mattered more than truth. Others, especially the newer partners and the press, ooked visibly moved.
Then Don Matteo stepped forward.
I’ve stayed silent long enough,” he said. “But this is the truth. I am stripping Ivanna’s name from his family. Her properties, her titles, and her tomb shall all be removed from Rossi lands. Everything she had now belongs to Marian.”
The room gasped.
One bold reporter-not the planted one-raised a hand. “Don Matteo, isn’t that… cruel? Wasn’t
Chapter 12
12:06 am Pppp.
Ivanna your daughter too?”
Don Matteo’s eyes darkened. “I thought she was. I raised her with love. But she was born out o betrayal. Her mother cheated on me. I never wanted to say it-but now, I must. Like mother, like daughter.”
He didn’t get to finish.
A laugh cracked through the silence. It was dry. Sharp. Cold.
All eyes turned.
From the middle row, a reporter stood-slim, suited, sharp-featured. They wore glasses and held a camera, just like everyone else.
But the laugh?
t was wrong.
Don Matteo scowled. “Who the hell are you to interrupt me?!”
The reporter reached up-and peeled off the disguise.
The glasses dropped. The wig came off.
The room froze.
Aria.
No-Ivanna.
Scarred. Strong. Alive.
“Long time no see, father,” she said, her voice calm, elegant.
She gave a flawless bow.
Gasps echoed. Guns clicked. Chaos stirred.
Marian and Rupert stared like they’d seen a ghost. Because they had.
vanna’s eyes glittered as she met theirs.
“I just wanted to see how far you’d go,” she said. “And you did not disappoint.”
Then she smiled.
“This war shall begun.”
12:06 am
BOOM!!
