Episode 8: A DANGEROUS PROPOSITION

Evelina’s POV

I had always been good at keeping my emotions in check.

But standing here, in Cassian Moretti’s office, with his dark gaze locked onto mine, I felt like I was unraveling.

His words still echoed in my mind.

"Because I don’t let go of what’s mine."

A warning. A promise. A threat.

I straightened my shoulders, forcing myself to stay calm. “You act like you already own me, Cassian.”

He smirked, slow and deliberate. “I don’t have to act.”

I clenched my jaw. “I’m not some pawn in whatever twisted game you’re playing.”

Cassian leaned in slightly, his presence suffocating. “That’s where you’re wrong, dolcezza.” His voice was low, almost teasing. “You’ve been part of this game long before you even knew it existed.”

A chill crept down my spine. “What does that mean?”

Cassian’s smirk didn’t falter. “It means you’re standing in the middle of a war your father started. And whether you like it or not…” He reached for his glass, taking a slow sip before continuing. “…you’re one of the pieces on the board.”

I swallowed hard, my mind racing.

No.

This was manipulation. It had to be.

Cassian wanted me to doubt my father. Wanted me to question everything. And yet, deep inside me, a sliver of doubt twisted its way through my resolve.

Because my father had panicked.

And he never panicked.

I forced myself to hold Cassian’s gaze. “You think if you say enough cryptic things, I’ll believe you?”

He chuckled, a low, dark sound that sent a shiver through me. “No, dolcezza.” He set his glass down, stepping closer. “I think once you see the truth for yourself, you’ll have no choice but to believe me.”

I hated how calm he was. How certain.

I needed control. I needed leverage.

I squared my shoulders. “Then tell me the truth.”

Cassian studied me, his expression unreadable. “You really want to know?”

“Yes.”

He exhaled, as if considering something. Then he stepped even closer—so close I had to fight the urge to back away.

“If you want answers, dolcezza, you’re going to have to earn them.”

My heart pounded. “And how exactly am I supposed to do that?”

Cassian’s smirk returned. “Stay close to me.”

I froze. “What?”

“You want to know what’s really going on?” His voice was smooth, controlled. “Then you’ll stay by my side. See things for yourself.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You want me to trust you?”

He shrugged. “That depends. How badly do you want the truth?”

I hated that he had a point.

My father wasn’t going to tell me anything. And Cassian…

Cassian was the only other person who seemed to know the answers.

The problem was, he was also the most dangerous man I had ever met.

But I wasn’t weak. I wasn’t naive.

If this was a game, then I would play it on my terms.

I took a deep breath and met his gaze head-on. “Fine.”

Cassian’s lips curved.

“Smart girl.”

I turned to leave, needing space, needing air. But before I could take a step, his voice stopped me.

“Evelina.”

I hesitated, my back to him.

His tone had shifted—still smooth, still controlled, but there was something else beneath it. Something unreadable.

“Once you enter my world,” he said, “there’s no turning back.”

A warning. A final chance to walk away.

But I wasn’t backing down.

I turned my head slightly, just enough to glance at him over my shoulder.

“Then I guess I’ll have to see for myself.”

And with that, I walked away.

Not because I trusted him.

But because, for better or worse, Cassian Moretti held the answers I needed.

And I wasn’t leaving without them.

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