Episode 3
Gianna was on her way to meet her second mother—the woman who pulled her out of that godforsaken orphanage and gave her the life of a queen. But before she could reach, a black SUV pulled up. A man stepped out. Arrogant. Dangerous. And annoyingly hot.
She thought it was a kidnapping.
It wasn’t.
It was worse.
Aaric Hale
How are you, my dear sister?
Gianna Marino
What the actual f*ck? Who are you?
Aaric Hale
I’m that boy whose mother’s life your "dearest mommy" ruined.
Gianna Marino
Oh, my dear stepbrother… finally showed up, hmm?
Gianna Marino
What brought you here? Daddy not funding your tantrums anymore?
Aaric Hale
Cute. But I didn’t come to fight.I just need a meeting. You. Me. Alone.
Gianna Marino
Bold of you to assume I do charity work. Try Tinder, loser.
Aaric Hale
I know you and Eliana Carter are best friends.
Gianna Marino
So? Want me to plan your wedding?
Aaric Hale
No.I want information about the Carters.
Gianna Marino
Try the FBI. I'm busy being iconic.
Aaric Hale
If you don’t want to lose your second mother...Do it.( calm voice)
Gianna Marino
... What the hell did you just say?
Aaric Hale
You heard me.
The woman who dragged you out of hell? She's in my hands now.
Gianna Marino
You son of a—
Aaric Hale
Language, sister.Wouldn’t want Mommy #2 getting hurt over your big mouth.
Gianna Marino
You're playing with fire, Aaric
Aaric Hale
I am the fire.Now, princess... shall we talk?
Gianna’s blood boiled, but her hands were tied. She couldn’t risk her mother’s safety. So, with a deep breath and a deadly glare, she stepped into the car beside the boy who claimed to be her brother—but was clearly her enemy.
Aaric Hale
Get in the car, Gianna.I’m not asking twice.
Gianna Marino
Tch. You better have leather seats and chilled wine.
[She gets in. Door slams. Engine purrs
Gianna Marino
Now spill, Mr. Family Drama.What do you want from me?
Aaric Hale
Simple.I don’t want blood. Not yet. Just a little chaos.
Gianna Marino
Ugh. Be specific. I don’t do “vague villain” energy.
Aaric Hale
You’re Eliana Carter’s social media manager, right?
Gianna Marino
I’m not just her manager—I built her online presence.
If Eliana’s the face, I’m the puppet master.
Aaric Hale
Perfect. Then ruin them.Not everything—just a nudge to their reputation.
Gianna Marino
You're seriously asking me to sabotage my best friend?
Aaric Hale
No, I’m asking you to make it look like one of their own did it.A leak. A hacked post. A scandal.You know the game.
Gianna Marino
You’re a real piece of work.
Aaric Hale
So are you. That’s why you’ll pull it off.
Gianna Marino
And if I don’t?
Aaric Hale
Then just think about your mother
Gianna Marino
You want chaos, Aaric?
Fine.But don’t forget—I create storms.And if you cross me...You won’t survive mine.
Dorian eyes narrowing as a black car pulls up at the gates
Dorian Carter
No f*cking way.
watching Gianna step out of Aaric Hale's car, laughing at something he said
Dorian Carter
You’ve got to be kidding me.
Gianna Marino
Wow. Didn't expect my welcome committee to be this grumpy. Missed me, Carter?(smirking)
Dorian Carter
You're seriously getting dropped off by him?
Gianna Marino
Relax, it’s not like I’m carrying his child. Yet.(walking towards him )
Dorian Carter
Tch. Real funny. Since when are you so chummy with Aaric Hale? (jaw tightens)
Gianna Marino
Wouldn’t you like to know? Jealous much?(leans closer)
Dorian Carter
Hard to be jealous of a walking red flag. You do remember he’s our enemy, right?
Gianna Marino
Funny, your enemy just opened the car door for me like a gentleman. Maybe you’re fighting the wrong war, Carter.
Dorian Carter
Gianna… this isn’t a game. You’re Eliana’s best friend. If he’s using you to get to her—(serious tone)
Gianna Marino
(cuts him off, eyes locked with his)Then maybe you should trust your sister’s so called best friend to handle herself.
Dorian Carter
I’m not letting anyone hurt her. That includes you.(voice drops)
Gianna Marino
You’re cute when you're overprotective. But don’t worry, Dorian… I know exactly what I’m doing.(smirks and laugh)
Dorian Carter
Then why the hell does it feel like you’re playing with fire?
Gianna Marino
Because maybe… I am the fire baby. (smirk)
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