Chapter 4: Shadows Within

The morning sun barely pierced the clouds over Verona, but the De Luca estate was already alive with tension. Livia paced the grand hall, her heels clicking against the marble floor, mind racing. Every shadow could hide a spy, every smile could mask a traitor.

Enzo entered, frowning. “We intercepted a message last night. Someone inside the estate is feeding information to the Romanos.”

Livia’s eyes narrowed, her pulse quickening. “A traitor,” she whispered. “I knew it. But who?”

Vittoria, ever calm, laid out the details on the table. “It’s subtle. Small changes in supply, minor miscommunications… but deliberate. Someone we trusted is compromised.”

Livia’s fingers clenched. “No one threatens my family and lives. Not tonight.”

Meanwhile, Matteo watched from a rooftop across the city. Rain had left the streets slick, reflecting neon lights as he studied the estate. His jaw was tight, mind calculating. “She’s preparing for a trap,” he muttered to Marco. “But she won’t notice me until it’s too late… and by then, I’ll have her attention for more than just strategy.”

Marco shook his head. “Boss, don’t let your feelings interfere. The De Lucas are dangerous, and Livia is lethal.”

“She’s more than lethal,” Matteo said softly, a smirk tugging at his lips. “She’s… irresistible.”

That night, under the cover of darkness, Matteo made his move. The estate’s perimeter was breached, silent shadows slipping past guards. Livia, expecting an attack, was ready. She moved like a shadow herself, taking down operatives with ruthless efficiency.

Suddenly, Matteo appeared in the courtyard, unarmed yet commanding. Rain slicked his hair, and his eyes locked on hers.

“You never stop, do you?” Livia demanded, pistol trained.

“Nor should you,” he replied, stepping closer, voice low, magnetic. “And neither should we pretend this is just rivalry anymore.”

The words struck her like lightning. Rage mixed with a thrill she couldn’t ignore. She fired a warning shot near his feet, yet he didn’t flinch.

“You’re reckless,” Matteo said, his eyes dark and intense. “And I admire it.”

“You’re impossible,” she snapped, voice shaking slightly.

Their proximity made every heartbeat feel amplified. Hands brushed, electricity sparking at the faintest touch. Every glance was a challenge, every word a test of control.

Then came the betrayal’s confirmation. A hidden Romano operative emerged from the shadows inside the estate, aiming a weapon at Livia. Matteo reacted instantly, intercepting the threat with precise skill.

“Thank you… I suppose,” Livia said, breathless, anger and confusion warring within her.

Matteo’s gaze softened for just a moment. “Don’t mention it,” he murmured. “Just… survive tonight. And maybe think about what comes after.”

The operative was neutralized, but the message was clear: trust was fragile, loyalty was uncertain, and the lines between enemy and desire were blurring faster than either could admit.

As Matteo melted back into the shadows, Livia realized one undeniable truth: she couldn’t stop thinking about him. The man she was supposed to hate had become an obsession—dangerous, thrilling, and forbidden.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***