Veins Of Vengeance

had made it clear that this meeting would set the tone for the future of their alliance with the DeLuca family. It wasn't just about appearances; it was about power, infl

k hair and pale complexion. The silk clung to her body, accentuating her curves in a way that felt too exposing, too deliberate. Her mother

e. But beneath the surface, there was a storm brewing, a quiet rebellion that no one could see. The mere thought of her impending marriage

er across the room at the engagement party. It was as if he knew something she didn't, as if he understood her in a way no one els

ughts. "Zara, the car is ready," her mo

ight would be another performance. The act would c

ere flanked by massive marble columns. When the Moretti family arrived, it was a spectacle, a display of power and wealth. The valet ope

is eyes scanning her

ing a smile onto

ngled in the wide hall, their voices a murmur of polite conversation. But beneath the surface, Zara could feel the undercurrent of tension. The DeLuc

e spotted the younger DeLuca heir standing by his father's side. Luca DeLuca, Matteo's cousin, was a man of little patience and fewer morals. His eyes were lo

"Don DeLuca, it is an honor to finally meet you in person," Matteo said, hi

ho had seen too much and was unafraid of anything. His dark eyes shifted to Zara, appraising her with a co

ckening. "Thank you, Don DeLuca. It

ker. "A Moretti," he said with a faint smile. "It's been a long time since we've had the pleasure

kly recovered. "My father values th

s. "I'm sure he does. But a woman like you? I'm su

rself to stay composed. "I'm sure my

er of the room. The words from Luca echoed in her mind, but she didn't allow herself to dwell on

and remained firm on her back. He was protective in a way that felt more possessive than affectionate, a reminder that, in his ey

esence like a silent storm. His eyes met hers from across the room, and in that moment, Zara felt everything around her fade. There was so

ike him-someone tied to the rival family. Her thoughts raced as she struggled to regain control of her emotio

es lingered on her, the way his attention seemed fixed on her like a mag

napped her from her thou

back toward him. "Yes, just

where, following Damon's every movement in the ro

You've spotted someone interesting, Zara?" His voice dripped with am

. She couldn't afford to acknowledge Damon, not here, no

apologize, Zara. It's perfectly normal to have distractions at an event like

le cool and detached. "Everyone here belongs,

but his smile never faltered. "Very tr

to admit. She had her secrets, yes. And one of them, standing across t

dn't afford to let anything-or anyone-stand in the way of the life her father

ing. And for Zara, there