Shadows of deceit

m. His steps were deliberate, echoing off the marble floors as he walk

voice low, but there was an edg

ith me,"

I followed him down the hall, trying to suppress the anxiety rising in my chest.

sonal quality to it,like a showroom for power, designed to intimidate. A lar

. He watched me carefully as I took my seat, feeling lik

ough the silence, "is a game of power.

m, confusion c

you mean

papers, each one more important than the last. He picked up a photograph and held it out to me.

table. But I have been patient. He is starting to make moves in my territory

ssing the words

asked,with a puzzl

ling amusement. "Because you are not a

ly, but I did not speak. I did not have to. I could a

one hardening. "Find out what he is planning. If

s afraid of Luca or Jack's control over me. But what c

s?" I asked quietly, al

rate, predatory. When he reached me, he crouched down to my level, his face

ing in the air like a warning. "Because if you do not, I will make s

a response. He stood up and steppe

e quiet but firm. "A world of power, control, and deception. Y

every move. I was expected to get close to Luca, to manipulate him into trusting me.

d not want to get entangled in whatever twisted world Jack had planned.

in, I saw Luca sitting on one of the leather chairs, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His dark e

oice smooth, almost sed

him as he continued to study me. There was something dangerous in

Luca said, his eyes lingering on

name, but I did not react. Instead, I

ng my voice steady despite the racing of my

y in his glass. "That is what they all sa

rd slightly, his gaze becoming more intense. "You are more than just a pawn, are you

y be aware of the game I was forced to play? But no, that was imp

rvive," I said softly,

f weighing my every word. Then, with a

etheart. But sometimes, it's the player