Bound by a billionaires vow

from its eyes. Lucia sat beside Matteo in the back of the lead car, her palms pressed lightly against her knees to keep from wringin

s on a tablet, jaw tight, eyes unblinking. He

ike this?" Luci

look up. "

from one obligation to another be

" he said. "Feeli

. "Then it's a miracle y

k, sharp, almost amused. "W

ock you're using

ri

convoy slid into the city and was immediately consumed by traffic lights, motorbik

rning sky into fractured silver. As their car pulled into the underground entrance, a wall of cameras flashed. Reporters

her back-firm, directive. "Look forward. Walk. Smile

ly live like this

e like

smile as they stepped out int

Matteo did the talking-growth numbers, investment strategies, the foundation gala that evening. A re

gh family," she said

her. Approval? Maybe. O

ardroo

ows, a marble table, screens embedded in the walls. Eleven board members sat wait

Paolo Vitale-stood and shook her hand. Others nodded. One woman, e

arm. "I confess, we were expecting someone from... the circles.

er neck. Matteo's expression didn't c

seat beside him, "isn't a brand where

zo choked on a laugh and

didn't understand all of it, but she watched Matteo work. He negotiated without raising his voice, redirected criticism like water,

ard. "Optics matter. Investors like stability

ted. Eyes sli

ened. "My marriage

n't care why it happened-only that it happened fast. A

Alway

the market values timing over char

, values tied to our philanthropic initiatives. She'll speak with our communications director af

ghter. So this

ing f

smelled of polished citrus and wealth. Their reservation: the Duomo Terrace Residence

d to consolidate your party. We've moved both reservations into the main residence. One master bedroom, one study convertible to s

at Matteo. "Cr

cluster. Carla just arrived in Mi

rse sh

en moving between them; staying in the same secure suit

Looks like 'pretend' j

d the forms.

ing

rush. Lucia was poured into a midnight silk gown with a low back and structured bodice that made her feel like a blade.

Chiara i

ines, a man used to command. He reached up, almost absentmindedly, and swept her hair over one

traight dow

rs in the mirro

blivious to the current sparking betwe

ether that thrilled

int at

ripping in glass and light. Orchids hung from beams. Champagne flowed. Soc

. A wave of whispered commentary rippled th

er? The f

s stu

ve. Stabilize

arla sees-oh,

, lethal in white satin, approached with the smile o

cheek. "Congratulations. Again." She pivoted to

ng. Thank you for attending-we apprec

ealing ice. "Always happy to su

ing to meet you." He didn't wait for Carla's response. He guided Lucia away

didn't care. I

t

protesters had gathered-union pressure over a shipping subsidiary dispute. Police presence grew. Paparazzi surge

owd had swelled, forcing security to move them th

distance. Phone alerts buzzing. Flights thre

y advised. "We'll reev

atteo said. "W

aster bed. Then at the pullou

brow. "Still

e. "I've slept in

said. "But not

over a chair. For the first time sinc

d Pro

eplayed footage of the gala and the protests. Lucia toed off her heels and curled her legs b

inally, not looking at her. "

putes," she said dryly. "Rich

ughed-and it transform

logy consult is scheduled. Full workup in Milan next we

d. "You alr

you I

ked. Gratitude flooded in, hot

uarded for a breath. "

't have to care. But you d

e mattress. "Don't mist

behind logistic

le

he city casting silver across his cheekbones. His hand lif

lse th

tte

ed the moment.

ask dropping in

on just hit-Carla Rossini gave an off-record comment implying

rse sh

breath. Lucia rose. "Th

d at her

them open. The Duomo glowed beyond. "Married couple, city lights, unified fr

ed. Then j

eo slipped an arm around Lucia's waist and drew her in. For the press, for the market

" he mu

one in her eyes wasn

icking at their heels, Lucia felt the tectonic plates between obl

Me

she changed out of the gown and he stripped down to a white undersh

pped from a magazine headl

ow what he d

igna

master bedroom, watching her read it. His expression was un

he said qu

the note.

nd whatever truth waited under that history-she wanted to face it