Seven years later, at the Montrava International Financial Hub, I stepped in while taking Father by the arm. Right now, I was the undisputed leader of Northern Silenzio.
“Donna Rossetti.” That was what they called me now.
At my side, Luca Rossetti’s little fingers tickled my right palm for attention. I smiled and gently ruffled his hair. “What is it,
my angel?”
“Mother, that man’s been staring at you the whole time,” he whispered a reminder, while his eyes stayed locked on a figure in the far end of the ballroom. He’d sharply noticed the unfriendly stare for some time now.
It was Rafael. Gone was the golden prince of Southern Silenzio, and what stood in his place now was a haggard, gaunt man. Natalia stuck to him and glared at me with wide, wary eyes.
I turned away, unbothered. “Don’t mind him.”
But Rafael stepped forward anyway and shoved Natalia aside when she tried to hold him back. He staggered on unsteady feet and reeked of heavy liquor.
“Gianna, it’s been seven years…” His voice trembled with agitation.
I calmly met his eyes and said nothing.
He tried to reach for my wrist and urgently said, “Come with me! We can start over! I swear that this time, I won’t…”
I stepped back to avoid his touch and shot him an icy glare. “Rafael Holloway, you’re drunk. Please show some respect.”
Sensing the shift, Luca stepped in front of me.
Rafael’s breath hitched. His gaze locked on Luca, first blankly before the shock settled in. Then, it turned into wild, almost
mad disbelief.
