For a long moment, Lorenzo studied me, his stare like a blade against my throat. I knew he was suspecting me but there was no way he'd be this calm if he knew that I was aware of his tactics.
Then, finally—he let me go. I stepped out of his study with a thundering heartbeat. I jogged to our bedroom and stepped into the bathroom.
As soon as I did, I locked the door and turned on the shower to drown out any noise. With shaky hands, I pulled out my phone and dialed Santino De Luca's contact. I didn't know why I trusted him, I just knew I desperately needed an ally.
The line finally clicked. "I was wondering when you'd call, Mrs. Ricci."
"Mr. De Luca," I kept my voice steady, a desperate attempt to reassure that I didn't just escape death itself. "I need your help."
He chuckled. "I’m listening."
"I want to know everything Lorenzo is hiding from me." My patience running thin.
A long pause erupted. Then, his voice dropped. "Meet me tomorrow night. 9 PM. The rooftop of II Bastione."
II Bastione—one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city.
"Okay," I agreed but spoke again, "But I want protection. If Lorenzo finds out—"
"He won't," He reassured me, and for some reason, it meant more than I thought it would. "But make no mistake, Valeria—if you betray me, I won't be as forgiving as your husband."
The call then ended. I exhaled shakily, gripping the sink. This was it. Tomorrow, I'd take the first step toward getting out. And toward destroying Lorenzo Ricci.
~The Next Morning
I played my role flawlessly, despite the heavy burden on my heart. I entered the banquet hall of Ricci's Corporation's headquarters alongside Lorenzo. I kept my expression neutral.
I had to figure out what Lorenzo had done. And I needed Santino's help to do it.
But first, I had to survive this nightmare.
When we entered the hall, several associate club/business owners were already there. To my surprise, Lorenzo's mother was there too. Beside her, smiling like she had already won, was Seraphina Marone.
My stomach twisted, but I forced myself to remain composed.
After a while of mingling with everyone, when the event was wrapping up, Lorenzo's mother clinked her wine glass.