Chapter 7 - THE BETRAYAL
The Morettis had been enemies for decades.
If they possessed the original ledger, the entire city could burn.
Carmine moved Ivy into a secure penthouse.
She hated being guarded.
He hated leaving her alone.
Their arguments became frequent.
“You can't keep controlling my life.”
“I can keep you alive.”
“Those aren't the same thing.”
“They are right now.”
She stared at him.
“You don't trust me.”
“I trust you.”
“Then why do you keep watching me?”
“Because everyone around you keeps trying to kill you.”
She went silent.
Carmine softened.
“Ivy.”
“What?”
“I don't know how to do this.”
“Do what?”
“Care about someone without turning it into a security operation.”
She looked at him.
“You care about me?”
Carmine didn't answer.
That was answer enough.
Before she could respond, the penthouse alarm sounded.
Carmine grabbed her hand.
“Behind me.”
The elevator doors opened.
Three armed men entered.
Carmine's security team engaged them.
The fight lasted less than a minute.
Then silence.
Ivy looked at the floor.
One attacker was still breathing.
He wore a silver wolf ring.
Carmine crouched beside him.
“Who sent you?”
The man laughed.
“You're asking the wrong question.”
“What question?”
“Who is protecting you?”
Carmine froze.
The man looked at Ivy.
“Your maid knows.”
Ivy's face went white.
“I don't know anything.”
The attacker smiled.
“Your mother didn't die.”
Silence.
Ivy stopped breathing.
“What?”
“She disappeared.”
Carmine stared.
“Where?”
The man's smile widened.
“Ask the woman who raised you.”
Then he died.
Ivy backed away.
“My mother…”
Carmine caught her before she fell.
“No.”
“She could be alive.”
“Maybe.”
“I have to find her.”
“We will.”
She looked up.
“You promise?”
Carmine nodded.
“I promise.”
She stared into his eyes.
Then kissed him.
It was brief.
Uncertain.
But real.
When they separated, Carmine rested his forehead against hers.
Then his phone rang.
Leo.
“Boss.”
“What?”
“We found something.”
“Where?”
“Your mother's old property.”
Carmine went still.
“My mother died when I was fourteen.”
May you like
Leo hesitated.
“That's what everyone thought.”
