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Lia’s POV

As I stepped through the front doors, the grandeur of Finn’s estate felt even more imposing tonight. Everything seemed amplified, and for once, the place that I’d become so familiar with felt foreign like I was walking into a well-laid trap. But I pushed the thoughts aside as I reminded myself that tonight wasn’t just any night—it was the dinner party, an engagement party of sorts.

After slipping off my shoes, I headed to my room and began preparing for the evening. I picked out a satin dress in deep emerald green that hugged my curves and had an elegant sweep along the floor. The color was bold but refined, exactly the sort of look that Finn liked to see on me. As I was adjusting the neckline, I heard a gentle knock on the door.

“Come in,” I called, thinking it was one of the house staff.

Finn stepped inside, looking impossibly polished in a tailored black suit that made his figure even more imposing. In his hands, he held a small, velvet box. He gave me a half-smile, his usual intensity softened just a bit.

“I brought you something for tonight,” he said, his voice low as he stepped closer. He opened the box, revealing a breathtaking diamond necklace that caught the light from every angle. The stones sparkled brilliantly, each cut into flawless gems, and I couldn’t help but gasp a little.

“It’s beautiful,” I managed, my fingers brushing over the diamonds as he lifted them from the box.

Without a word, he reached behind me and fastened the necklace around my neck. His fingers were steady, but his gaze was intense, as though he were trying to read my thoughts. Once he was done, I caught his eyes in the mirror, and for a moment, we both just stood there, silent.

“There,” he said, voice gruff. “Now you’re ready.”

With one last lingering glance, he left, and I took a deep breath, trying to settle my nerves. Everything about tonight felt off, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was walking a fine line between worlds, my loyalties split, with secrets on all sides.

When I descended the stairs, the hall was already filled with people. The decorations were elegant, with muted lighting casting a warm glow over the room. I spotted Benedicta near the entrance, waving at me, and I felt an immediate wave of relief. Her presence grounded me; she was a reminder of what I was fighting for, and her support meant everything.

As the evening unfolded, I noticed how everyone seemed engrossed in their own world, whispering behind glasses of champagne, clinking glasses, and sharing warm smiles. Yet, there was a tension in the air, one that I couldn’t quite place. Every so often, I caught sight of Alina moving in and out of the hall. She looked more intense than usual, her gaze darting to various corners of the room.

More unsettling, however, was the way Bianca and Jenny seemed on edge. Their laughter was forced, their smiles brittle, and every few minutes, they’d exchange hurried glances that held a mixture of anxiety and dread. They were nervous, and that worried me.

Finally, I slipped away, pretending I needed a moment outside for air. I ducked into a quiet hallway, far from the bustling hall, and quickly dialed Luca’s number. He picked up almost instantly as if he’d been waiting for my call.

“Lia?” he asked, his tone immediately serious.

“Yes. I wanted to tell you something strange is going on. Alina’s acting suspiciously, coming in and out of the hall. And Bianca and Jenny—they look… nervous. I think they’re up to something. I just wanted to make sure we’re not walking into any surprises,” I whispered, casting a glance around me to ensure no one could overhear.

There was a pause, and then Luca’s voice softened, soothing yet firm. “Don’t worry, Lia. Everything is under control. I’ve made arrangements for anything they might try. Stick to the plan, and don’t let them see you’re nervous.”

His words calmed me, and I let out a shaky breath. “Are you sure?” I asked.

“Absolutely. I have eyes on them, and I’ll know if anything changes. Just go back in there and act like tonight is exactly what it should be. The less they suspect, the better.”

After a beat, I nodded to myself, despite him not being able to see it. “All right, I trust you, Luca. But… stay close, okay?”

“I will,” he promised, and with that, we hung up.

I straightened, smoothing out the folds of my dress and steadying my breathing. Luca’s reassurance lingered in my mind as I made my way back to the hall. I slipped inside, doing my best to look at ease, and found Benedicta waiting for me. She gave me a small smile, oblivious to the undercurrents pulsing through the room. For her, tonight was nothing more than an engagement party, a new beginning. I held onto that image, hoping it would carry me through.

As the night went on, I tried to stay engaged in conversations, nodding and smiling in all the right places. Alina’s frequent disappearances and Bianca’s stolen glances toward me still prickled my nerves, but I kept Luca’s words in mind. I stayed composed, unbothered, exactly what they didn’t expect. This was just the beginning, I reminded myself.

And as I sipped my champagne, casting a casual look across the room, I knew I was playing a delicate game. A game that only I—and perhaps Luca—could understand.

___

Luca's POV

I walked briskly to my car, tension knotting in my stomach. Lex was supposed to check in with me this morning, but all I got was radio silence. Something was off, and I needed answers.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, I dialed his number as I started the car. It rang and rang, but no answer. My fingers tapped against the steering wheel impatiently as I drove toward the last place we’d met. I dialed again, feeling a sense of dread creeping in. If Lex had been involved with Bianca and Jenny’s plans, anything could have happened.

Finally, the call connected. I opened my mouth to speak, but before I could say anything, the unmistakable sound of gunfire exploded from the other end. My heart dropped. There was no mistaking it—Lex was in trouble, or worse.

The line went dead. My hands tightened around the steering wheel as I tried to process what had just happened. Who would take out Lex? And why now, right when we needed him to keep Bianca and Jenny's plans from spiraling out of control?

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to stay calm as I sped toward the meeting place. Lex might not have been a saint, but he was a necessary piece in our plan, and whoever took him out clearly knew what they were doing. This changed everything.

As I pulled into the empty lot where we’d last met, a strange silence hung over the place. I scanned the area, half expecting to see a shadow move or a flash of a weapon. But there was nothing—only the eerie quiet as if the whole place was holding its breath.

I got out of the car, my senses on high alert. My mind was racing with questions. Had Lex betrayed me, or had someone else gotten to him before he could relay any vital information? Either way, I knew one thing for certain—someone was making moves, and they were closer than I’d realized.

The plans we’d carefully set in motion now seemed like they were hanging by a thread. With Lex gone, I’d lost an essential link to Bianca’s inner circle, and now, there was no one to monitor her plans directly. I couldn’t be everywhere at once, but I’d have to act fast to keep everything from collapsing.

I got back into my car, dialing Lia’s number. If anything, she had to know what was going on. I couldn’t let her walk into a trap, not when it was clear we were up against someone ruthless.

As the phone rang, I kept my gaze on the road ahead, eyes scanning every movement, every shadow. Tonight was the engagement party, but now, it felt like a countdown to something far darker.

Lia picked up. “Luca?” Her voice was soft, uncertain.

“Listen carefully,” I said, voice low. “Lex is gone. Something happened, and I don’t know who’s responsible yet. Just… keep your guard up tonight. Don’t let anyone catch you off balance.”

A long pause, and then, “Understood.”