THIRTY SIX

Olivia watched him, concern furrowing her brow as she sensed his sudden shift in demeanor, leaning closer, “Lucas, what's wrong?” she asked quietly, her voice laced with worry.

He glanced briefly at the screen, his jaw tightening before he pocketed the phone, his expression unreadable, “It's nothing you need to worry about.” he replied, his tone clipped, yet protective, “I'll handle it.”

The weight of his unspoken words, hung heavy in the air between them,a palpable reminder of the danger that lurked just beyond the mansion’s fortified walls.

Olivia knew better than to press further, he gently placed a reassuring hand on her arm, “Excuse me for a moment,” he murmured, his gaze lingering on her briefly before he turned away.

As he strode down the hallway towards his study, Lucas’s mind raced . He couldn't afford to lose his composure now, not with Mia’s life hanging in the balance.

Just then, Lucas’s resolve solidified into action as he dialed Vincent's number, “Vincent,” he called, as soon as the call connected, his voice cutting through the tension that gripped his study . “I need you at the mansion immadietly, it's urgent.” his voice low but urgent.

……..🌵

In Massimo's opulent study, the air was thick with cigar smoke and tension as he paced restlessly behind his imposing desk. Massimo had to pull his men back on their attack on Lucas , because Lucas's men were putting a stronger fight than expected.

Massimo had kidnapped Mia , cause Mia is known to be Lucas' fianceé, and if he kills her, Lucas would feel the pain.

Just then two of Massimo's men entered, dragging Mia between them, her hands were bound and her eyes wide with fear and defiance as she struggled against their iron grip.

“Mia” Massimo greeted her with a venomous smile, his voice a dangerous purr, “Welcome to my humble abode.”

Mia’s gaze darted between Massimo and Lorenzo, Massimo's right hand man, her heart pounding with a mixture of anger and dread, “Massimo, let me go, why are you doing this.”

A sinister grin spread across Massimo's face as he stepped closer to Mia, his gaze cold and darting, “Oh Mia,” he picked, his voice dripping with malice, “It's so sad, how you have to pay for Lucas’s sin.”

“You can't win, Lucas Will find me.” Mia defended, her voice trembling with anger and confusion., even though she knew that Lucas had grown distant , consumed by his dangerous world and enigmatic journalist who had captured his attention. Unknownbest to Mia, Lucas' heart had indeed strained.

Massimo shook his head, “Exactly what I want Mia, I want Lucas Moretti to walk into my trap , so I can end him.” Massimo said, with a sneer.

“What do I have to do in all these, please let me go.” Mia said, more like a plea.

Massimo walked around Mia slowly, he leaned closer to her ear, Mia could feel his breath on her neck, as she shifted slightly away from him, “Lucas killed Olga, my sister, Mia.” Massimo whispered, his voice cold and dangerous.

Mia eyes widened in shock, she knew Lucas was ruthless but she never imagined he would deliberately want to start a war with Massimo, “How sure are you that you’re not making a mistake” Mia said, her voice trembling but filled with defiance.

Massimo's laughter echoed off the walls, a cold sound, that sent shivers down Mia’s spine. “Oh, Mia.” he taunted, his eyes glittering with malice “You’ve always trusted Lucas so much, But you see I have proof.” He gestured towards Lorenzo, who produced a folder from under his arm and placed it on the desk.

Opening the folder with deliberate slowness, Massimo revealed a series of photographs of Olga tied , Lucas had sent to him. Mia recoiled in horror, tears welling up in her eyes as she struggled to comprehend the depths of Massimo's vendetta .

“These photos,” Massimo continued, his voice low and menacing, “were taken and sent to me by Lucas , moments before Olga was killed.”

Mia’s breath caught in her throat as she studied the damning evidence before her. As she stood their bound and helpless, Mia’s thought turned to Lucas, She hoped and prayed silently Lucas would come for her before Massimo takes a drastic action on her.

“Please let me go, I'm begging you, don't use me as a pawn.” Mia begged, but Massimo had a sly smile on his face.

…….🌵

Back at Lucas Moretti's mansion, Vincent stormed into the study , his expression grave . Lucas, seated behind his desk with a map spread out before him,looked u sharply at the sound of Vincent's entrance.

“Vincent,” Lucas greeted him tersely , his voice laced with controlled urgency, “Massimo's have Mia,we have to act fast.”

“Gather the squad, we leave immadietly.” Lucas ordered.

Vincent nodded curtly, he didn't waste any time turning on his heels, he barked orders into his radio,summoning the best of Lucas' men to assemble for the rescue mission.

Meanwhile at Massimo's mansion, Massimo pulled out his gun from his pocket, his grip tightened on the gun, his finger curling around the trigger with deadly intent. “The truth is that Lucas Moretti has taken everything from me. And now, he will pay.”

Before Mia could respond, before she could even blink Massimo raised the gun and fired. Mia’s eyes were squeezed shot against the horror that loomed before her.

But just as the gunshot rang out, a figure appeared in the doorway, a silhouette against the harsh glow of the hallway beyond.

“Stop!” Marco’s voice boomed, his tone commanding and authoritative. He stepped into the room, his presence a sudden, intrusion on the deadly tableau unfolding before him.

Massimo whirled around, his face contorted with fury and confusion. “Marco, what the hell are you doing here?” He demanded, his gun still trained on Mia, who cowered on the floor out of shock.

Massimo had missed his shot, cause of Marco’s sudden interruption. Massimo's men pointed their guns towards Marco immadietly. Marco held up his hand in a placating gesture, his eyes darting between Massimo and Mia. His love for Mia has always been in his heart even though she keeps rejecting him.

“You’ve got the wrong person, Massimo.” He stated calmly, his voice tinged with a hint of affection “Mia, is not the right person to use to get to Lucas Moretti.”