THIRTY SEVEN

Massimo's brow furrowed, “What do you mean?” He asked, his gaze on Mia.

Marco stepped forward, “We need to talk,” Marco said, more like a whisper.

“Take her to the basement,” Massimo ordered, “Keeo her there till I say otherwise.”

As Mia was dragged away, her protests echoing in the empty corridors, Massimo turned his attention to Marco, who watched the scene unfold with calculating gaze.

“What do you want, Marco?” Massimo demanded, suspicion lacing his words, “This doesn't concern you.”

Marco took another step forward, “on the contrary,” he replied evenly, “this concerns all of us, Lucas Moretti is a threat to both of us. We have a common enemy.”

Massimo's jaw clenched, the weight of his sister's death heavy on his mind. He knew Marco well, he knew the simmering rivalry between him and Lucas, the envy and ambition that fueled their familial discord.

“You expect me to trust you.” Massimo shot back, his voice tinged with skepticism.

Marco's lips curled into a sardonic smile, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Trust?” He echoed mockingly, “Trust is a luxury we can't afford. But mutual benefits, Massimo - that we can achieve.”

Massimo's gaze was fixed on Marco intently, he knew the risks of aligning himself with Marco. But Lucas's empire loomed large, a shadowy colossus that threatened to crush them all if left unchecked.

“And what do you propose?” Massimo finally relented, his voice a low growl of reluctant acceptance.

Marco's smile widened, a shark-like grin, that hinted at hidden agendas and dangerous alliances. “First, Let Mia go,” he stated bluntly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation . “We have a common goal, Massimo , to see Lucas Moretti fall. Let's work together”

Massimo's mind raced, weighing the risks of aligning with Marco. The thirst for vengeance burned hot within him, a fire fueled by grief and the need to avenge his sister's death.

He knew aligning himself with Marco was like stepping into a world of treachery and deceit. But in that moment, faced with the undeniable truth of their shared enemy, he had no choice but to consider Marco’s offer.

“Fine,” Massimo finally conceded, his voice heavy with resignation. “But if you betray me, Marco…….”

Marco raised his hands, cutting off Massimo's threat, “We’re not enemies today,” he declared firmly. “Let's focus on the task at hand.”

Massimo signaled Lorenzo to come closer, Lorenzo leaned closer to his boss, “Release her,” Massimo ordered, Lorenzo nodded curtly , as he strolled out of the study to carry out the orders.

Massimo turned his attention to Marco, “We need to be strategic about this, Lucas isn't somebody you can easily manipulate.”
Massimo's voice was low and controlled.

Marco needed his expression seriously, “Agreed, For now, let's focus on consolidating our position.”

Just then Lorenzo walked into the study with Mia beside, now freed from the ropes tied on her earlier.

Marco rose from his, “We’ll discuss our next move, in our next meeting.” Marco moved towards Mia, his demeanor shifting from cold calculation to something softer, Mia looked up at him,a mix of fear and confusion in her eyes.

As Marco led her out of the study, and through the shadowy corridors of Massimo's mansion, Mia's thoughts were a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

They stepped outside into the cool night air, the silence only broken by the distant hum of the city. Marco guided her to his sleek black car , opening the passenger's door for her with a quiet, almost reverent care.

Inside the car, the tension between them was palpable. Mia stares out the window as Marco drives, her heart aching with the realization that it wasn't Lucas who had come to her rescue. The man she loved was still out there , while she was in the company of Marco. With a heavy sigh she picked her phone and dialed Lucas’ number. Marco glanced briefly at her and then turned his gaze to the road.

She placed the phone on her ear, waiting for Lucas to pick up, “Who are you calling.” Marco asked, his gaze focused on the road.

“None of your business,” She snapped back immediately.

Marco chuckled, “I just saved you, you know, you should be thankful.”

Before Mia could respond to Marco, “Mia,” Lucas' voice came through on the phone.

“Really, Lucas, you couldn't even come for me ,even when I was almost killed.” Mia said, her voice sharp with emotions.

Lucas sighed over the phone, “Mia ,are you safe?”

“I'm safe Lucas, with or without you.” She said, raising her voice, her voice tinged with disappointment and anger.

With that she ended the call, tears welled up in her eyes, she sniffed trying not to let the tears drop, but the tears flowed freely on her cheeks.

“You know, I hate to see you cry, Mia,” Marco said , handing his handkerchief to her.

Mia stretched her hands and collected the handkerchief from him.

Meanwhile in Lucas mansion, Lucas ordered his men to fall back, as Mia had already been safe.

Back in the car, Mia glanced at Marco, “Why did you save me, Marco?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper .

Marco's grip tightened on the steering wheel, his eyes focused on the road ahead, “Because I care about you, Mia,” he replied , his voice tinged with raw honesty.

Mia knew Marco had always been in love with her, But she couldn't just find herself loving him, “You care about me?” she echoed, her voice rising with emotions.

Marco's face twisted, “You know how much I have loved you Mia, What do you see in Lucas that I don't have?”

Mia swallowed hard, “This is not the right time for all these, I feel really exhausted, I need to rest.” Mia said, dismissing the topic Marco was trying to bring up, leaning her back on the seat.

Marco nodded, “I understand, but know that if Lucas really cares about you, he would have been here to save you.”

Mia turned away, her heart aching at the weight of what Marco had just said. As they drove in silence, towards Mia’s house, her mind raced with questions and fears. Olivia must have really taken Lucas' attention away . She needs to go to the mansion to understand what's going on.