Chapter 19%
Her perfectly manicured nails dug into her handbag, while her lips pressed together so tightly they were white X
I stepped closer, my voice dropping into something lower, something dangerous.
“Mrs. Moretti,” I murmured, leaning in. “If you ever–ever–try to threaten me again, I’ll make sure the next news article isn’t just about your daughter.”
I tilted my head, smiling sweetly. “I’ll make sure it’s about you“)
Her fingers trembled.}
I took one last look at her–and then, I walked away. Leaving Isabella Moretti standing in my home, surrounded by her defeated men And for the first time- She looked afraid.
After the incident with Isabella in Ethan’s penthouse, I knew the war had truly begun. She had left furious, humiliated, her threats lingering. in the air like the last notes of a broken symphony. But I hadn’t been shaken. No–1 had been energized.
So when the invitation for the charity gala arrived, I knew it was the perfect stage for my next move.
The event was flawless. Grand chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, expensive wine being poured into crystal glasses, billionaires shaking hands, their wives whispering behind jeweled masks. The scent of money, power, and well–masked corruption lingered in the air like a delicate perfume.
And me?
was standing right in the center of it.
The cameras flashed the moment I arrived, and I let them. After all, this was what I wanted.
I had planned everything–the timing, the location, and most importantly, the moment that would make headlines across the country Because tonight, Jason Romano was going to be caught with me.l
And the world would burn for it.
It happened just as I expected.
Jason found me near the balcony, my glass of wine swirling in my hand as I pretended to be lost in thought. His presence was a storm rolling in–heavy, dark, intoxicating
“You shouldn’t be here,” he murmured, stepping closer.
I tumed slightly, just enough to let the golden light catch my skin. “Why not?” I asked, voice light, innocent–like I didn’t know exactly what I was doing
His jaw tightened. “Because I don’t trust myself when you’re around.”
The words sent a sharp thrill down my spine, but I masked it with a soft smile. “That’s not my problem, Mr. Romano.
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Seraphina.”
I tilted my head, watching him. “And you’re playing it with me.”
For a moment, we just stood there. Him–the man who once threw me away. Me–the woman who was about to destroy everything he thought he owned.
And then I stepped closer!!
Just enough for the reporters hiding behind the curtains to catch the angle.
Jason’s hand brushed against my waist, just the barest touch, but it was enough. Enough to make it seem like we were caught in something intimate, something stolen, something forbidden.
And the moment the flash went off-
I knew. The story was already being written. Jason Romano. The ruthless billionaire. The powerful mafia king. Caught in an affair with Seraphina.
By the time Lily found out, the entire internet had exploded.
“Jason Romano and the Mysterious Beauty–Who Is She?“!
“Romano’s Secret Affair? Sources Say He’s Been Visiting Her Late at Night.”
“Lily Moretti Romano In Shambles As Her Husband Grows Distant“}
It was all too easy!!
And when Lily finally snapped. I was already waiting for it.
“You whore!”
what the media is saying
Lily’s voice shrieked through Jason’s office, her manicured nails slamming against his desk. “Do you know what about us?! About me??‘)
Jason leaned back in his chair, exhaling a long, slow breath, as if he were bored by her tantrum, “Calm down, Lily
Jason leaned back in his chair, exhaling a long, slow breatly, as if he were bored by her tantum “Calm down, Lily
“Calm down?” she screeched. “Jason, they’re saving you’re having an affair! That she’s your mistress(71)
At that, Jason’s lips curled into something almost amused That’s interesting, he mused. “I thought you were the mistress.“}
Lily’s face paled. “You”
“Stop embarrassing yourself,” Jason cut her off, his voice low, commanding “The media is trying to ruin my image, and you’re playing.
Lily clenched her fists. “You don’t even deny it,” she whispereil, her voice insmbling
Jason only stared at her, his expression unmeadable: “I don’t owe anyone explanations 50
That was the moment Lily knew:
She had already lost him
That night, I was sipping wine in Ithan’s prothouse when the door opened. I didn’t need to tum around to know it was him
Ethan’s presence was always like ice–cold, sharp, cutting through everything in its way.
“You’re playing with fine,” he said, his voice as steady as ever
I took a slow sip, savoring the taste beton finally meeting las gaze. “You always say that,” i mumused.
He stepped forward, his eyes scanning me like he was trying to see through me. “And you never listen.“) Isighest setting my glass down “Ethan, we’ve been over this.7
His jaw ticked “Tell me you’re not falling for him again.“)
Haughed. “Falling for Jason?” Trepeated, shaking my lead. Ethan, I don’t love him. Not anymore.
Ethan didn’t look convinced “Then why are you letting him get this close?)
Heaned back, crossing my as “Tecause I want him close, I admitted. The closer he is, the easier he is to destroy
Ethan studied me for a long moment, his eyes dark, uneodable.
And then, finally, he sighed.X
“You’re too good at this, he muamured.
I smiled “I know”
He shook his head, running a hand through his hair. “Just don’t lose yourself in the game, Seraphina.””}}
Hilted my head. “You think I will?‘
Ethan didn’t answer!
But his silence said enough.
The silence between us stretched, heavy and thick like a storm brewing on the horizon, Ethan’s dark gaze was fixed on me, unreadable. calculating
I should have walked away I tried to walk away.
But the second I turned, my foot slid against the sleek marble floor, my balance tipping dangerously. A gasp barely left my lips before strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me back, steadying me effortlessly.X
The shift in the air was immediate. A pulse. A tension.
