The morning sun cast long shadows across the villa's marble foyer as Vincent adjusted his simple tie in the hallway mirror. Behind his modest reflection lay secrets that could reshape nations—he was the founder and supreme commander of "Eagles of the West," the most feared military corporation on the planet. His personal wealth exceeded the GDP of small countries, yet he wore the same worn suit from yesterday, maintaining his carefully crafted facade.Vincent had responded to Gianna's marriage advertisement not out of desperation, but from genuine concern. His vast intelligence network had flagged her unusual plea for help, and something about her situation had stirred memories he'd carried for over a decade. Now, legally bound to her as of this morning's registration, he stood ready to fulfill promises made long ago.The front doors burst open with a violent crash, interrupting his thoughts. Rocco Benedetti stormed into the villa without invitation, his expensive Italian suit and g

The sound of heels clicking sharply against marble echoed through the villa as Isabella Moretti swept through the front doors like a storm cloud. Her designer dress and perfectly styled hair did nothing to soften the fury radiating from her every movement."Gianna!" Isabella's voice cut through the morning air like a blade. "Get down here this instant!"Gianna appeared at the top of the staircase, her expression immediately guarded. "Mama, you're early.""Early? Early?" Isabella's voice rose to a near shriek. "I had to hear about your ridiculous marriage from the neighbors! How dare you humiliate this family!"Vincent emerged from the kitchen, still wearing his apron from cleaning up after breakfast. Isabella's eyes immediately fixed on him with undisguised contempt."So this is him," Isabella sneered. "The nobody who ruined everything.""Mama, please—" Gianna began."Don't you 'Mama please' me!" Isabella cut her off. "Do you have any idea what you've done? Kevin Romano was perfect fo

The jade sculpture lay on its side where Rocco had knocked it over during his humiliating fall. A small chip had broken off from the base, revealing the interior structure that Vincent had been waiting to see."Well, well," Vincent crouched down and picked up the fragment, examining it closely. "This makes things even clearer.""What are you doing now?" Rocco demanded, still cradling his dislocated wrist. "Haven't you caused enough trouble?"Vincent held the chip up to the light, his trained eye spotting exactly what he'd expected to find. "Look at these tool marks on the interior surface. See these perfectly parallel grooves?"The crowd leaned in reluctantly, their curiosity overcoming their hostility."Those are from modern diamond-tipped carving equipment," Vincent continued matter-of-factly. "Ancient Chinese artisans used bronze and iron tools, which leave completely different markings. These grooves are barely six months old.""You're making that up!" Rocco screamed. "How could y

The silence following Kevin's humiliating defeat stretched uncomfortably across the ballroom until Rocco, desperate to regain some measure of dignity, spotted his opportunity for one final attack."Wait just a minute," Rocco announced loudly, his voice cutting through the awkward quiet. "We've all presented our gifts to Nonna, but I don't recall seeing anything from our mysterious guest of honor."All eyes turned to Vincent, and Rocco's malicious grin widened as he sensed victory within reach."That's right!" Isabella chimed in eagerly. "Where is your gift, Vincent? Surely you brought something for Elisabetta's special day?""How embarrassing," someone whispered loudly. "Coming to a birthday celebration empty-handed.""What did you expect from a man like that?" another voice added with cruel satisfaction.Vincent reached into his jacket pocket with unhurried calm. "Actually, I did bring something."He withdrew a small antique wooden box, its surface worn smooth by age and handling. Th