Gianna left the hospital with Nonna's words echoing in her mind: "Make sure Vincent comes. I have something important to say to him."The request seemed simple enough on the surface, but Gianna knew better. Convincing Vincent to attend a lavish family gathering—especially now, when he was determined to leave in three days—would be nearly impossible.If she showed up to Nonna's homecoming celebration without him, the gossip would be relentless. Questions about their marriage. Speculation about trouble between them. Whispers that would undermine everything Gianna had worked to build.She could weather that storm if she had to. She'd weathered worse.But this wasn't about her reputation. Nonna had specifically requested Vincent's presence. Had made it clear this was important. And after everything Vincent had done to save her grandmother's life, Gianna couldn't imagine letting Nonna down by showing up alone.Lost in thought, Gianna pushed through the hospital's main entrance and stopped

Gianna left the hospital with Nonna's words echoing in her mind: "Make sure Vincent comes. I have something important to say to him."The request seemed simple enough on the surface, but Gianna knew better. Convincing Vincent to attend a lavish family gathering—especially now, when he was determined to leave in three days—would be nearly impossible.If she showed up to Nonna's homecoming celebration without him, the gossip would be relentless. Questions about their marriage. Speculation about trouble between them. Whispers that would undermine everything Gianna had worked to build.She could weather that storm if she had to. She'd weathered worse.But this wasn't about her reputation. Nonna had specifically requested Vincent's presence. Had made it clear this was important. And after everything Vincent had done to save her grandmother's life, Gianna couldn't imagine letting Nonna down by showing up alone.Lost in thought, Gianna pushed through the hospital's main entrance and stopped

Vincent sat in his car outside the strip club, his secure phone pressed to his ear. "Rafael, I need you to find out everything about Kevin's relationship with Pablo. What they're planning. What Pablo's promised him. What role Kevin plays in whatever attack is coming.""Already on it, sir. We're analyzing the audio from their meetings, tracking Kevin's movements, monitoring his communications." Rafael's voice was crisp, professional. "But Supreme Commander, Kevin is enhanced. That changes the threat assessment significantly.""I know." Vincent's jaw tightened. "Whatever Pablo gave him, it's made him faster, stronger. More dangerous than he should be. Which means Pablo's using him as more than just an information source.""Agreed. Kevin's being positioned as a weapon. Question is, what's the target?"Vincent didn't need to think about that answer. "Gianna. Everything Pablo does is designed to hurt me. And the best way to hurt me is through her.""Then we need to increase security—""Alr

Vincent stared at the surveillance feeds, his jaw tight, his expression haunted. Rafael stood beside him, waiting for orders, watching his commander grapple with emotions that had no place in their world."I know El Diablo," Vincent said finally, his voice low and rough. "I know how he operates. How he thinks. How he exploits every weakness, every vulnerability, every crack in your armor.""Sir—""That's why I need to keep my distance from Gianna now." Vincent's hand clenched on the desk. "More than ever. Because Pablo knows. He's seen it. He's counted it. And he's planning to use it."Rafael remained silent, recognizing that his commander needed to work through this aloud."When I'm around her—" Vincent's voice cracked slightly. "When I'm in the same room, breathing the same air, watching her smile—I can't act nonchalant. My armor is nonexistent. Every protocol I've ever followed, every rule I've lived by, it all just... evaporates."He turned to face Rafael directly, and for the fir

Gianna stared at her mother in complete disbelief, certain she'd misheard. The words hung in the air between them like something toxic, poisonous."Are you serious right now?" Gianna's voice was flat with shock. "You're sitting here, in my home, telling me that Rocco Benedetti—the man who lied about saving my grandmother's life—wants to marry me, and you're saying this like it's something admirable?""It is admirable!" Isabella's voice rose defensively. "The Benedetti heir wants you, Gianna! Do you understand what that means for our family? For your future?"Gianna stood abruptly, her hands clenched into fists. "I would rather turn into a bag of bones than even entertain the idea of marrying Rocco. Do you hear me, Mother? I would rather waste away to nothing than spend one moment as that liar's wife!"Isabella's face twisted with indignation. "Don't be so dramatic! Rocco is a thousand times better than that no-good Vincent! A thousand times! He comes from a respected family, has real