Chapter TwoLuca watched Isabella's retreating figure disappear into the elevator, her words echoing in his mind. Suspended all payments. A bitter smile twisted his lips. If his mother died today, she wouldn't need medication anymore, would she? The dark irony wasn't lost on him.Isabella didn't even glance back. Alessandro, however, turned his head just before the elevator doors closed, flashing Luca a smile so venomous it could have curdled milk. The security guards released Luca's arms, leaving him kneeling on the cold marble floor like discarded trash.He had three hours. Maybe four if his mother was lucky.Luca's fingers flew across his phone screen, scrolling through every contact he had. His college roommate, David. Call declined. His former coworker from the warehouse, Steven. Straight to voicemail. His cousin in Nevada, Robert."Hello?""Robert, it's Luca. I know we haven't talked in a while, but—""Oh, Luca. Yeah, man, I heard you married into that rich family. How's that go

Chapter FourLuca's heart soared. "It went through! The payment was successful!"Patricia's face twisted in disgust. She glanced at her own phone, then back at Luca's cracked screen. "Who knows how much you actually paid? Your prehistoric phone was lagging so badly—for all we know, you sent ten dollars and think you're a hero.""What?" Luca looked down at his phone, his euphoria evaporating. The screen had already gone dark. "I paid a hundred thousand. I'm sure I—""Sure?" Patricia's laugh was cruel. "You didn't even see how many zeros you entered, did you? Admit it."Luca's hands trembled as he tried to unlock his phone again. "I can check the transfer record. Just give me a second—"Patricia snatched the phone from his grip before he could open the banking app. "Oh no, you don't. Who knows what fake screenshots you'll pull up? We're checking the hospital account right now. The real account."She pulled out her own phone and dialed, her eyes never leaving Luca's face. The contempt in

Chapter SixDirector Fontana stared at Luca with something approaching awe. "Mr. Romano, I've worked in medicine for four decades. I've met philanthropists, millionaires, billionaires. But never someone who..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "You have more wealth than most could dream of, yet your first thought is helping strangers. That's extraordinary."Luca felt heat creep up his neck. "It's not extraordinary. It's basic decency.""If only that were true," a feminine voice said from behind them.Luca turned to see a striking woman in her early thirties approaching. She wore a crisp blazer and carried a professional camera around her neck. Her dark eyes were sharp with intelligence."Forgive the intrusion," she said, extending her hand. "Bianca Ferraro, investigative journalist with the Metropolitan Tribune. I witnessed everything that just happened." Her expression was solemn. "That was one of the most powerful displays of compassion I've seen. Would you allow me to publish this

Chapter EightThe VIP lounge remained frozen in stunned silence. Salvatore's face had gone from red to ashen gray. Francesca looked like she might faint, her heavily made-up features contorted in horror. Even Giulia stood motionless, her eyes wide with disbelief.Luca himself felt equally blindsided. He owned this store? This entire mall? The revelation was almost too much to process."Mr. Romano," Valentina's voice cracked as she dropped to her knees, her severe demeanor shattered. "Please, I beg you. I didn't know. I didn't understand. Give me another chance. I have a family—two children. I'll do anything—""No." Caterina's voice cut through the pleading like a blade. "Security, escort Ms. Conti from the premises. She has five minutes to collect her personal belongings.""Please!" Valentina sobbed as the guards approached. "Mr. Romano, have mercy!"Luca watched her being led away, his expression neutral. She'd shown him no mercy. She'd thrown his card on the ground like garbage. Act

Chapter TenLuca felt laughter bubbling up in his chest—dark, bitter laughter that threatened to spill out. The absurdity of it all was almost too much. Isabella, lecturing him about morality while standing beside the man who'd bribed a nurse to kill his mother. The irony was exquisite.A cold smile curved his lips. "You want to talk about moral standards, Isabella? Let's talk about what kind of wife you've been."Isabella's eyes flashed dangerously. "Excuse me?""For three years, I've tried to explain myself to you. Three years." Luca's voice was steady, but underneath ran a current of steel. "And every single time, you dismissed me. You never listened. You never asked for my side of anything. Instead, you blindly trusted him." He jerked his chin toward Alessandro. "Your precious assistant who's always whispering in your ear."Alessandro's face darkened. "Watch your mouth—""Did you ever fulfill even one duty as a wife?" Luca continued, his gaze locked on Isabella. "Did you ever ask