Chapter 3 - Stripped of the Crown
"Luca, please! It’s not what you think!" Vivian shrieked, backing toward the double doors, but two burly guards immediately stepped in front of the exit, blocking her path with crossed arms. "I was only trying to protect our assets! The Moretti estate needs legal clarity! Your mother is senile, she doesn't know what she's doing!"
"My mother built this empire before you were even born," Luca said coldly. He picked up the scattered papers from the floor, glancing at the bold header: *Declaration of Medical Incapacity and Power of Attorney Assignment.*
His eyes scanned down to the signature line, where Vivian’s brother’s legal firm was designated as the primary conservator of Isabella’s personal holdings—a portfolio worth hundreds of millions.
"You weren't just disrespecting her," Luca observed, his voice eerily calm as he tore the contract cleanly in two. "You were stealing from her."
"Luca, we're getting married next month!" Vivian pleaded, tears of real terror now streaming down her cheeks. "My family is the Valenti syndicate! If you hurt me, our families will go to war!"
"There will be no wedding," Luca said without a trace of hesitation. He took the diamond ring off her trembling finger with a single, brutal twist that left her gasping. He dropped the multi-million-dollar jewel into the pocket of his coat as if it were worthless pocket change. "And as for the Valentis... tell your father he has forty-eight hours to liquidate his holdings in this city and leave. If I see a single Valenti crest after Sunday, I will personally burn your family's estate to the ground."
"You can't do this!" Vivian screamed.
Luca didn't even look at her. "Get her out of my sight. Take her to the gate on foot. Don't let her take a single coat, purse, or piece of jewelry."
"Yes, Boss," the guards barked.
Vivian thrashed and cursed as the security team dragged her down the marble corridor, her desperate screams echoing down the hall until the massive front doors slammed shut, cutting off her voice forever.
Silence descended upon the room once more, heavy and thick.
Luca turned his attention back to Isabella. He knelt by her side, pressing a gentle kiss to her ink-stained hand. "You're safe now, Ma. I'm sorry I let a viper into our home."
Isabella touched his cheek with her trembling fingers, then slowly, deliberately turned her eyes toward Naomi, who still stood quietly near the doorway, holding a warm damp towel she had retrieved from the adjacent bathroom.
"Come here," Luca ordered.
Naomi hesitated for a second, then walked over. She knelt beside Isabella, gently taking the elderly woman’s thumb and wiping away the harsh black ink with soothing, circular strokes. She then pressed the cool side of the cloth against the red welt on Isabella's cheek.
Isabella let out a soft, contented sigh, leaning her head against Naomi’s arm.
Luca watched the interaction with sharp, unblinking eyes. For five months, he had known Naomi Carter only as an invisible name on the staff payroll. She was quiet, unobtrusive, and always kept her head down. Yet tonight, she had broken through a locked door, stood up to a mafia heiress, and stayed by his mother's side when running away would have been the safest choice.
"Why didn't you run?" Luca asked abruptly.
Naomi looked up, meeting his piercing amber gaze without flinching. "Your mother has taken care of me every day since I started here, Mr. Moretti. She treats me like a human being. I don't abandon family, and I certainly don't abandon her."
Luca’s eyes softened just a fraction, a spark of something deep and dangerous flickering behind his gaze. "You called my private phone."
"It was the only number on the emergency desk card," she murmured.
Luca stood up, offering his large, calloused hand to help her rise. Naomi hesitated, then placed her small hand in his. A jolt of electric heat traveled up her arm the moment his warm fingers closed firmly around hers. He pulled her to her feet with effortless power, his gaze sweeping over the torn fabric of her uniform and the scratches on her collarbone.
"From this moment on, you are no longer a maid in this house, Naomi," Luca declared softly.
Naomi’s stomach dropped. "Mr. Moretti... please, I need this job. I have nowhere else to go."
"You misunderstood me," Luca said, his deep baritone rumbling through her chest. "You are not leaving. You are my mother’s personal guardian and companion. You will have your own suite on the second floor, full staff privileges, and five times your current salary."
Naomi blinked, stunned. "I... I can't accept that."
"In my house, when I give a command, you don't decline," Luca stepped closer, invading her space until she could smell his cologne—rich cedarwood, crisp bergamot, and gunpowder. "And tomorrow night, you will accompany me to the City Council Foundation Gala."
May you like
Naomi gasped. "To a public gala? As what?"
Luca's lips curved into a cold, predatory smirk that made her heart race wildly. "As my guest. The city thinks the Valentis hold my heart. It's time they learned who truly has my protection."
