Chapter 10 The papers spread across the table like a map of lies . Sam flipped through the stolen documents , eyes narrowing as he scanned . the logos of powerful backers . " This is insane , " he muttered , tossing one . sheet down . " I'll give them credit - they're better at gathering allies than I thought . They even got the Crimson family . " I didn't respond right away . My eyes stayed fixed on the TV , where the scandal had now grown into a media storm . " New footage casts doubt on the narrative of Ivanna Rossi's breakdown . Was it really suicide - or something far darker ? Speculations grow after a leaked photo reveals Marian Rossi and Rupert Fiore were lovers long before Ivanna's death . " Some anchors still played the neutral card - framing it as another attempt to smear the Rossi - Fiore name . But the tide was turning . Fast . I laughed softly , the sound sharp and clean . " I'll never forget their faces when they saw that broadcast . " I held up both hands , mimicking the ghost - white horror I'd seen on Marian , Rupert , and Chris's faces . " I hope someday they . spit blood from the shock alone . " Sam shivered , goosebumps prickling along his arms . " You've got a scary . laugh , you know that ? " Lothario leaned against the wall , arms folded . " What do you plan to do about your old territory ? The one Matteo gave you when you came of age ? " I went still . Even now , memories of that place - it reeked of false love , empty praise , and betrayal . " It's mine ," I said flatly . " Even if Don Matteo ' gifted ' it to me like I was some favorite pet - it was always mine . But I don't want it back . That place is tainted . " My eyes met Sam's , icy and deliberate . " I'm going to profit off it . And make sure they lose everything in return . " Sam gulped , shifting in his seat . " Tell me the plan , ma'am . " Darling I Remember 1/4 10.7 % 7:05 Mon , Sep 15 I slid the sheet of Rossi - Fiore supporters toward him and lifted the wineglass in my hand - the same wine Marian had offered to Mr. Kim earlier . " If she knew I was drinking this , " I smirked , " she'd have poisoned the bottle . instead . " Sam's grin was slow , dangerous . " So it's time ... for Phase Two ? " I raised the glass in a silent toast . " It's time . " Rossi Estate - Private Meeting Room Chris slammed his phone onto the marble table , shattering the screen . " What the fuck is this ?! " He turned to Marian , fury burning through his voice . " You've been with Rupert since before we even sacrificed Ivanna ?! " Marian took a slow step back , hands raised like a politician under fire . " Chris , wait - listen- " But he wouldn't listen . Couldn't . Everything unraveled in his mind - memories , guilt , truth . He had helped Matteo plan Ivanna's downfall because Marian wanted Rupert -and he ... he wanted Marian . Not like a brother . Like a man . He let himself be seduced by her voice , her touch , her lies . And now ? Ivanna was dead . Because of them . Chris looked down at his hands . These hands - he'd used them to stop her surgery . He'd delayed it . He'd obeyed Matteo like a dog . His vision blurred with rage . " You ruined everything ! " he yelled , stepping toward Marian . She flinched - but before he could grab her , a gunshot cracked through the room . Chris screamed and collapsed to the ground . Don Matteo stood in the doorway , still holding the smoking pistol . " Don't you dare lay a hand on Marian , you worthless bastard . " Chapter 10 2/4 20.2 % 7:05 Mon , Sep 15 Blood seeped from Chris's foot , soaking into the imported rug . 70 Chris glared up at Matteo , jaw clenched so tight it hurt . " You knew , didn't you ? You knew they were setting us up , and you still sacrificed Ivanna ! " With leisurely indifference , Matteo placed his pistol in his secretary's waiting hand , as though passing a cigar at a garden party . " And ? " " She was your daughter too ! " A thin smile cut across Matteo's face . " That girl was never mine . She didn't carry a drop of my blood . " The words rocked Chris . " What are you talking about ? " Matteo stepped forward , shadows pooling around his polished shoes . " Your mother was unfaithful , " he said , voice low and knife - sharp . " Ivanna was the proof of it . " " You're lying , " Chris breathed , anger faltering into disbelief . Matteo's tone dropped to a whisper meant only for him . " Be grateful my blood still runs through your veins - otherwise you'd be lying beside her right now . " He straightened , eyes flicking to his guards . " Take him to his room . Clean the wound . Keep him locked up until he remembers where his loyalties lie . " Two men seized Chris , half - dragging him toward the corridor . Blood dripped onto the marble , each drop echoing in the hall . Only after the door slammed did Matteo turn to Marian , his expression softening into a fatherly smile - one utterly at odds with the menace that lingered in the room . " Don't mind that fool , " Matteo said , settling beside her with a sigh . Marian kept her gaze down , playing the part of the hurt , overwhelmed daughter . She didn't have to try too hard - too much had already unraveled . Matteo looked at her , and for a moment , he didn't see Marian - he saw his wife , long gone , in the curve of her brow and the set of her jaw . His hand landed gently on her shoulder . " Don't worry ," he said . " Your father will get you out of this mess . " Marian lifted her eyes , voice barely above a whisper . " Really ? How ? " 3/4 20.7 % 7:05 Mon , Sep 15 " We'll pin everything on Ivanna and her mother , " he said , like it was nothing . " Let the dead take the fall . You just focus on Rupert , hmm ? " She lowered her head again , lips trembling . " Yes ... Papa . " Neither of them noticed the faint glint near the cuff of her sleeve . A listening device - small , black , and very much recording . Chapter 10 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!