Chapter 12 The ballroom glowed with soft golden lights , crystal chandeliers humming above the crowd like a quiet storm . Cameras flashed . Waiters moved like . clockwork . Every table shimmered under the weight of luxury and suspicion . The press conference for the Rossi - Fiore family's new wine had officially begun . It was supposed to be a celebration . Every major ally , every silent investor , every reporter who mattered was in the room . Among them : Don Sebastian - the youngest , most powerful mafia lord in the northern region and the only guest from the high - rank families . His mere presence elevated the event's importance . Marian's heels clicked against the marble as she entered beside Rupert , dressed in elegance and nerve . Her lips curled in a poised smile , but beneath it , she was gripping Rupert's arm tight enough to bruise . They exchanged pleasantries with everyone they passed - Don Mathias , Don Roberto , Mr. Black - and finally , Don Sebastian . Marian's breath hitched slightly . He was striking , colder and more refined than she'd expected . She offered a delicate smile and bowed slightly . " It's an honor to finally meet you , Don Sebastian . " He gave a polite nod . " Likewise , Ms. Rossi. " Rupert cleared his throat . Marian quickly stepped away , regaining composure as they moved toward the stage . Don Matteo , standing tall at the front , beamed with pride . His voice boomed over the crowd . " Let's welcome the future of this family - my daughter Marian and her husband , Rupert . " Applause rippled through the room . Rupert took the lead , as always . Marian stood beside him , graceful and silent -the perfect support role . It was how they'd always done things . Except for the meeting with Mr. Kim . They had made an exception then - knowing Mr. Kim preferred intelligent , gentle women . Marian had pretended to be the soft - spoken voice of reason . Darling Remember 7:06 Mon , Sep 15 And it nearly cost them everything . 70 They hadn't known the Mr. Kim at that meeting was fake . Not until it was too late . Now , with all eyes watching , their defenses were ironclad . Face - scanning tech discreetly verified every reporter . Staff underwent double verification . Each guest was carefully observed - but with subtlety . Especially with high - profile names like Mr. Kim , Don Sebastian , and Mr. Black in attendance . They couldn't afford another mistake . Rupert greeted the guests , then gestured for the servers to begin pouring wine . " This , " he announced , " is our new limited - edition vintage . A blend Marian crafted herself - complex , elegant , unforgettable . " Waiters moved across the hall , offering wine to guests and their personal tasters . Everyone remembered the last incident . No one wanted another poisoning . Rupert stepped aside . " I'll let my wife take it from here ." Marian approached the microphone , her expression gentle . " This wine , " she began , holding her glass up to the light , " was created in memory of my mother . She was sweet , patient , and strong ... but life took her too soon . " Her voice trembled , just enough to earn sympathy . " With those memories , I created a wine that's bittersweet . Sweet , like the love I remember . Bitter , like the reality she faced . This wine carries her soul . " A hush fell over the hall . Even the skeptical tilted their heads . Marian lowered her gaze . " And since we're speaking of pain ... I want to address the rumors . " The room shifted , tension thick . " There are lies circulating about Rupert and me - ugly , twisted stories . But I want to say this clearly : I met Rupert after Ivanna became incapable of marrying him . " She paused , a perfect tear slipping down her cheek . Chapter 12 7:06 Mon , Sep 15 " If anything , I want to thank her . For stepping away . Because if she hadn't ... I would never have known the love I feel now . " Murmurs spread . Some looked doubtful . Others - especially the women- nodded sympathetically . Then came the question .. One reporter stood up - planted , paid , prepared . " Ms. Rossi , some say Ivanna was betrayed . Is that true ? " Marian hesitated , then nodded sadly . " I didn't want to do this , but ... Ivannal had already betrayed Rupert ." She clicked the remote in her hand . A screen lit up , showing photos - Ivanna smiling with different men . " She cheated , " Marian said softly . " Before her accident . And yet ... we are the ones being attacked . " Rupert wrapped an arm around her . " If it weren't for Marian , " he said into the mic , " I might've died of depression . She saved me . " Whispers bloomed across the room . Some mafia allies saw right through the act - but said nothing . Image mattered more than truth . Others , especially the newer partners and the press , looked visibly moved . Then Don Matteo stepped forward . " I've stayed silent long enough , " he said . " But this is the truth . I am stripping Ivanna's name from this family . Her properties , her titles , and her tomb shall all be removed from Rossi lands . Everything she had now belongs to Marian . " The room gasped . One bold reporter - not the planted one - raised a hand . " Don Matteo , isn't that ... cruel ? Wasn't Ivanna your daughter too ? " Don Matteo's eyes darkened . " I thought she was . I raised her with love . But she was born out of betrayal . Her mother cheated on me . I never wanted to say it but now , I must . Like mother , like daughter . " He didn't get to finish . A laugh cracked through the silence . It was dry . Sharp . Cold . All eyes turned . 3/4 25.0 % 7:07 Mon , Sep 15 70 From the middle row , a reporter stood - slim , suited , sharp - featured . They wore glasses and held a camera , just like everyone else . But the laugh ? It was wrong . Don Matteo scowled . " Who the hell are you to interrupt me ?! " The reporter reached up - and peeled off the disguise . The glasses dropped . The wig came off . The room froze . Aria . No - Ivanna . Scarred . Strong . Alive . " Long time no see , father ," she said , her voice calm , elegant . She gave a flawless bow . Gasps echoed . Guns clicked . Chaos stirred . Marian and Rupert stared like they'd seen a ghost . Because they had . Ivanna's eyes glittered as she met theirs . " I just wanted to see how far you'd go , " she said . " And you did not disappoint . " Then she smiled . " This war shall begun ." Chaziar 19 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!