Chapter 13 I couldnt help but smile , a tear of disbelief rolling down my cheek as I laughed . This is … this is unbelievable . I never thought- My phone buzzed in my purse , cutting off my words . Then it buzzed again . And again . A stream of notifications lit up my screen . Frowning , I pulled out my phone . Multiple news alerts flashed across the display . My eyes widened as I read the headlines , my hand flying to my mouth . Lorenzo … I turned the phone toward him . Its on the news . The house Dominics house . Theyre reporting about the explosion . The screen showed aerial footage of the smoldering ruins , emergency vehicles surrounding what remained of the modest two story home where Id spent the worst time of my life . The place where Dominic had … I pushed those memories away , focusing instead on the breaking news coverage . Police tape cordoned off the area as firefighters sifted through the debris . The caption scrolled beneath : Mysterious explosion destroys local real estate developers home No bodies found . I looked up at Lorenzo . His expression remained impassive , but his eyes held that dangerous glint I was starting to recognize . More notifications kept coming in . Local news stations were picking up the story one by one . My phone wouldnt stop buzzing . I refreshed my news feed compulsively , watching the story evolve in real time . The headlines shifted before my eyes . Gas Line Explosion Destroys Local Home Faulty Gas Main Caused Residential Fire City Officials Confirm Infrastructure Failure THE My jaw dropped as I read statement after statement from city officials , fire marshals , and utility companies . They painted a clear picture of an aging gas line that had finally given way . The story was so detailed, so perfectly constructed , complete with inspection records and maintenance histories . But … how ? I stared at my phone in disbelief . Just minutes ago they were calling it mysterious , and now- Lorenzos lips brushed my cheek , soft and warm . A shiver ran through me at the contact . When I turned to look at him , his eyes danced with that Chapter 13 2/3 42.2 % རོབྷཱུ 95 ། particular gleam that made my heart race . Power and money , tesoro , he murmured against my skin . They can alter reality itself . Make truth from lies , and lies from truth . His fingers traced my jawline . The world sees what we want it to see . I glanced back at my phone . The news continued updating , each report more detailed than the last about the gas line failure . No mention remained of anything suspicious or unexplained . It was as if the original story had never existed . The police , the fire department , the news … I shook my head in amazement . They all just … changed their story ? Everyone has a price , Valentina . Some want money , others favor influence or protection . Lorenzos voice carried that quiet authority that reminded me exactly who he was . What matters is that certain … loose ends have been tied up neatly . My mind was still reeling from Lorenzos display of power when my phone buzzed again . This time , it wasnt a news alert . My blood ran cold as Dominics name flashed across the screen . My fingers trembled as I opened the message . I know it was you , you vindictive little bitch . You think youre so clever now ? Playing with the big boys ? Ill make sure you go through hell for this . You have no idea whats coming . Another text followed immediately : Youve always been pathetic . But now ? Youve signed your own death warrant . The familiar panic started creeping in , my chest tightening as memories of his threats and how he always followed through flooded back . My hands shook so badly I nearly dropped the phone . Lorenzos arm slid around my waist , pulling me against him as he read the messages over my shoulder . I expected anger , concern , maybe even worry . Instead , he chuckled . The sound was dark , dangerous . Let them try , he murmured , his lips brushing my ear . His confidence wrapped around me like a shield , but … My phone buzzed again . This time it was Camilla : Oh sweetie , you really shouldnt have done that . Remember what happened last time you tried to be brave ? The moscanos kent coming a stream of threats from hoth of them Fach . Chapter 13 213 28 11:53 Sun , 2 Marj ས 95 % L The messages kept coming , a stream of threats from both of them . Each one more detailed than the last , reminding me of past torments while promising worse to come . I knew that smirk of Camillas . And Dominic … he never made idle threats . Lorenzos hand covered mine , gently taking the phone . Theyre desperate , he said , his voice carrying that quiet certainty that usually calmed me . Like rats in a corner . Lorenzos words faded as a strange sensation washed over me . The room tilted , but not from fear this felt different . My stomach churned, a wave of nausea hitting me out of nowhere . I … The word came out slurred . I pressed my hand against my forehead , trying to steady myself . The phone slipped from my fingers , clattering to the floor . Valentina ? Lorenzos voice sounded distant , underwater . Black spots danced across my vision . My legs turned to jelly beneath me . This wasnt like my usual panic attacks . Something was wrong very wrong . The room spun faster , walls and ceiling blurring together . My knees buckled . Val ! Strong arms caught me before I hit the ground . Through the encroaching darkness , I caught a glimpse of Lorenzos face above mine , his green eyes wide with concern . His lips moved , but I couldnt make out the words . Then everything went black . 11:54 Sun , 2 Mar དཱི 95 % Chapter 14 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!