Chapter 7 His hand straddled my cheek , thumb brushing across my cheekbone . Instead of flinching away like I had earlier , I leaned into his touch . The familiar warmth of his palm against my skin unlocked something in my chest memories of safer times , of trust I thought Id lost forever . If you help me with this , I whispered , meeting his intense gaze , Ill … Ill think about marrying you . His eyes darkened at my words , fingers tightening slightly against my skin . Is that a promise , Valentina ? Yes , I breathed , surprising myself with how much I meant it . That will do , Lorenzo said , turning toward the door . He paused at the threshold . Freshen up and join me for dinner . I nodded , watching his broad shoulders disappear through the doorway . Taking my time in the ensuite bathroom , I washed my face and ran a brush through my dark waves . My reflection looked different somehow less haunted , more … alive . Stepping out into the hallway , I froze . The sheer scale of the mansion hit me like a physical force . Gleaming marble floors stretched endlessly in both directions . Crystal chandeliers cast rainbow prisms across cream colored walls adorned with priceless art . A sweeping staircase curved down to what looked like an actual ballroom . This wasnt just some wealthy persons home this was the kind of place you saw in movies about royalty . How could Lorenzo possibly own something like this ? Following the subtle directions of hovering staff members , I made my way to what had to be the dining room . The space could have seated fifty people comfortably , but only two places were set at the massive mahogany table . Lorenzo sat at the head , surrounded by an array of covered silver dishes that remained untouched . His face lit up when he saw me . Ah , I was waiting for you . I slid into the chair he pulled out for me , touched that hed waited to eat . Such a simple gesture , yet it stirred something warm in my chest . My gaze wandered around the opulent dining room , taking in the hand painted ceiling murals and crystal dripped chandeliers . Lorenz how ? What are you doing in a plage like this ? I nostured at our , 11:50 Sun , 2 Mar 96 % Lorenzo … how ? What are you doing in a place like this ? I gestured at our surroundings . Last I knew, you were … I trailed off , remembering the orphaned boy whod lost his parents in that terrible crash . He threw his head back and laughed , the rich sound echoing off the marble walls . Were in Karlo Heiss mansion . What ? The word burst from my lips before I could stop it . My fingers gripped the edge of the table . Karlo Heis the name alone commanded respect across continents . His net worth exceeded most countries GDPs . His business empire stretched from tech to pharmaceuticals , real estate to clean energy . He was more myth than man , rarely seen in public , his face unknown to most of the world . Youre in Karlo Heiss home ? I could barely wrap my mind around it . The man was practically a legend , the wealthiest CEO on the planet . His smile held a predatory edge . How do you know Karlo Heis ? My voice came out barely above a whisper . Lorenzos laugh filled the room again , but this time it sent chills down my spine . I am Karlo Heis . My jaw dropped . The fork Id been holding clattered against fine china . What do you mean ? He leaned forward , resting his elbows on the table . The playfulness vanished from his expression , replaced by something darker , more dangerous . Karlo Heis is just an alibi , piccola . A cover for the surface world . A mask for who I really am , what I really do . The air grew thick with tension . My throat went dry as I processed his words . The way he carried himself now it was different . Like a coiled snake ready to strike . And … I swallowed hard , forcing the words past my lips . What is that ? His eyes locked onto mine . In that moment , I saw it the power , the danger , the darkness that lurked beneath his polished exterior . His lips curved into a smile that held no warmth . Perhaps its better if I show you . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!