LA CONTESSA'S SEDUCTION

LCS 3

CONI'S POV

I was about to enter Lara’s restaurant. Even from the entrance, I could see the steady flow of customers coming in and out.

This was a five-star establishment, and I knew the people dining here weren’t just ordinary folks. But I froze the moment my eyes landed on a man in uniform. He wasn’t just any police officer.

My chest tightened. I didn’t know how long I stood there under the heat of the sun, staring at him.

My heart raced when his gaze shifted towards me. Wrong move, Coni. I quickly looked away, cursing myself for leaving my bodyguards back at the mansion.

I hadn’t even reached my car when a hand grabbed my arm. It was him.

"Silene?"

I closed my eyes, wrenching my arm away from his grip.

"Come with me," he said firmly, pulling me along before I could protest. I didn’t know where he was taking me until we ended up behind the building. An isolated spot with barely any people around.

"Why did you run away? Didn't I tell you I’d take care of you?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.

"I'm fine now, Edward. Thanks for the concern, but the Vescari family can protect me," I answered coldly.

"What you did was still wrong! That case won't just disappear unless you face it. Hiding is never the solution, Silene!" Every word he spoke was serious.

"Why? Do you actually believe what the Cartel says? Do you believe I was capable of doing that to Marco?" I challenged.

He took a deep breath. "Of course not! I know you're innocent. That’s exactly why I’m here to help you. My father is willing to find the best lawyer for you."

"And do you think it’s that easy, Edward? You know the Cartel better than anyone! They will never let me be happy. They will find a way to destroy me! I thought you understood me?" I laughed bitterly. I thought he was on my side, but why did it feel like he was against my happiness?

"And do you think what you're doing right now is right? Aren't you tired of hiding?" His expression hardened, matching mine.

"Then what do you expect me to do? Pay for a crime I never committed? You're no different from them. You’re just like the Cartel!" I shouted, ready to leave, but he blocked my way.

"You know I’ve believed in you since day one. Even if it killed me inside when you left without even saying goodbye," he said seriously.

"I did it for myself! I did everything I had to do just to survive this miserable life! You have no idea what I've been through, so you have no right to judge me," I snapped, pushing his hand away. He tried to stop me again, but I shot him a deadly glare.

"Don't you dare try to stop me from getting what I want, Edward. Unless you want to be included in the list of people I'm going to bring down," I warned him firmly before turning my back and walking away.

I took a deep breath to compose myself before entering the restaurant. I almost bailed, but seeing Lara’s messages saying she’d been waiting made me change my mind.

"Sissy!" she greeted enthusiastically. I stared at her. Why was she so energetic?

"What's up?" I asked. She was smiling like she had the biggest secret, and I was completely lost.

"You know what? I'm starving," I reminded her, cutting through the suspense. She quickly ordered our food.

"Sorry, didn't mean to keep a Vescari waiting," she teased sarcastically.

"Actually, the reason is... my visa to Switzerland got approved!" she revealed.

I couldn't help but laugh. So that was why she was acting like that. Switzerland was her dream country, and she worked hard for it with her own money.

"Don't laugh at me! I know you could probably vacation on Mars without breaking a sweat," she added.

"Of course, I can. But I'm actually proud of you. Congratulations," I said genuinely. She rolled her eyes playfully.

"You're so arrogant!" she remarked. I just laughed because she was telling the truth.

"By the way, why were you so late? I saw your car parked outside a while ago," she asked curiously.

"I talked to Edward," I started. She froze.

"What did he say?" she asked, intrigued. I took a sip of my pineapple juice before answering.

"Same old thing. He lectured me. I don't even want to talk about him anymore." She seemed to accept that and didn't press further.

***

"We're here, Madam."

I looked out the window at the vast private property of the Vescari empire. This was one of their major businesses, import and export. But officially, it was a cover. This place was where all their illegal transactions flowed, whether by air, land, or sea. They owned everything here.

From where I stood, I could see the towering main building. To my right were two private jets, and to my left was an expansive private pier, housing their luxury yachts and massive vessels.

Elmo, one of my biggest bodyguards, assisted me as we walked inside the massive structure. The staff greeted me respectfully as we passed.

I headed straight for the conference hall. I was sure the meeting had already started. Even outside, the place was swarming with security. It was heavily guarded because the people inside were the most powerful figures in the underground world.

They all parted ways like the Red Sea when they saw me arrive. They nodded, and I gave them a slight smile before entering.

They were just wrapping up when I walked in. They all stood up to greet me.

"La Contessa!"

I smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.

"La Contessa, regina tra i peccatori." The Countess, Queen among Sinners.

The title never faded from my lips. As soon as they left, I walked straight to Nikolai.

"Still busy?" I teased. He didn't answer. His assistant gathered his things and followed him as he walked out—completely ignoring my existence.

He just walked past me? Fine. Two can play at that game.

I caught up to them outside where Demitri was waiting his friend and another powerful businessman in their organization.

"Constancia Ricci!" He approached me and gave me the customary kiss on the cheek. Immediately, I linked my arm tightly through Nikolai’s.

I knew it irritated him, but in public, he couldn't do anything. "Gorgeous as always, La Contessa..." Praises were all I ever heard here; they knew better than to anger the woman who held influence.

Moments later, his assistant approached again.

"Sir, we received an invitation for a birthday dinner with the Marquez family..."

Demitri and I both looked at him. I raised an eyebrow, waiting for his response.

"Tell them I can't go," Nikolai said flatly and started walking away. I hurried to catch up.

"What's wrong? Why did you reject it?" I asked, walking beside him.

"I'm busy. Go if you want," he replied dismissively, getting into the car. The bodyguard opened the door for me, and I slid in beside him.

"Busy? Or are you just avoiding the topic because of that wo—" I didn't finish my sentence. He looked at me with eyes so cold and deadly, it felt like they could kill.

"Fine, relax..." I muttered, raising my hands in surrender. He looked away.

Why is he still so defensive whenever her name is mentioned?

We arrived home quickly. As usual, I went to our room to change. When I came out, I saw Nikolai taking off his long sleeves.

We barely spoke. Honestly, I was the only one making an effort. If I didn't talk, we would sit in total silence. He simply didn't care.

We stood in front of the main Vescari mansion. His father had summoned us. We walked in together as the maid opened the grand doors.

"Good morning, Master!" she greeted. He ignored her and continued walking.

Inside, we found his mother setting up the table.

"Hijo! Hija! You're here," she said warmly, approaching us. Nikolai kissed her forehead, while I gave her a warm hug.

He was always sweet to his mother, unlike with his father, who always took his anger out on him. Being the eldest son and heir, the pressure on him was unbearable.

"Where's Lavinia?" Nikolai asked.

"She's still at school," his mother answered as the maids served the food.

Lavinia Vescari. His spoiled brat younger sister. She had a bad attitude, but she knew better than to mess with me. That was why she chose to be close to me rather than be my enemy.

A moment later, his father arrived. He greeted us cheerfully, acting as if we hadn't seen each other in years. Nikolai remained silent, sitting stiffly beside me.

"I know you already received the Marquez invitation, and your secretary told me you weren't planning to go." His father’s tone turned serious.

I smiled sweetly and squeezed Nikolai’s hand under the table.

"Actually, we already talked about it, Dad. We will go," I announced, shocking everyone, especially Nikolai. I just smiled at him, silently warning him to agree or we’d both be in trouble.

I saw the anger in his eyes, but he couldn't do anything. He was desperate for his inheritance, and he couldn't defy his father.

He had actually told me earlier to make up an excuse so we could skip. But I thought... it would be much more fun if we attended.

Unlike Nikolai, his father actually favored me. Right now, I held more power in this family than he did.

"Really? Good to know that!" his mother said happily.

"What are you doing?" Nikolai whispered harshly through gritted teeth.

"Just do it. Unless you want your father to disown you," I whispered back, smiling widely at his parents. He nodded reluctantly, clearly seething inside.

Now you know who really calls the shots around here, don't you?

We continued eating while he struggled to keep his composure.

Sorry, Honey. But I’m still your biggest trump card for that inheritance you’re craving. You can’t throw me away, not until I give your father the grandchild he wants.