The First Test
326 Words
Luca studied her for a long moment, his fingers tapping against his glass.
“Alright,” he said finally, his tone casual but his eyes sharp. “What kind of business are we talking about?”
Elena leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice. “I hear whispers, Luca. About shifting alliances. About certain people making moves against the Valentis.”
Luca’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “And what does that have to do with you?”
She shrugged, keeping her expression neutral. “I like to know who I can trust.”
Luca exhaled through his nose, setting his glass down with a soft clink. “Trust is a dangerous thing in our world, Elena. But you already know that, don’t you?”
Her pulse quickened, but she held his gaze. “I do.”
For a moment, it was silent between them. Then, Luca chuckled.
“You’ve got nerve. I’ll give you that.” He leaned in, voice dropping lower. “But if I were you, I’d be careful. Being a Valenti’s wife won’t protect you forever.”
Elena forced a smirk, ignoring the ice in her veins. “Then I guess I better find out who my real allies are.”
Luca watched her for another long second before finally standing. “I have a meeting to get to. But let’s talk again soon.”
He walked away, leaving Elena sitting there, her heart hammering.
Did he suspect her?
Or worse—was he planning something already?
As she stood to leave, her phone vibrated in her clutch. She pulled it out, her breath catching at the name on the screen.
Adrian.
She exhaled before answering. “I did what you asked.”
His voice was low. “And?”
She swallowed. “He’s hiding something. I just don’t know what.”
A pause. Then Adrian said, “Find out.”
And just like that, Elena realized—this was only the beginning.
- Writer
