Alessia Mancini
A harsh, grating laugh cut through the air, shattering the moment. My eyes snapped open, narrowing as I turned to face Lucia. She was struggling against her bonds, her once-pristine suit now rumpled and stained.
"It won't work," she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "You're nothing but a little girl playing dress-up. Vitale will see right through you."
The words stung more than I cared to admit. For a split second, doubt crept in, cold tendrils wrapping around my heart. But I pushed it away, steeling myself. I wouldn't let her see how deeply her barbs could cut.
I turned to Nico, who was leaning against the wall with Alessandro. Both men wore matching smirks, clearly enjoying the show. "Nico," I said, my voice deceptively soft. "Be a dear and gag her again, would y
