A week after the shooting incident caused by Mateo, Alice Romano was finally able to walk again. Although she still limped slightly due to the unhealed stitches, at least she could move now—unlike a few days ago when she was completely confined to the bed like a broken doll.
The beautiful woman, stylish and alluring as always, was seen descending the stairs with a pair of high heels in one hand and a small handbag in the other. Her long wavy hair cascaded down her back, framing her tense but determined face. Her steps, though cautious, carried excitement. Today, she was determined to breathe the fresh air outside that mansion. Her chest tightened slightly, but the discomfort faded as soon as she reached the ground floor. The house was unusually quiet; no servants were in sight. Just this morning, the staff had been bustling as usual. Now, they had seemingly vanished, like shadows disappearing before dawn.
"Isn't this the perfect opportunity? I'm really free. Once I'm out, I'll make sure never to return here again," she muttered with conviction, her fingers gripping the strap of her handbag tightly.
With confidence and a subtle limp, she stepped across the glossy tiles of Mateo Louise's grand estate. The luxurious marble floor reflected the soft lights of the chandelier, but it felt more like a cold prison beneath her bare feet. Her small figure moved closer to the main door, her heart pounding with hope, almost loud enough to echo in the vast, silent hallway.
"Madam, where are you going?" a voice startled her from behind.
Alice nearly screamed, her body jolting in surprise, almost dropping her heels. She spun around quickly, her breath caught in her throat, frowning when she recognized the housekeeper.
"Leave," she said sharply, brushing off the older woman's concern like dust. Trying to ignore the housekeeper's presence, she resumed her steps. But her escape was thwarted by the appearance of a tall, muscular man in front of her—Tukasy, Mateo's most trusted guard.
"You are not allowed to leave. The Master has given strict orders," he said in a flat tone, his expression void of emotion. His stance was firm, unmoving, like a wall built solely to keep her imprisoned.
Damn it.
Alice exhaled sharply, her back hitting the cold wall in frustration. Her eyes darted around, desperate to think of a way past Mateo's human barricade. Her mind raced. Maybe she could fake illness? Or claim a family emergency? Anything to escape the gilded cage she was forced into.
"Please, I need to buy something—it's urgent and personal. I'll pay you if you let me pass," she said, mixing her plea with a bribe. She even forced a smile, one that usually worked to manipulate men. But not this time. The smile had no effect.
"Send a servant. You must remain here until the Master returns," Tukasy replied coldly. He wasn't taking any chances. He had been fooled by Alice once before and wouldn't risk his position again.
"Ugh, seriously! You're just like your boss!" she snapped, realizing her tactics wouldn't work. Her hand clenched the heel tighter, as if resisting the urge to throw it.
"Go back inside, Madam. Enjoy your day until the Master returns. Good afternoon," he said before shutting the door firmly.
Alice didn't argue further. She stepped back inside with a calculating look, flipping him off behind his back. That tiny act of rebellion was all she had left.
"Hufff... Fine, I can't get out now. But just watch. I'll escape eventually. Call me Luna if I can't handle this!" she growled, tossing her hair over her shoulder and walking deeper into the mansion, heels abandoned somewhere along the way in frustration.
Her limp slowed her pace, but she had no choice. She had to get used to this pain—perhaps even worse pain in the future. Her right leg still throbbed occasionally, a cruel reminder of Mateo's wrath. But that pain only fueled her desire to get away from him—the man she was forced to call husband.
She went into the kitchen, grabbed a cold bottle of water from the fridge, and took a long gulp. The kitchen, like the rest of the house, was eerily quiet. Even the aroma of food was gone. It was too silent. Too unsettling.
Where was everyone?
Leaning against the cabinet, bottle in hand, Alice's eyes stared blankly forward. Her mind wandered. She remembered her mother's tearful face when she was forced into this marriage. She remembered how her father's signature sealed her fate. And she remembered how Mateo didn't even flinch when he shot her.
Someone watching her from the CCTV frowned. In a dark room lit only by screens, Mateo Louise leaned forward, his fingers steepled.
"What is she doing? Not even throwing a tantrum this time? Alice, you naughty, stubborn woman. Even a bullet to the leg didn't teach you a lesson," Mateo muttered, rubbing his growing stubble. There was amusement in his eyes, mixed with irritation.
"Sir, Alessandro is waiting for you," Pedro interrupted the silence.
Mateo turned at the sound of his voice. He stood and walked out immediately, black shoes clicking sharply on the marble floor. Pedro followed silently, as always.
The two men headed to the meeting place, where the notorious gangster Alessandro had demanded a private discussion. Despite being rejected repeatedly, Alessandro never gave up. Mateo was growing tired of him.
"Welcome, Mr. Louise. Mr. Alessandro is waiting inside," said a guard blocking the entrance.
Mateo ignored the greeting and entered, Pedro right behind him.
Inside, Alessandro sat comfortably, beside him a stunning young woman in a tight red dress.
Mateo paid her no attention. He sat directly across from Alessandro, all business.
"I'm surprised you agreed to meet," Alessandro began.
"What do you want? I don't have all day," Mateo cut him off.
He could see through Alessandro's sleazy charm. The smug smile, the fake warmth—all of it disgusted him.
"I want to resume our previous partnership. I'll give you a better deal, including a generous bonus," Alessandro said with gleaming eyes.
Mateo remained silent, letting the man talk.
"How about it? We extend the collaboration? I even brought you something special. Let me introduce you to my niece, Delila. She's kind, gentle, and would make the perfect companion..."
"Alright. I agree," Mateo interrupted coldly.
Pedro looked shocked but said nothing.
"Pedro will handle it," Mateo added, straightening his black suit and standing.
"S-Sir, are you sure? What about Madam Alice if this woman—"
"Bring her along. Let her be useful," Mateo said without looking back.
Alessandro grinned, pleased, and patted Delila's shoulder. Pedro, however, felt dread.
What was his master thinking? Was he seriously bringing another woman into the mansion?
"Did he forget what Alice is capable of? The guards barely manage to control her. What happens when she finds Delila in her house?"
Pedro's head throbbed at the thought. Chaos was coming. He could feel it.