Stella's words carried all the way to the private room.
Murphy paused and muttered, "Huh? Your wife is here."
Luciano showed no reaction. He simply sipped his drink, unconcerned. He assumed it was just some delusional people using his name to lie. After all, he was the crush of many women.
Just as he was about to resume the conversation, something clicked.
That voice…
It sounded like the one he had heard on Estrella's phone.
Could she really be here?
He turned to Berry and said quietly, "Go check who it is."
Berry nodded and immediately left.
In less than a minute, he returned, his expression tense.
"It's Mrs. Banks. She seems to be in trouble."
Luciano stood up instantly, a frown forming on his face.
"Lead the way."
Murphy and Kane exchanged looks before following behind.
Luciano's wife was here?
And she was in trouble?
Downstairs, everything went still at the mention of Luciano's name.
Even Estrella thought Stella was being foolish. Did she really think that would save them?
The bodyguards hesitated, glancing at their boss.
The man let out a low chuckle.
"You really know how to dream big. You're Mr. Luciano's wife?"
He turned to his men. "Change of plans."
For a moment, Stella thought they were being let go. Relief flickered in her eyes—
Until he continued,
"Hold her down right here. Let me bring her back to reality."
Stella trembled.
Even Estrella felt a flicker of fear. After all, they were just two girls against a group of men.
Still, she forced herself to remain calm.
The bodyguards moved closer.
Just as they were about to grab her—
"Stop."
The voice was calm.
Cold.
Commanding.
It sent a chill down their spines.
The bodyguards froze and turned toward the source.
The man frowned, clearly irritated.
"I hate being interrupted."
But the moment he turned—
His expression changed completely.
His breath caught.
"Mr… Mr. Luciano," he stammered.
Luciano didn't even spare him a glance. He walked straight toward Estrella.
"Are you okay?"
His voice softened slightly.
Estrella looked up at him, stunned.
He came?
Was he here all along?
She nodded.
Only after confirming she was fine did Luciano turn his gaze toward the man—who was now visibly shaking.
"You dared to lay hands on my wife?"
The man immediately dropped to his knees.
"I wouldn't dare! I didn't know she was your wife!"
Luciano didn't even acknowledge his plea.
"Berry," he said calmly, "strip them and throw them out on the street."
Berry nodded and motioned for the guards to take them away.
The man pleaded desperately, but Luciano had already turned away.
Estrella watched as they were dragged off.
He was really ruthless.
Strip them… and throw them out?
Yet, she felt no pity.
They deserved it.
Behind her, Stella finally exhaled in relief.
They were safe.
"Thank you, husband," Estrella said sweetly, instantly slipping into her role.
After all, this was part of the contract.
Luciano smirked.
She knew how to play her part well.
He reached for her hand—and she took it.
The room fell into stunned silence.
Murphy and Kane exchanged looks of disbelief.
Wasn't this the same Luciano who hated getting close to women?
Stella narrowed her eyes slightly. She could tell Estrella was acting—but still, it surprised her.
She had never seen Estrella behave like this… not even with Martins.
Murphy was the first to recover.
"Hi, sister-in-law. You're beautiful," he said with a grin, clearly trying to get on her good side.
Estrella blinked, slightly taken aback. She didn't even know him.
Murphy quickly added, "I'm Murphy—Luciano's childhood friend."
"Oh…"
So he was Luciano's friend.
No wonder his personality was so different.
Her gaze shifted to Kane, who stood quietly behind Luciano.
She wondered who he was.
Before she could ask—
Luciano spoke.
"Let's go."