★★Mariella's POV★★



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As I approach, I hear Barbie purr, "Leon, we should really catch up. You know, somewhere more... private." Her manicured fingers graze his hand like she has any business touching him.

Before I can think twice, I step in, my presence slicing through their little moment. She notices me first, her smile faltering as I slowly drag my gaze up and down her designer-clad frame.

"Catch up?" I repeat, arching a brow. "And you are?" My tone drips with disinterest, but my eyes? My eyes are already ripping her apart.

She glances at me, her face creased in confusion, then looks to Leon for some kind of cue. But I don't give her the chance to speak.

"Did I fucking stutter?" I snap, stepping right into her space, forcing her to look at me. My irritation is sharp, unfiltered. "I said, who the hell are you?"

Her eyes narrow as she looks me up and down, her lips curling into an annoyed sneer. I can feel the anger building, but I force myself to stay calm, staying rooted to the ground as I stare her down. My patience is wearing thin.

Before I can react, I feel a firm grip on my arm. Leon.

"What the hell are you doing here, Mariella?" His voice is steady, controlled—too controlled. Like he's trying to rein me in, to keep me from detonating. But all it does is piss me off more. That calm, that careful tone—like I'm some wild thing he thinks he can tame? Yeah, not happening.

I yank my arm out of his grip, letting out a sharp, bitter laugh. "Oh, me? Just thought I'd crash the party, maybe grab a drink, start a little drama—y'know, the usual." I flash him a saccharine smile, my voice laced with venom. "Figured I'd check in, see how my favorite guy was holding up. Wouldn't want you getting too lonely without me."

Leon looks down at me, his brows furrowing in confusion, frustration, but I don't care. I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, my emotions tearing at the seams.

Gabriela, the blonde, barely spares me a glance before turning to Leon with a smug little smirk. "Leon, who is this?" Her tone is pure condescension, like I'm some groupie who wandered in by mistake. She eyes me up and down, lips curling in a way that makes my blood boil. "Did I miss the memo on charity invites tonight?"

I let out a slow, mocking gasp, placing a hand on my chest. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize we were doing introductions. I'm Mariella—Leon's actual problem, not some expired warranty like you." I tilt my head, flashing a sharp smile. "But don't worry, I'm sure he barely remembers you either."

Leon exhales slowly, like he's already exhausted by whatever storm is about to hit. His hand grips my waist, firm and possessive, pulling me flush against him—not just a show of ownership, but like he's trying to anchor me before I do something reckless. His gaze stays locked on Gabriela as he speaks, his voice calm but edged with finality. "This is my lady. Mariella De Angelis." The way he says my name isn't just an introduction—it's a warning.

I can see the shock on Gabriela's face. She scoffs, but there's something in her eyes. Something I can't quite place. She looks at me with a mixture of disbelief and annoyance, like I'm the last person she thought he'd end up with.

"Your lady?" she repeats, her voice dripping with disbelief and something dangerously close to jealousy. She lets out a short, breathy laugh, like the idea itself is ridiculous. "That's funny, because last I checked, you don't do commitment, Leon." Her eyes flick between us, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against her champagne glass as she tilts her head, waiting for an explanation.

I raise an eyebrow at Leon, my tone dripping with sarcasm as I glance at him. "So, this is the part where I'm supposed to pretend I'm not surprised? Really, Leon? You didn't think to mention this little... detail?"

Leon smirks, his eyes flicking from me to Gabriela, the edge in his voice unmistakable.. "Ah, well, you know how it is—never trust gossip," he says, casting a sly glance at Gabriela. "People talk nonsense. Sounds like you've been listening to it a bit too much, though, huh?" He chuckles under his breath, clearly enjoying the tension.

Gabriela rolls her eyes at him, but her expression remains smug, like she's winning some silent battle. "Gabriela," I mutter, testing her name on my tongue.

She steps forward, her smirk widening as she practically puffs her chest out. "Yeah, Gabriela James," she says, her tone full of superiority and sass. "You know, his ex." The last two words are practically a taunt, like she's daring me to challenge her.

The words hit me like a punch to the stomach. My head spins, and I feel a sharp, cold stab of disbelief. Did she just say... ex?

I look at Leon, my throat tightening with sudden anger and confusion. He didn't tell me about this. He didn't mention her, not once. How could he not tell me about something like this?

I take a step back from his touch, feeling like the ground beneath me is slipping away.

Gabriela looks at Leon, her smirk growing wider. "Nice to see you, Leon," she says, and with a final glance at me, she turns and walks away, leaving me standing there, seething with questions and a mix of emotions I can't even identify.

I stand still for a moment, trying to process the weight of what just happened. My heart feels like it's been ripped out of my chest, and I can feel my blood boiling.

Leon steps forward, reaching for me, but I pull away from him once more, my hands trembling with anger and frustration. "I don't need your reassurances, Leon," I snap, throwing my hands up in the air. "You think this is just about you and me? You've got a lot of nerve, not telling me about your ex and expecting me to just... deal with it."

I can feel the heat rising in my chest as I turn to leave, my body stiff with the anger boiling in my veins. "You know what, I don't have time for this," I mutter, my voice laced with irritation as I push past him. "Ho finito (I'm done)."

Leon calls after me, his voice sharp with frustration. "Mariella, wait!" His tone is pleading, but I don't care right now. He should've thought about this before.

I walk faster, the sound of my heels clicking on the marble floor echoing through the hall, but I hear him following me. "Mariella, listen, it's not what you think," he says, clearly irritated now, his words coming out quicker, sharper. "It was four years ago. She's just some ex who can't take a hint. I'm not interested in her, I swear."

I stop for a second, throwing a glance over my shoulder, a sneer tugging at my lips. "If that's true, then why the hell were you acting all buddy-buddy with her, huh?" I ask, the irritation spilling out in every word. "Why were you smiling like you were enjoying her company?"

Leon steps forward, his jaw clenched now, frustration evident in the way his brows furrow. "I wasn't enjoying anything, Mariella. I was being polite, okay? She just—"

"Polite?" I cut him off, my voice rising with every word. "You smiled at her like you actually cared. And that's the thing, Leon, you didn't think to tell me. I had to find out like this, in the middle of the gala, like I'm some idiot who doesn't know what's going on."

He grabs my arm again, pulling me back towards him, but this time I don't flinch away. Instead, I look up at him, my face twisted with frustration. "You couldn't tell me about your ex? You couldn't give me a heads-up? Was that really so hard, Leon?"

He inhales sharply, his chest rising and falling with the effort of staying calm. "I didn't think it was important," he mutters, rubbing the back of his neck, looking almost guilty now. "It's old news, Mariella. I haven't talked to her in years. I didn't even know she was going to be here tonight. Trust me, I'm not interested in her. I'm more interested in you."

I roll my eyes, shaking my head, the bitterness still clinging to my words. "Sure. More interested in me... if that's true, then why are you acting like this? Why are you even letting her get under your skin?"

His expression hardens as the irritation in his voice grows. "I'm not letting her get under my skin, alright? But you're making a big deal out of nothing. Nothing is going on, Mariella. I haven't even thought about her in years." He steps closer, almost desperate now, but I back up, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Then why didn't you just tell me?!" I demand again, my voice getting louder as I try to keep the tears from coming. "Why should I have to find out about this after everything?"

"Because it was four years ago, and I didn't think it mattered! But now that you're making this such a big deal, you're making me sound like I've got some secret relationship with her!" His tone is getting more frustrated, almost angry, and I can see it in his eyes. He's done trying to explain himself.

I take a step back, staring at him. "Well, maybe I wouldn't be making a big deal out of it if you'd just told me sooner. But no, I had to find out like this, and now you're just trying to smooth it over like it's nothing."

Leon throws his hands up, exasperated. "I can't believe you're going to make this into a bigger thing than it is. I'm not interested in her, Mariella. Can you get that through your head?" His voice rises slightly with irritation, but it's clear he's trying to keep it together.

I glare at him, my heart still pounding with that awful mix of jealousy and anger. "I don't want your excuses, Leon. I just want you to stop lying to me and actually be real for once."

Without waiting for him to respond, I turn on my heel and walk away, the sound of my heels clicking with each angry step.

I can feel his eyes on me as I leave, his words trailing after me, but I don't stop. I don't care.

"Mariella!" Leon calls out again, his voice laced with frustration. "Stop running away from this!" But I don't stop. I don't even look back.

I step into the hallway, my chest tight with the anger and hurt building inside me. My hands tremble as I try to hold myself together, and the last thing I hear as the door swings shut is his voice calling my name one last time.

But I don't care. Not right now. Maybe later, but not tonight.

For now, all I feel is the sting of betrayal.

I move through the gala with purpose, my eyes locked on Nicolás Arias. My heart is still hammering from earlier, but I push it down, forcing my mind to stay sharp.

There he is—dressed in a deep red suit that fits him like it was made just for him. His brown, wavy hair is effortlessly tousled, his hands lazily tucked in his pockets as he talks with a few other men. His smirk is easy, confident.

Perfect.

I take a breath, steadying myself, ready to make my move—

Until I don't get the chance.

An arm—strong, firm, familiar—wraps around my waist from behind, pulling me into a solid chest before I can even take another step. A warm breath ghosts over my ear.

Leon.

My body tenses instantly. The scent of his cologne—clean, sharp, and entirely too smug—fills my senses before I even see his face.

"What the—" I barely get a word out before he leans in closer, his grip tightening.

"Easy, princess," he murmurs, the amusement in his voice making my blood simmer.

I stiffen, my fingers curling into fists at my sides. But he doesn't let me go.

Bastard.

Nicolás watches, his smirk deepening as his gaze flickers between us, clearly entertained.

Leon speaks first, his voice smooth, confident—like he owns the damn room.

"Nicolás Arias, pleasure."

Jackson arches a brow but shakes Leon's hand, eyes flicking to me. "Pleasure's all mine. Leon Laurent, right?"

Leon doesn't nod—he just smirks. That stupid, cocky smirk.

"You've heard of me," he says, but it's not a question.

Nicolás nods slowly. "I've heard you like to be in control."

Leon's grip around my waist tightens just enough to make a point. My teeth clench as his fingers press into my hip—hard. A sharp sting shoots through me, and I can't stop the small, involuntary wince that leaves my lips.

I hate that he notices.

His grip eases just slightly, but I can still feel the ghost of his fingers owning that spot on my body. I swallow down my irritation, forcing my face into something unreadable.

"Speaking of introductions..." Leon finally turns to me, his voice deceptively smooth.

Before I can speak for myself, he beats me to it.

"This is Mariella De Angelis. We've been meaning to discuss something important with you."

We?

I go to pull away, my patience snapping, but the bastard tightens his grip again.

"Don't start," he murmurs lowly, just for me.

I want to start. I want to cause a fucking scene. But I also know better than to let him get a reaction out of me right now.

Instead, I dig my nails into his wrist—hard—in warning. He doesn't even flinch.

Nicolás watches us like we're putting on a damn show. "Well, I'm intrigued now. Let's talk somewhere private."

Leon nods like this is his negotiation and steers me forward with ease, despite the fact that I'd rather be anywhere but under his touch. Nicolás leads us through the crowd and into a dimly lit study, away from the party.

The second we step inside and Jackson turns his back, I slap Leon's hand away with enough force to send a message.

"Don't ever touch me." My voice is low, venomous.

Leon just smirks, completely unfazed. His eyes flick to my hip where his fingers had just been before dragging back up to my face with lazy amusement.

"Oh, sweetheart, if I were really trying to touch you, you'd be gasping, not threatening me."

My blood boils. My nails curl into my palm, but before I can react, Nicolás turns back to us, his grin still intact.

"Well, now that the tension's suffocating... someone want to tell me what this is about?"

I exhale sharply, forcing my focus back to the real reason I'm here. I shoot one last glare at Leon before turning to Jackson, my voice cool, calculated.

"Let's just say I need some answers... and you're the perfect person to provide them."

Nicolás leans casually against the desk, his fingers pulling a cigarette from his pocket like he has all the time in the world. His eyes flick between me and Leon, taking in the silent war raging between us.

I straighten my posture, about to speak, but Leon cuts in before I can even get a word out.

"We." His voice is sharp as a blade. His eyes lock onto mine, daring me to argue. "We need some answers."

His emphasis is obvious, a power move meant to put me in my place. Like hell he does.

I tilt my head, giving him a mocking look, my lips curving into an exaggerated pout. "Oh? We do?" I blink at him innocently, before rolling my eyes.

Nicolás chuckles at our dynamic, shaking his head as he flicks open a lighter. "Alright, alright. I'm sure I have some answers," he says smoothly, the flame briefly illuminating his face as he lights the cigarette between his lips.

He exhales slowly, watching us through the thin veil of smoke. "Depends on what you're asking, of course."

I don't waste time. "You and Niko Zervos," I say, my voice even. "Tell me about your partnership."

Nicolás chuckles, shaking his head like I just asked him to betray his own blood. "That's cute. But we don't share exclusive business information, sweetheart."

Leon leans forward slightly, his presence suddenly imposing, his expression unreadable. "You sure about that?" he muses, tilting his head.

Nicolás gives him a lazy smirk. "I'm sure." He exhales another slow drag, his confidence unwavering. "See, people like you come in all the time, thinking you can shake things up. But Niko and I? We've got an understanding. And if I start spilling secrets, well..." He makes a small tsk sound, winking at me. "Let's just say, that wouldn't be great for business."

Leon hums, feigning amusement. "Business," he repeats. "Funny thing about business, Nicolás. It only works when your partners aren't standing on sinking ships."

Nicolás's smirk falters—just slightly. But I catch it.

Leon notices too. He steps closer, his voice lowering. "You do know, don't you? Niko's empire isn't as solid as he wants you to believe."

Nicolás's cigarette stills between his fingers. "What exactly are you saying?"

Leon shrugs, all nonchalant. "I'm saying, maybe it's time to start watching your back."

Jackson scoffs, but there's an edge to it now. "You think you can waltz in here and start threatening me?"

Leon chuckles darkly, his gaze unwavering. "Threatening? No, no, you've got it all wrong." He steps even closer, his voice dropping into something almost mockingly sympathetic. "I'm warning you."

Jackson exhales sharply, flicking ash from his cigarette, his jaw ticking slightly. He's listening.

I decide to push further. "You know what Niko does to people once they stop being useful to him, don't you?" My voice is deceptively light, but my meaning is anything but.

Nicolás narrows his eyes at me but doesn't respond.

Leon leans back, smirking. "So, if you wanna keep your little empire standing, I'd consider laying low. Maybe even... helping us out."

Nicolás scoffs again, but it lacks the confidence from before. "And what exactly do I get out of this?"

I cross my arms, tilting my head. "Your business stays intact. Your profits don't suffer. And most importantly?" I lean in slightly. "You don't end up another one of Niko's discarded assets."

Leon nods, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. "Smart men know when to pick the winning side. You seem smart."

Nicolás exhales a slow stream of smoke, watching me and Leon like we're nothing more than an amusing inconvenience. His confidence is unwavering, the smirk on his lips as effortless as the red suit he's wearing.

"You two must think you're really something." He chuckles, shaking his head. "I've been in this game a long time. You don't last if you're easy to shake."

Leon crosses his arms, looking unimpressed. "That so?"

Nicolás tilts his head, taking another drag. "Niko and I? We have an understanding. You don't just walk in here and expect me to fold because you two feel like playing power moves." He scoffs. "You think I built my empire by switching sides every time someone whispers in my ear?"

I arch a brow, arms crossing over my chest. "No, I think you built your empire by knowing when to make the right call."

Nicolás's smirk falters for a fraction of a second.

I step closer, my heels clicking softly against the polished floor. "And right now? You're backing the wrong horse."

He flicks his cigarette, feigning amusement. "That's a bold claim, sweetheart."

I don't blink. "It's not a claim. It's a fact."

Leon watches me in silence, letting me take the lead.

I tilt my head, lowering my voice just enough to make Nicolás lean in slightly. "You really think Niko sees you as a partner? Someone he respects?" I laugh softly, shaking my head. "You're a convenience, Nicolás. A well-placed asset. And do you know what happens to assets when they become liabilities?"

His fingers tighten slightly around his cigarette, the only tell that my words are starting to sink in.

"Niko wouldn't—"

"Wouldn't what?" I cut in sharply. "Wouldn't throw you under the bus to save himself? Wouldn't frame you if it meant keeping his empire intact?" I let the silence hang for a second. "You're not stupid. You know how he operates."

Leon steps in now, voice smooth as silk. "And right now, he's barely holding things together. You think he'll let you walk free if it all starts crumbling?"

Nicolás hesitates. Just for a second. But I see it.

I press in further. "The shipments, the deals—none of it is safe. Not anymore. And if you keep running Niko's product, you're not just tying yourself to him." I lean in, my voice razor-sharp. "You're setting yourself up to go down with him."

Nicolás's jaw tightens, his cool demeanor starting to crack. He knows I'm right. He just doesn't want to admit it.

Leon watches him with an almost amused expression. "So tell me, Nicolás," he says, voice deadly smooth. "What's the smart move here? Keep playing loyal dog until Niko decides you're disposable? Or start thinking about self-preservation?"

Nicolás exhales harshly, his cigarette burning dangerously close to his fingers before he finally stubs it out. He's cornered, and he knows it.

For a moment, he just stands there, processing. Then, finally, he lets out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "You two are real pieces of work, you know that?"

Leon smirks. "So I've been told."

Nicolás looks between us, weighing his options. Then, with a resigned sigh, he nods. "Fine. I'll lay low. I won't interfere." His eyes darken slightly. "But if this blows back on me?"

I smile, all confidence. "It won't."

Nicolás studies me for a long moment, then finally steps back, hands in his pockets. "You better hope not."

Leon claps a hand on his shoulder with a smirk. "Smart choice."

Nicolás doesn't respond, but I can tell—he knows he just made the only move that could save him.

For now.

Nicolás pauses at the doorway, casting a smirk over his shoulder, eyes glinting with something unreadable. "I hope we can do business in the future... You're lucky I find you two amusing." His tone is smooth, almost playful, but the weight behind his words lingers—a warning, a challenge. He holds my gaze for a moment longer, then with a lazy chuckle, he turns and strides out, disappearing into the night like a ghost, leaving behind the faintest trace of smoke and suspicion.

And just like that, I'm alone with him.

Leon leans against the desk, rubbing his temple before looking at me with an exhale. "You still mad at me?"

I don't even hesitate. "Don't piss me off." The word snaps out of me, sharp and immediate.

He nods once, like he expected that. Like he knows I won't let it go. I scoff, rolling my eyes, already turning on my heel.

Asshole.

I storm out of the study, heels clicking with purpose against the marble floor. I don't need this. Not his games, not his smugness, not the way he's always there, pushing and pulling me like I'm some piece on his chessboard.

He can kiss my ass.

Maybe he should go find his little girlfriend and play mind games with her instead.

I barely make it down the hall before I slam into someone, the impact jolting through me.

Awesome fucking Gabriela.

She stares at me like I just tracked dirt into her perfect little world, nose wrinkled in disgust. "Watch where you're going, bitch."

I pause. Blink. And then let out a slow, dark chuckle.

This two-faced, dollar-store Barbie bitch just keeps pushing, doesn't she?

Before she even processes what's happening, I grab my knife from my thigh sheath and slam her against the wall, blade pressed against her throat so fast it knocks the breath out of her.

She gasps, hands flying up instinctively, but she doesn't move. She knows better.

I tilt my head, my voice dripping in amusement. "Sorry, I didn't hear you. Wanna say that again?"

Her lips part slightly, her breath shaky, but instead of backing down, she scoffs. "You're pathetic, Mariella. Acting like some psycho just because—"

Oh, sweetie.

I snatch a fistful of her hair and yank her head back, forcing a sharp, startled scream from her throat.

"Ooh, that was a pretty sound. Do it again." I giggle, tilting my knife just slightly, letting the edge kiss her skin. "Come on, Gabi. Scream for me."

Her chest rises and falls erratically, her fingers gripping my wrist but not daring to push me off. She knows better.

I lean in closer, lowering my voice into a mocking whisper. "You know, before lover boy over there even gets a chance to save your useless, plastic-wrapped life, I could slit your throat and still have time to fix my lipstick."

Gabriela tenses, swallowing hard.

I sigh, like this whole situation is just so inconvenient for me. "But you know what? I'm feeling generous tonight. So I'll make this simple."

I yank her hair harder, a pained gasp ripping from her throat.

"Apologize."

She hesitates.

I click my tongue, shaking my head. Wrong answer.

I dig my nails into her scalp, pulling just enough to make her whimper.

"Apologize, or I swear to God, Gabriela, I'll make you the newest rumor in town." I let my grin spread wider, teeth flashing. "Oh, and when they find you? They won't even recognize that pretty little face of yours."

She breaks.

"I'm sorry!" she gasps out, voice cracking. "I'm sorry, okay? Just—just let go!"

Behind me, I hear Leon's voice at the end of the hall. "Mariella."

I don't move.

I don't let go.

"Mariella," he says again, stepping closer. He's watching. He's not stopping me.

I glance at him over my shoulder, smirking. "You sure took your time, huh?"

Leon sighs, running a hand through his hair before giving me a look that says, are you done?

"Let her go."

I pout, looking back at Gabriela. "Aww, hear that? Looks like your knight in shining armor finally spoke up." I lower my voice, whispering directly in her ear. "Too bad he doesn't actually care if you live or die."

Then, finally, I shove her back against the wall, stepping away with a mocking little smile.

Gabriela gasps, hands flying up to her throat, eyes wide with rage and humiliation.

I wink at her. "See? That wasn't so hard."

Leon watches me, shaking his head. Amused. Unbothered.

I roll my eyes, walking past him. "Let's go."

But as we leave, I can feel Gabriela's glare burning into my back.

Good.

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OH DAMN

MOMMY DE ANGELIS!

Bye, lovies! (っ◔◡◔)っ

Maddie♡