And it wasn't just strategy or possession or duty driving me to find her. It was something I'd denied for too long, something I hadn't dared name even to myself.
My phone rang again. Marco.
"Her uncle's making his move," he said without preamble. "We intercepted a call. They're planning to eliminate both her and the baby tonight, then frame you for it."
CHAPTER 14
Sienna
Terminal B was nearly deserted at noon, the cavernous space echoing with distant announcements. I found locker #224 in a dimly lit corner and entered the code from the text. The locker clicked open, revealing a manila envelope.
"I'm pleased you came, Sienna."
I spun to find a silver-haired man in an expensive suit.
Uncle Giuseppe. I'd seen him at the wedding two months ago, all smiles and congratulations. The man standing before me now bore little resemblance to that performance. This was the real Giuseppe—the one my father had warned me about.
"Uncle."
"You've grown into quite the beautiful young woman." He stepped closer, eyes cold. "Though perhaps not of your recent... choices."
My hand moved instinctively to my stomach. "You sent the message. Pretended to be my father's doctor."
"I needed you to hear the truth before Luca Romano buries you in lies." He gestured to the envelope. "That contains everything—your father's real medical files showing he has weeks, not months. Documentation of Luca's arrangement with your father. Proof of how your 'escape' was orchestrated."
"Why should I believe you?"
"Because unlike your husband, I'm offering you reality." He pulled out his phone. "Listen to this."
My father's voice filled the air:"The girl is stubborn. She'll resist any arrangement we make openly."
Then Luca's voice, cold and calculated:"Then we create a scenario where she believes she's choosing. Where I appear to be the lesser evil. Once the marriage is secured, I'll keep her under control."
The words carved through me.
"Luca Romano engineered your escape from the church," Giuseppe continued. "Paid someone on the inside, knew exactly which exit you'd choose. He made you think you were choosing him, but it was all manipulation."
"And you're telling me this out of what? Familial concern?"
"I'm telling you because that child shouldn't be raised by a man who views you as property." He lowered his voice. "Come with me now. I'll protect you and the child. Your father's empire will remain in Moretti hands, where it belongs."
For a moment, I wavered. Then I saw the calculation in his eyes—the same cold assessment I'd seen in my father's face a thousand times.
"No," I said quietly.
Giuseppe's expression hardened. "You're making a mistake."
"Maybe. But it's my mistake to make. And what about Isabella?" I asked suddenly. "Where does my sister fit into your grand plans?"
Something flickered in his eyes. "Isabella is young. Impressionable. She'd be... cared for."
"You mean controlled. Married off to whoever strengthens your position." The realization made me sick. "That's why you wanted me gone. Not just for power, but so you could use her next."
"She's a Moretti. She has obligations—"
"She's seventeen!" My voice cracked. "She's a child who deserves to choose her own life. Not be sold like I was."
"Step away from my wife."
