Chapter 7 Sinful

Stefano cleared his throat before turning to Leah. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. If it weren’t for the sound of the door opening and Luca stepping inside, Stefano feared he wouldn't have been able to break the spell those round doe eyes had cast on him. Luca glanced between Stefano and Leah before speaking. "The doctor has cleared you for discharge. But... I didn't see your family around. Perhaps they've already left?" His voice carried a note of concern. The line of worry appeared on Leah’s forehead. They left her alone on her own in the hospital?! “I'll take care of everything and then escort you home, Miss Sinclair,” Stefano’s calm voice unexpectedly soothed her worry, and this feeling made Leah's heart flutter in her chest, stirring an unfamiliar sensation that left her baffled. "Who are you? Are you also a bodyguard?" she asked, her furrowed brows drawing together as she shifted her gaze to Luca. “Oh…Let me introduce myself," Luca let out an awkward chuckle, scratching the back of his neck. "I'm Luca, Stefano's friend,” he said, extending his hand. “And... no, I am not a bodyguard." But before Leah could react, Stefano grabbed Luca's hand and pushed it down. For a fleeting moment, Luca had the illusion that his boss was being possessive over the girl. Leah nodded slowly in understanding. "Stefano, can we talk?" Luca asked, his voice more serious now. Stefano's gaze shifted to Leah. "I'll be back quickly. Don't go anywhere alone." Leah felt a chill run through her at the possessiveness in his voice. He left the room, Luca following close behind. Once they were outside, Stefano led him to a secluded corner. "Will you tell me what's going on?" Luca asked, his tone laced with curiosity. Stefano's sharp gaze snapped to him, holding his friend in a tense silence. Luca knew that look—it meant he wasn't going to get any answers. "I get it, it's none of my business," Luca muttered in defeat, assuming Stefano wanted him to drop the subject. "I suspect the mole is either someone from that party or linked to someone at the Aurelia Grand, including Leah's family," he said in a grave tone, his voice turning icier. "By staying close to them as Leah’s bodyguard, I can expose who sold us out and got hundreds of our locations raided by the American police. This is the perfect opportunity." "Why not send someone else for this mission?" Luca insisted. "Nonsense. I’ll handle it myself," Stefano said, his authoritative tone leaving no room for further discussion. Yet, as Luca watched him, a thought nagged at him. “So, it's all about going undercover and has nothing to do with that girl, right?” he almost blurted out his thoughts. “Shut the fuck up, Luca,” Stefano snapped, his eyes blazing furiously. “No girl is worth my time.” The fact that Stefano had even bothered to explain himself told Luca everything he needed to know—because Stefano Lombardi never offered explanations. Luca promptly held up his hands in surrender. "Sure, boss." Stefano exhaled sharply before ordering, "Go and take care of the discharge formalities. Tell the doctor to keep Leah here tonight and let her go in the morning." Luca nodded in relief, knowing this way the stubborn Italian boss would also stay in the hospital, making it easier to convince him to remain under observation. Richard and Clara had returned home, leaving Leah alone in the hospital when Richard received a call that only fueled his hatred toward her even more. He kept it to himself during the ride, waiting until they were home and alone. Clara touched her husband's tensed shoulder, worry flickering in her eyes as she asked, "What's wrong?" "Mr. Devil has issued an order—no one is allowed to take any contract to harm Leah Sinclair. No one in the underworld, not even a small-time killer, will take the assassination," he hissed through gritted teeth. "Perhaps Chris and Mark also left because of that. They seem too scared to even pick my calls." "That whore," Clara spat, venom lacing her voice. "How the hell did she pull that off?" Richard shook his head. "I don't think she had anything to do with it. Something else must've happened... but I'll find out," he said with overconfidence lacing his tone. Clara's face paled, her voice trembling. "But... what if Mr. Devil finds out it's you—her own father—who wants her dead?" "Don't worry, darling," Richard smirked, his eyes glinting with wicked confidence. "I never approached the Italian mafia myself to place the contract." Clara's brows knitted in surprise. "Then how did you manage it?" she asked, her curiosity piqued as she studied her cunning husband. "I have someone who did the job for me—someone no one could ever trace. He's far smarter than Mr. Devil could ever catch," Richard revealed, his tone laced with a twisted pride. Clara's lips curved into a sinful grin, her eyes gleaming with dark delight. "I'm curious... do I know him? Who is he?" Richard leaned in, his voice low and taunting. "I'll tell you when the time comes. But for now, all you need to know is that he's someone with close ties to the Italian mafia—someone who hates Leah as much as we do." "But after Mr. Devil issued that order, how will we get that bitch out of our lives now?" Clara asked, her voice laced with frustration. “We will have to wait for a few days,” Richard replied thoughtfully. “No, Richard. Ivy can't be happy as long as she’s alive. Did you see how Dash reacted back in the hospital room? It seems he still cares for her,” Clara declared, her eyes blazing. “She has to die,” she insisted with a long exhale. “What do you have in your mind?” Richard asked, narrowing his eyes at his wicked wife. “Leah’s mental condition is not right, correct?” she smirked. “What if she commits suicide... or accidentally takes her own life?” Richard's eyes widened with realization as he watched the cunning glow on his wife’s face before their shared laughter echoed through the room, relishing in the thrill of betrayal and deceit.