𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝

09 | Encounter

VALENTINA

After dinner, despite the glares from Matteo and Alessio, I felt good about finally sharing something with my family.

"So, you run a company?" Lorenzo asked, clearing his throat beside me. I turned to look at him, my voice coming out breathy. "Yeah."

As we walked through the halls, I noticed many photos of our family-most of them featuring Mom and Dad, with a few of me scattered among them. The urge to ask about Mom's sister grew stronger. Maybe Lorenzo wouldn't suspect anything since they had just gotten me back, and I knew nothing personal about the family yet.

"Did Mom have a sister?" I asked, hoping my curiosity doesn't any raise suspicions.

He looked puzzled. "No, I don't think so."

"No?" I was more confused than ever.

"Mom was an orphan, I guess. She never told us anything about her side of the family," he said, a glint of sadness in his eyes.

I hummed in response, not wanting to pursue the conversation further. We reached Dad's office, and Enzo knocked on the large wooden doors. A muffled "Come in" sounded from inside. Enzo opened the doors, revealing Dad hunched over paperwork.

Dad looked up and smiled. "Have a seat. Enzo, you can go."

I took a seat, and Lorenzo left me alone with Dad. I gave him a small smile, which he returned.

"So, I wanted to discuss some rules with you," he said, closing the files in front of him.

I nodded, placing my hands on my lap, feeling a strange nervousness. I had never had a Dad or a father figure in my life.

"I'll keep them simple. These are followed by all your brothers."

I nodded again.

"Okay... Don't come to this floor or the basement unless you've been called. Whenever you're going out, make sure to inform me or one of your brothers. No boys, no drugs, and no alcohol. You won't need to worry about school. If you ever feel like you're in danger, call one of your brothers or me," he said, looking at me for a response.

"What do you mean by danger, and what kind of job do you do?" I asked, faking confusion. I already knew but wanted to see his reaction.

"Uh, we own a lot of clubs and restaurants, so our rival companies might try to hurt you or our family," he trailed off.

"Okay, I can follow them," I shrugged.

"Good," he nodded.

I got up and was about to walk towards the door when I turned back to him. "Do you guys have a gym?"

"We do. Ask Rocco, and he'll add you to the family group chat," he replied with a smile.

"Okay," I said, feeling a bit more at ease.

I walk to Rocco's room and knock.

There was no answer so this time I knocked, harder.

"GO away" was heard through the wooden doors.

I knocked again, what is his problem ..

"What is wrong" was heard when the door flew open and then his harder expression changed ro a soft one when he saw me, "Principessa, what can I help you with" he asked with a caring but hard gaze.

Seriously he was so mad a minute ago now he's got this soft caring expression.

I internally rolled my eyes at his behavior.