His greatest love.

Chapter 10.

"So what exactly is this about?" Dr. Diana Pierce asked, setting her latte down as they settled into a quiet corner of the hospital cafeteria.

Giovanni leaned back in his chair, his eyes unreadable but intensely fixed on her. "My aunt had a myocardial infarction late last year. She survived, but... her health's been spiraling since."

"Then take her to a hospital." Diana said flatly, sipping her coffee with the disinterest of someone who'd heard this story too many times.

Gio smirked, the corner of his mouth twitching. "She despises hospitals. Thinks they drain her soul."

"You look like the type of man who could afford to fly in the best private medical team to her doorstep just so she doesn't have to step into one."

"Exactly why I came to you. I want you to take over her treatment."

Diana raised a brow, unimpressed. "There are dozens of top-tier cardiologists. Why not call one of them?"

"Because none of them have your stats, your discipline, or your skills," Gio said coolly. "And because, like you said—I only fly in the best."

She looked away briefly, rubbing the side of her belly where the baby kicked. "Unfortunately, my OB/GYN has me on strainous activities."

"I'm not asking you to scale rooftops, dottoressa. I might be a bastard, but even I wouldn't push a pregnant woman into strainous activities." He sipped his espresso, eyes glinting. 

"Mm. That's what they all say," she muttered with a slight laugh, but even her laugh carried a wall of caution Gio couldn't breach.

He leaned in. "So—will you take the case?"

Diana exhaled slowly. Her posture remained upright, professional—but he could see her calculating.

"If I say yes, I'm sacrificing my personal time. My day off."

"But it's for a good cause."

She studied him for a beat, then glanced at her watch. "Fine. I'll evaluate her tomorrow. After that, any further care must be conducted in a clinical setting with proper medical support."

"Thank you. Can I say something though?" He said looking into her mesmerizing eyes.

"You already did."

"You are very beautiful.." He said calmly and she rolled her eyes smirking.

"Yeah right. I left my buddy outside so I need to go." She said as she prepared herself to get up and he got up.

"Buddy you say?" He said helping her up to her feet.

"Have a good evening Mr De Luca." She said smiling lightly taking her coffee in one hand.

"You too Doctor." He said calmly watching her walk away a light smile forming on his face. He took his coffee and walked away just in time to spot her at a distance with her huge dog that was panting excitedly.

"Buddy." He said silently smirking before going back upstairs where his dad was. He found him getting a painkiller refill at the pharmacy and once he was done they left.

"How did your meeting with Layla go??" Lorenzo said calmly as the driver drove silently.

"If you are wondering if she's still throwing herself at me then you are right." Gio said looking outside the window and he chuckled lightly.

"She's just like her mother any scent of power is like a vampire's exposure to blood." He said laughing lightly but Gio remained silent.

"What about the weapons transfer?? Did the Mayor bring any problems??"

"No dad everything is fine."

"Then what's on your mind son??!"

"Sorry to interrupt but we have a tail. It's the detective's partner." The driver suddenly said calmly and Gio shut his eyes frustrated.

"That fucking Santos won't leave me alone." Gio said angrily.

"How long has this been going on??" Lorenzo said coldly.

"Pull over at the next turn." Gio said darkly catching them both by surprise.

"Don't do anything stupid Giovanni." Lorenzo said firmly and Gio looked at his father as the car pulled over.

"Am good pa'." Gio said lightly as the car pulled over and he stepped out of the car looking at the grey sedan that was slowing down to the opposite side of the road. He watched it before it immediately picked up speed and drove past them. He got back inside the car his eyes dark and cold.

"Let's go." He said leaning his head back.

"That was a risky move." Lorenzo said as the driver started driving.

"It worked right?" He said silently his eyes shut.

"What exactly is bothering you?"

"Am overworking that's all."

"Then stop."

"Am bringing a doctor to check on Zia Greta."

"Sai che non le piacciono per niente gli ospedali... So how will you convince her?"
( You know she doesn't like hospitals )

"Am going to deal with her hopefully quei fottuti episodi che avrà saranno finalmente finiti per sempre."
( Those fucking episodes she has will finally be over for good )

"All the other doctors gave her medication what's special about this doctor you will bring?"

"I don't know. Maybe it's the fact that she took out bullets out of your body or the fact that your blood pressure and sugar levels haven't been a problem anymore." He said calmly and Lorenzo chuckled lightly.

"Dr Pierce. How did you even convince her to take your crazy aunt's case?"

"I close deals pa'... She's not any different."

"Maybe she can confirm that you're Zia is exaggerating and we can finally put an end to all these drama."

"Or maybe she's genuinely sick pa'."

"I don't trust her. If she was genuinely sick then all her other doctors would have figured out the problem..." Lorenzo said as they drove into their large compound.

"I guess we'll find out tomorrow." He said calmly checking his phone. The car stopped at the entrance of the house and the security opened the door for his dad.

"Aren't you coming inside?" Lorenzo said lightly.

"I have pending issues I need to take care of but I'll be here tomorrow with the doctor." Gio said lightly as security helped Lorenzo out of the car.

"See you tomorrow then," Lorenzo said as Gio nodded silently before the door was shut. The driver drove slowly out of the compound back to the road.

"Boss those feds are on to us." The driver said calmly.

"It's Santos. He's like a damn leech."

"What's the play?"

Gio's face turned stone cold. "Lo gestirò io stesso." (I'll handle him myself.)