Chapter 4: The Poisoned Roots
Matteo's voice rang out across the smoky lounge as he rose from his seat, grinning widely. His golden cufflinks sparkled beneath the dim chandelier, matching the polished smile on his face.
The men around him glanced up, some giving polite nods, while others looked on with narrowed, evaluating gazes. None of them expected her here. This was Matteo's territory, where he managed his most private deals—the kind even their father pretended didn't exist.
Alina returned her brother's smile as she walked toward him. "Matteo, it's been too long."
She allowed him to pull her into a brief, insincere hug. The scent of expensive cologne and cheap champagne clung to him like a second skin.
"What brings my beautiful sister here today?" he asked while guiding her to a leather armchair beside him. His voice was light, but his eyes showed suspicion.
Alina crossed her legs gracefully, deliberately letting the silence stretch before responding. Let him wonder. Let him question.
"I thought we should catch up," she finally said, her tone sweet. "We've both been so busy lately. Father's business keeps us running in different circles."
Matteo chuckled and leaned back. "That's true. But you? You've always stayed out of this side of things."
*Not anymore.*
She tilted her head, her smile unwavering. "Maybe it's time I stop being the quiet little sister."
For a brief moment, something cold flickered in Matteo's eyes. But it disappeared quickly, replaced by his charming facade. "You? In this world? Alina, you're far too soft for these games."
*That's what you want to believe,* she thought bitterly.
"Perhaps," she said aloud, "but I'm learning."
One of Matteo's men—a burly man with a tattoo creeping up his neck—cleared his throat. "Boss, we need to discuss the shipment schedule."
Alina noticed the quick flash of irritation that crossed Matteo's face. He didn't want her to hear about business. Good. That meant he was hiding something.
"I'll wait," Alina offered sweetly. "Family can listen, can't we?"
Matteo hesitated, then waved the man forward reluctantly. "Fine. Make it quick."
The tattooed man leaned in and lowered his voice, but not enough. Alina caught every word.
"The Russians are demanding higher payment for the next cargo. If we don't meet their price, they'll delay the weapons transfer."
Alina's pulse quickened. Illegal arms trade. International connections. *Perfect.*
"We'll pay it," Matteo replied sharply. "We can't afford a delay."
The man nodded and stepped back. Matteo turned to Alina, his smile thin now. "As you can see, little sister, the real world is messy. Not like your charity balls and piano lessons."
Alina's lips curled upward. "I'm not as naïve as you think, Matteo." She leaned forward slightly. "In fact, I hear the Russians aren't the only ones you're dealing with these days."
For the first time, Matteo's smile faltered. "What do you mean?"
She let the tension linger, watching him squirm. "Nothing," she said sweetly. "Just idle gossip."
Matteo studied her closely now. "You've changed, Alina."
She met his gaze directly. "Maybe I have."
Inside, her mind raced. Every word she had heard today would be ammunition. Evidence she could give to Leonardo to prove her worth.
"Stay out of things you don't understand," Matteo said softly, almost as a warning. "Father wouldn't want you involved in… this."
Alina's smile hardened at the edges. "Father doesn't control me."
Matteo's eyes darkened briefly. But before he could speak again, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, frowned, and stood. "I have to handle something. Don't wander, Alina. Some of my… associates don't know how to treat a lady."
He left quickly, phone pressed to his ear, leaving his men behind.
Alina stood too, her pulse racing. This was her chance. She moved casually toward the hallway Matteo had just vacated. Marco shadowed her closely but said nothing.
"Marco," she whispered once they were alone. "Follow him. Get everything you can."
Marco hesitated for a second before nodding. "Understood."
As he slipped away silently, Alina felt her heart pounding. The real game was beginning.
**Later that night…**
The penthouse was quiet, except for the faint hum of city traffic far below. Alina sat at her desk, going through the files Marco had delivered. Photographs, phone records, transaction logs—all confirming what she suspected. Matteo's dealings weren't just risky; they were careless.
He was skimming money from arms deals, forming unauthorized partnerships with foreign cartels, and funneling cash into personal offshore accounts. His greed would be the noose around his neck.
Alina's phone buzzed. A message from an encrypted number.
**Leonardo Valenti:**
*Impressive work. Bring everything to me tomorrow. You're exceeding my expectations, Alina.*
Her chest tightened as she read his words. It was praise—but also a warning. Leonardo was pleased, but he was watching her closely.
Before she could respond, a knock came at her door.
"Sofia?" she called.
"No, Miss Moretti." It was Marco. "There's someone downstairs demanding to see you. He says it's urgent."
Alina frowned. "Who?"
"A man from your father's security team."
Her blood ran cold.
*They know I've been digging.*
Forcing her expression to stay calm, she descended the stairs, where a tall, muscular man in a dark suit waited. His name was Enzo—one of her father's most loyal enforcers.
"Enzo," she greeted, pretending surprise. "What brings you here so late?"
Enzo's expression was tight. "Your father requests your presence immediately. It's not a request."
The chill in his voice told her everything.
The Morettis suspected something. They wouldn't act immediately—not without proof—but they were pulling her closer to watch her. To control her.
Alina nodded calmly. "Of course. Let me get my coat."
As she turned, her mind raced.
*Stay calm. Don't let them see fear. You've come too far.
**The Moretti Estate—Midnight**
The family mansion loomed under the moonlight, a monstrous reminder of everything she had once called home.
Inside, the grand hall was filled with tension. Her father stood at the head of the long dining table, his cold gaze fixed on her as she entered. Matteo was there too, seated casually, pretending nonchalance.
"Alina," her father said smoothly. "Join us."
She obeyed, taking a seat between them. The air crackled with unspoken accusations.
"I hear you visited Matteo today," her father continued, pouring himself a drink. "How lovely that my children are spending time together."
Alina smiled politely. "It's been too long since we spoke, Father."
"Indeed." He took a sip. "You've been… curious lately. Asking questions. Visiting places you normally avoid."
"Can a daughter not take interest in her family's business?" she asked sweetly.
Her father's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Curiosity is dangerous in our world, Alina. You're too delicate for it."
"I'm not a child anymore."
Matteo leaned forward, his voice low. "And yet, you're playing a dangerous game, sister. One wrong step could cost you dearly."
Alina met his gaze, refusing to flinch. "Only if I fall. And I don't intend to fall."
Her father's hand slammed against the table suddenly, making the glasses tremble. "Enough."
The room fell silent.
"You forget your place, Alina," he said coldly. "You will stay away from my business. You will not interfere with your brother's work. Do I make myself clear?"
Alina's jaw tightened, but she forced a polite nod. "Perfectly clear, Father."
But inside, her fury burned like wildfire.
*You think you control me. You think I'll kneel.*
*You have no idea what's coming.*
Her father leaned back, his voice calm once again. "Good. Then we won't have to discuss this again."
Matteo smirked, thinking he had won.
*Let him think that.*
Alina rose gracefully. "If you'll excuse me, I'm quite tired."
They dismissed her with a nod, but she felt their eyes burning into her back as she walked away.
As she stepped out into the cold night, the chill biting her skin, she whispered to herself:
"They've planted their poisoned roots deep, but I'll rip every one of them out."
And she would.
With Leonardo watching. With Marco protecting. With every secret weapon she could gather.
The war had truly begun.
To be continued....