96. Have a thing for Elena.

Sofia.

I tiptoed through the sprawling halls of the grand Ferrari mansion, my heart pounding in my chest. The risk I was taking weighed heavily on my mind. The Amato pack had me in their grasp, threatening to send me back to the asylum if I didn't provide them with valuable information about Deangelo's plans. I had a mere week to come up with substantial details, and the pressure was suffocating.

I always prided myself on my intelligence and resourcefulness, but this was uncharted territory for me. The stakes were high, and failure would have dire consequences. Bruno Amato, the leader of the pack, was not a man to be underestimated. I had heard tales of his merciless nature and how he dealt with those who crossed him. I had no intention of becoming another cautionary tale.

My mind was in a constant state of turmoil as I scoured every nook and cranny for anything that could be useful to the Amato pack. Drawers and cabinets were rifled through, my hands frantically searching for any documents or notes that could shed light on the plans of the Ferrari Pack. So far, my efforts had been in vain, leaving me frustrated and desperate.

The guilt weighed heavily on my conscience as I betrayed Deangelo, my employer and the man I had long been infatuated with. Despite knowing that his heart had always belonged to Jules, even after her tragic death, I couldn't help but yearn for his attention. But the Amato pack had dangled a lifeline in front of me—an escape from the asylum—and I had grasped it without considering the consequences.

As I stealthily navigated the rooms of the mansion, the gravity of my actions bore down on me. I was betraying the very man who had provided me with a job and shelter. The man I had harbored deep affections for. I was driven by my own selfish motives, and the weight of that realization was crushing. However, there was no turning back now. If I reneged on my agreement with the Amato pack, they would come after me, and I had nowhere else to run.

The mounting pressure began to take its toll on me. I constantly glanced over my shoulder, expecting to be caught red-handed. But I couldn't afford to halt my search. I had to find something that could appease the insatiable hunger of the Amato pack and save myself from their wrath. Each passing moment intensified the urgency, pushing me closer to the edge of my sanity.

I was unable to find nothing nonetheless and so I had to just give up, just for now though. Days went by, and I grew more desperate with each passing hour. The deadline was approaching, and I had nothing to show for my efforts. I knew that the Amato pack would not take kindly to my failure, and I feared for my safety. So as soon as Deangelo left the house with some of the gammas the next day, I made my way to the alpha’s study this time. I had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, and I knew I had to act fast. I had to be careful, though. Deangelo's men were always around, and I didn't want to get caught.

I quickly made my way to his desk and began to sift through the papers. Most of them were just mundane documents, but then I found something that caught my eye. It was a memo from the Ferrari pack, detailing their plans to take over Amato territory. I made a photocopy of it and stuffed it in my shirt.

I kept looking, hoping to find something else that would be useful. That's when I saw a picture of Deangelo that I didn't have. I took it and put it in my pocket. I knew it was risky, but I couldn't help myself. I needed something to remind me of him when I was back in the comfort of my room, call me obsessed or creepy but I care not

After keeping that, I continued my search for what I was here for, hoping to find something that would open the safe that I knew was hidden somewhere in the room. I tried several combinations, but none of them worked. I even tried his wife's anniversary and the dates of his children's birth, but nothing seemed to work. I was frustrated and about to give up when I heard someone coming.

I nervously fumbled with the documents I had stuffed inside my shirt, trying to find a way to hide them as I saw Luca enter the room. "What are you doing in here, Sofia?" he asked, his voice sharp and accusing. I could see the suspicion in his eyes, and I felt a cold sweat break out on my forehead.

"I-I was just looking for something to read," I stuttered, trying to sound casual. "I didn't know anyone was coming."

Luca gave me a long, hard look before he stepped closer. I could see his eyes scanning over me, looking for any sign that I might be lying. "Are you sure that's all you were doing?" he asked, his voice lowering dangerously.

I tried to stay calm, but my nerves were getting the best of me. "Yes, of course," I replied, forcing myself to meet his gaze.

Luca did not look convinced, but he did not press the issue any further. His gaze however flickered over me, and I could feel the tension in the air. Then he surprised me by asking a question that threw me off guard. "Hmm, that reminds me. I have always wanted to ask this since I am very confused. How on earth did you make it out of the psych hospital alive when everyone else died?"

I could feel the blood draining from my face, and I took a step back. "What are you talking about?" I said, trying to sound confused.

"Don't play dumb," Luca growled. "I know about what happened as soon as you left this place. And I'm trying to decide whether or not to tell Deangelo about it."

My mind raced as I tried to think of a way out of this. I know that if Deangelo found out, I was done for. I could not let that happen. "Look, Luca," I said, trying to sound reasonable. "I don't want any trouble. Can't we just forget about this?"

Luca's eyes flashed, and I could see the anger bubbling beneath the surface. "No, we can't," he said, his voice low. "Because if I keep quiet, you'll just keep doing whatever you want. And that's not acceptable."

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. Then an idea stroke me, and I smiled slyly. "Luca," I said, stepping closer to him. "What do you think Deangelo would do if he found out you have a thing for Elena?"

For a moment, Luca looked stunned. Then his face darkened, and he stepped closer to me. "You don't know what you're talking about," he growled.

"Oh, I think I do," I said, my confidence growing. "And I think I could also make things very difficult for you if I wanted to."

Luca's eyes narrowed, and I could see him weighing his options. Then he seemed to come to a decision, and he stepped back. "Fine," he said. "I won't tell Deangelo about your issue with the psych hospital. But you stay away from him. And you stay away from me too."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Deal," I said, before turning and walking away.

As I made my way down the hallway, I could feel a sense of triumph building inside me. I may not have found what I was looking for in Deangelo's study, but I had gained something even more valuable - leverage over his most trusted beta and best friend. And with that leverage, I knew I could make things happen - things that would benefit me and the Amato pack even.