Enzo walked briskly through the eastern wing of the estate, the sound of his footsteps muffled by the ornate rugs that lined the corridor. Sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting sharp slants of golden light across the hallway as the morning pressed on. His hands were clenched at his sides—not in anger, but in nervous anticipation.
She hadn't visited in over a year.
He pushed open the double doors of the sitting room and there she was—his younger sister, Valentina.
She stood by the window, arms folded, staring out at the garden with a cool, unreadable expression. Her long dark hair fell in loose waves down her back, and she wore a tailored beige blouse with black slacks and heels—understated, elegant, and commanding. Even in stillness, she had the presence of someone raised in a world of power and expectation.
Enzo closed the door behind him. "You came alone?"
Valentina turned, and for a moment, her icy composure thawed. "It's not like I'd bring a parade," she said softly, walking toward him. "Besides, Father insisted I keep this discreet."
Enzo raised a brow. "So this is a diplomatic visit?"
Valentina's eyes flickered with something unspoken. "Partially. He's... worried."
Enzo scoffed. "He's angry. Don't pretend otherwise."
She tilted her head. "Well, angry and worried are first cousins in our family."
He gave a tired smile, walking over to the decanter and pouring himself a glass of scotch. He gestured toward her with the bottle.
"No, thanks," she said, sitting down in one of the armchairs. "It's a bit early for me."
Enzo settled into the chair opposite her and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "So? What does the old man want this time?"
Valentina sighed. "He wants to know what the hell you're doing. There's talk in the south. About you going soft. About you harboring someone who may become a liability."
Enzo's jaw tightened slightly. "Hazel is not a liability."
Valentina's brows shot up. "So it's true."
He didn't answer. He didn't need to.
She sat back, crossing her legs. "You've always had a taste for trouble, Enzo. But this feels different. You're not just protecting her—you're trying to build something."
For a long moment, Enzo didn't speak. The sun caught the edge of his glass as he swirled the drink slowly, watching the amber liquid spiral inside.
"She's not part of this life," he finally said. "She didn't ask for any of it. And yet... she's in the middle of it because of me. Because of who I am."
Valentina's eyes softened. "You care for her."
He nodded once. Slowly. "I do."
"But you haven't told me everything."
Enzo tensed slightly. "What do you mean?"
"You're holding something back," she said gently. "I can see it in your face. You're guarded, but you're not as unreadable as you think, fratello."
Enzo stood and paced slowly to the window. "There are things still... unfolding. When the time is right, I'll tell you."
Valentina didn't press. She understood him better than most—when Enzo didn't want to talk, it wasn't because he didn't trust you. It was because he was trying to protect you from the weight of what he carried.
Changing the subject, he looked over his shoulder. "I want you to meet her."
Valentina blinked. "Really?"
"Yes." He set his glass down and turned fully. "She's outside. Probably still reading by the pool."
She stood and smoothed down her blouse. "Then lead the way."
Hazel stirred slightly under the warmth of the sun, her book resting open across her lap. She had drifted off unintentionally, lulled by the gentle trickle of water from the pool's edge and the light breeze that danced through the hedges.
The sound of approaching footsteps caused her to open her eyes.
Blinking against the sunlight, she sat up and was startled to find not just Enzo standing there—but also a tall, striking woman at his side.
Hazel quickly straightened her cover-up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Enzo gave a soft smile. "Good nap?"
Hazel flushed lightly. "I wasn't... napping. Just resting my eyes."
He chuckled under his breath. "Right. Of course."
Then, stepping to the side, he gestured to the woman beside him. "Hazel, this is Valentina—my sister."
Hazel stood quickly, heart skipping a beat. Enzo had mentioned his family before, but this was the first time she was meeting anyone connected to that dangerous, hidden world. And this woman didn't look like someone to underestimate.
Valentina extended a hand gracefully. "It's lovely to finally meet you, Hazel."
Hazel shook her hand. "You too. I didn't know Enzo had a sister."
Valentina gave her brother a playful glance. "He keeps me hidden. Probably because I'm smarter."
Enzo rolled his eyes but smiled. "I'll let you two talk. I need to take care of something, but I'll be back shortly."
He gave Hazel a look that said you're safe, then disappeared back into the mansion.
Hazel turned to Valentina, feeling slightly awkward. "Would you like to sit?"
"Gladly."
They settled into the chairs by the poolside, the air warm and peaceful between them.
"So," Valentina said, crossing her legs. "You've managed to do something very few people have ever done."
Hazel tilted her head. "What's that?"
"Make my brother human."
Hazel blinked. "I... what?"
Valentina smiled warmly. "Enzo's always been cold, guarded. Sharp as steel but twice as hard to hold close. But now? There's softness in him. He watches the door when you leave a room. He talks about you without realizing he's talking about you. And he chose you over the business. That's not small."
Hazel looked down, unsure of how to respond. "I don't know what I'm doing. I didn't plan any of this. I didn't plan him."
"No one does," Valentina replied gently. "Love isn't a strategy. But it is a battlefield—especially in our world. And if you're going to be with my brother... you'll need to be brave."
Hazel met her eyes, uncertain but resolute. "I've already started."
Valentina nodded in approval. "Then I think you're exactly what he needs."