Eight The Pawn
Catalina’s POV
Six months had passed, but the memories. remained vivid, etched into my mind like an unrelenting nightmare. Chris had been adamant–I wasn‘ t to return to Italy until I was healed, until I was whole again.
My parents were furious when they discovered what had happened. My situation was a disgrace to the monarchy, a scandal waiting to erupt. Hendrick, my father and the reigning prince of Monaco, did everything in his power to keep the truth buried. He swore vengeance on those who kidnapped me, who hurt me, who caused the loss of my child.
Even so, Chris had kept certain details. from my parents. They didn’t know I had been married to a mafia boss. If that ever came to light, it would be a catastrophe for Monaco’s reputation. But I didn’t need my father’s help. I would destroy the
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Alarcon cartel myself. I would make Javier and Sophia pay for what they did to me.
As I sat in the drawing room, the door opened, and Lorenzo De Luca stepped inside. He was the chief of the national police force, and I had expected an older man, maybe someone gray–haired and frail. Instead, he was tall, sharp–eyed, and ruggedly handsome with his wavy brown. hair, stubbled jawline, and a serious. expression that matched his demeanor.
He bowed slightly before speaking. “Your Serene Highness, thank you for meeting with me.”
“The honor is mine,” I replied, my tone even but guarded. “Sit. Let’s not waste time–tell me why you‘ re here.”
He took the seat across from me, his thpiercing gaze unwavering. “I am Lorenzo Es De Luca-”
tice
“I know who you are,” I cut him off curtly. “Get to the point.”
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A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, as if amused by my impatience. “Your Serene Highness, I know you are–or were the wife of Javier Alarcon. If you help me bring him to justice, I can ensure you won’t be implicated in his crimes. He and his men will bear the full weight of the law.”
I leaned back, letting his words sink in. “I’ll help you,” I said, my voice firm. “But on one condition, Mr. De Luca.”
“Name it,” he replied, his interest piqued.
Later that evening, as the doors to the Lux and Von Hall opened and the announcer” s voice echoed through the grand ballroom, I stepped inside with my brother, Chris.
“Presenting the Countess of Carladès, Carina De Verus, and the Marquis of Baux, Hendrick De Verus of Monaco,” the
announcer declared.
The room quieted, all eyes turning to us. I kept my head high, my expression poised.
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My gaze immediately found Senator Maxwell across the room. He was the key to my plan–a pawn I needed to manipulate.
But then, I saw him. Javier.
He stood behind Maxwell, his eyes locked. on me. His expression shifted, shock flashing across his face as recognition dawned. Gone was the Catalina he once knew. I no longer dyed my fiery red hair black or hid my ice–blue eyes behind brown contact lenses. This was the real me, and Javier seemed stunned by the transformation.
“Catalina?” he said, his voice filled with disbelief.
I didn’t stop. Chris‘ s muscles tensed beside me, and when Javier reached out to grab me, two Monaco guards intervened, holding him back.
“Catalina, it’s you! I know it’s you!” he shouted, his voice echoing in the grand
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hall.
“Take him away,” Chris ordered coldly, and the guards dragged Javier out as murmurs. spread through the crowd.
The room buzzed with whispers, but I didn’t care. My focus was on Maxwell.
Later, in a private room, I stood face–to- face with the senator. He looked tense, holding a glass of champagne in his hand.
“What do you want, Your Serene Highness?” he asked, his tone wary.
I smiled, tilting my head. “I want you to agree to Javier Alarcon’s demands. Tell him you’ll meet with him tomorrow.”
His brows knitted in confusion. “And why would I do that?”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a photograph, one that wiped the color from his face.
“How did you get that?” he stammered, hist voice trembling.
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I smirked, savoring his panic. “Just do as I say, and your secret stays safe, Mr. Maxwell.” Slowly, I tore the photograph into pieces, letting them fall to the floor. “Don’t worry–I have plenty of copies.”
His jaw tightened, but he nodded. “Fine. I’ll do it. But you’d better keep your word.”
“Once you’ve done your part, Mr. Maxwell,” I said with a grin, “then I‘ 11 keep mine.”
Without hesitation, he picked up his phone and made the call.
“I’ll meet with you tomorrow, Mr. Alarcon,” he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his eyes. After ending the call, he glanced back at me.
“I’ve done what you asked. Don’t make me regret it,” he warned.
I smiled, a sharp, predatory grin. “Oh, you won’t regret it, Mr. Maxwell.”
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Not yet, anyway.
