Claimed by the True Heir

The next morning, the family's Consigliere handed me a sealed manila envelope.

Inside was a new identity for my trip to Sicily and a clean flight permit.

Without a word to anyone.

As I walked out of the family's administrative building, someone suddenly blocked my path.

He frowned slightly. "Scarlett, did you change the codes to your apartment?"

"I went to find you right after I took Chloe home yesterday, but the system wouldn't let me in..."

I cut him off, my voice cold. "Yes, I did."

He looked a little annoyed, but then, as if nothing had happened, he asked gently, "What's the new code? I want to be able to come see you."

I said calmly, "That won't be necessary. The place will be empty once I'm gone anyway. It's more secure with new codes."

Nico glanced at the folder in my hand, feigning a sudden realization. "Oh, right. We're leaving soon. I've been so busy I almost forgot."

"Don't worry, Scarlett. I'll get the paperwork done tomorrow."

There were too many eyes and ears here. I turned and walked into the small family chapel next door.

Candles flickered beneath a large crucifix.

Nico followed me, his act so natural you'd never guess he was lying.

It occurred to me that I hadn't had a quiet, one-on-one conversation like this with Nico in a long time.

Ever since he brought Chloe back from the club, we'd barely had a moment alone.

I closed my eyes, deciding to give our relationship one last chance.

I looked at the statue of the Holy Mother and said softly, "Since when did we need to reassure each other?"

Nico clearly hadn't expected the question. After a long silence, he began abruptly, "Scarlett, the truth is..."

Before he could finish, a chirpy voice shattered the chapel's solemn silence.

"Oh, I knew I'd find you two here!"

Chloe appeared out of nowhere, hopping over to Nico's side like an innocent little rabbit.

She was holding an unfolded map, which she spread out on the prayer kneeler, pointing excitedly:

"Look, Nico! According to the plan, in two years, our smuggling routes can expand here, and here!"

I glanced down.

It was a map of the territories around that northern outpost.

Marked in red were not only the paltry resources meant for me, but also greedy notes about further expansion.

I couldn't lie to myself any longer. He was using my resources to plan a future with another woman.

A future without me.

I struggled to maintain my composure, but a bitterness spread through me like a shot of cheap liquor burning its way down.

I dug my nails into my palm, forcing myself to stay sharp. "You two seem busy. I'll be going."

Chloe acted as if she'd just noticed me, fumbling to hide the map in a way that only drew more attention to it.

"I'm sorry... Miss Scarlett, I didn't mean to interrupt."

As she spoke, her voice choked up again:

"I just wanted to help ease Nico's burden. I know I'm not worthy, that my background isn't good enough for a sacred place like this..."

I had no intention of playing along with her act. "Get out of my way," I said coldly.

The flicker of guilt in Nico's eyes vanished. He grabbed my wrist, his voice laced with anger.

"Scarlett, what's with that tone?"

"She stayed up all night studying routes to help me, and what do you do? Nothing but cause trouble, lock me out, and throw tantrums."

Without another word, he dragged me in front of Chloe. "You scared her. Apologize to her."

And Nico, this man who fancied himself so clever, was eating up her pathetic performance.

The last untouched corner of my heart silently crumbled into ruins.

I looked at Nico, and I smiled.

My smile seemed to unnerve him. His brow tightened. "What are you smiling at? I told you to apologize..."

Smack!

Without hesitation, I slapped Nico hard across the face.

His head snapped to the side, a red welt already forming on his cheek.

I rubbed my tingling palm, my voice dangerously soft. "Nico Moretti."

"You're the one who should be apologizing."

"But not to her. To me."