Chapter 209: An untouchable mafia
"You went to prison?" Lucius exclaimed, his brows furrowing as he tilted his head in disbelief. His fingers froze mid-stroke, no longer caressing Layla’s soft hair.
"Yes," Layla admitted calmly, her gaze lifting to meet his. Her hand rested lightly on his bare chest. "But that’s not the main point. Bella’s leaving Italy," she added, sharing the unexpected news.
Lucius blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Bella? I thought she and Canvin were set to get married," he said, his voice tinged with surprise. "But never mind that—did Seraphina say something to upset you?" Concern darkened his gaze as he searched for an answer.
"No, it’s not about that," Layla replied, shaking her head slightly. "Just listen to me," she urged before continuing, "Canvin broke off the engagement with Orabela when he discovered the truth—she’s an illegitimate child, and her mother is serving a prison sentence. Orabela apologized to me, but I couldn’t bring myself to forgive her. The years of betrayal and pain inflicted by someone I once considered a sister aren’t so easily forgotten."
Lucius hummed in agreement. "Good. Don’t forgive anyone so quickly," he stated firmly.
Then, after a moment of hesitation, he pressed her further. "But why did you go to see Seraphina in the first place? I’m still trying to understand."
"Well," Layla began, her voice steady yet laced with tension, "I felt it was necessary to warn Seraphina not to plan anything dangerous that could harm her daughter. And I also wanted to ask if she had any involvement in the attack on me. Aside from her, I can’t think of anyone who’d want me dead. I even threatened her, telling her the police might come after her, and that it could destroy Orabela’s life. But surprisingly, she told me something..." Her voice trailed off as she sat up, drawing her knees close to her chest.
Lucius, now fully engaged, furrowed his brows and mirrored her posture, sitting upright. "What did she say?" he asked.
"She claimed someone approached her, offering a deal. That person wanted her to harm me, and in return, they assured her freedom," Layla explained. "I don’t think she’s lying. Despite everything, she doesn’t want anything bad to happen to Orabela."