Page 71 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Prince

Bianca doesn’t have the guts to hold my gaze as she plants her eyes on the ground.

“I'm guessing she didn’t.”

Mateo’s grin widens, and he takes a step closer to me. His towering height shadows me, making me feel small and vulnerable. He reaches out and unties my wrists.

As he pulls me towards his car, Bianca’s voice rings out, “Mateo, stop!” Her tone is firm, commanding.

Mateo freezes, his grip on my arm tightening. He turns back to Bianca, his eyes flashing with annoyance. “What now?”

“What about your promise? What you said you’d help us with!” Bianca yells.

“Bianca, relax; I’ve got this,” Mateo replies, a bit more relaxed with arrogance dripping from his voice. “I promised to help you, and I will. I will do my best to resolve your fucking issue.”

Bianca’s face twists in anger. “You better not double-cross me.”

“I always keep my word.” He turns to me and helps me into the back seat, his grip surprisingly gentle. “Get in, Gianna. It’s time to go home.”

He slides into the seat beside me and instructs the driver to drive.

My heart’s pounding in my chest. The man I've been trying to escape for the last three years is now sitting next to me as if I haven't been missing for weeks. He doesn't ask me questions, or demand to know what I know. He's content to sit in silence.

As we drive away from Bianca and into the night, I stare back at her worried face, which seems to be covered by regret.

What has she just gotten me into?

We finally approach an estate.

I’m struck by the sheer space of the estate as we drive into it. The gates themselves are a work of art, adorned with intricate filigree and glinting in the moonlight like a thousand tiny diamonds.We’re immediately flanked by guards in crisp suits, their faces stern and focused.

As the car moves up the winding driveway, a mansion comes into view, and I’m utterly awestruck. The exterior is covered by marble, stone, and glass, with towering spires and sweeping arches that seem to defy gravity.

Mateo’s eyes rest on me, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Welcome to my humble abode, Gianna. I hope you’ll find it... comfortable.”

He takes my hand the moment the car comes to a stop. He waits for his guards to open the door before he leads me out of the car. “Follow me, Gianna.”

I step out slowly, my eyes widening as I take in the view of the mansion. I follow Mateo, my sandals clicking on the polished floor.

I break the silence, needing to know what this is all about. “What do you want from me?” I’m quite aware of the marriage plans that had been going on before Luca took me hostage.

“I freed you from that fucking asshole. It’s all I’ve been wanting to do since I found out he had you.”

“How-”

“Ah, before you say anything else, you must be tired.” He looks around. “Take care of her,” Mateo says to a maid dressed in a black and white uniform.

He hands me over to her and I’m led away into a room.

I can’t help but stare at the room. It’s so much better than the rat hole Luca locked me in. The bed is king-size, with silken sheets and plush blankets.

This all seems too good to be true. I just know it.

After a long and much-needed bath, I change into a stunning green gown and I’m escorted back to Mateo, who’s now holding court at a lavish dining table. The spread before him is a kitchen masterpiece, with platters of juicy-looking meats, steamed vegetables, and delicious pastries. The aroma wafting from the table is heavenly, making my stomach growl with hunger.

I approach as Mateo pours champagne into the empty glass in front of me, his smirk dripping with charm.

“Enjoy, Gianna,” he says, his smirk seemingly plastered on his face. “We have a lot to celebrate and talk about.”

I take a cautious sip, the bubbles dancing on my tongue as I gaze around the room.

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