Page 66 of Ruined

"Lucrezia." I incline my head slightly.

She reaches us, extending a hand to Evelyn. "You must be Evelyn Anderson. I've heard you perform. You're brilliant."

Evelyn takes her hand automatically, social training kicking in despite her distress. "Thank you."

Lucrezia turns to me, her expression shifting to something more serious. "Damiano's in his office with Enzo. They're waiting for you."

I glance at Evelyn, reluctant to leave her alone but knowing I need to speak with Damiano immediately.

"Lucrezia, can you keep Evelyn company while I talk to your brother?"

Lucrezia's smile is quick, almost predatory. "Of course. We'll have tea in the solarium."

I look at Evelyn, catching the flash of panic in her eyes at being separated from me. It's ironic—days ago she was desperate to escape me and now I'm her only constant in a world spinning out of control.

"I won't be long," I tell her, my voice low enough that only she can hear.

Evelyn's eyes hold mine, searching for reassurance I'm not sure I can give. Finally she nods, her shoulders stiff with tension.

"This way," Lucrezia says, linking her arm through Evelyn's with casual familiarity.

I follow Lucrezia through the Feretti mansion, my heart hammering against my ribs. Jessica is missing. The words keep repeating in my head, a terrible mantra I can't silence. Noah's hand was warm on my back as we arrived, but now I'm alone with Damiano's sister and I feel adrift.

"The solarium is just through here," Lucrezia says, her heels clicking on marble floor. "It's more comfortable than sitting in Damiano's study while they talk strategy."

I nod, unable to find words. I don't know these people. A week ago they were just names, powerful families I performed for. Now I'm caught in their war.

The solarium is beautiful—all glass and greenery, sunlight streaming through tropical plants. Under different circumstances, I might appreciate its magic.

"Sit," Lucrezia gestures to a wicker chair. "Would you like some tea?"

"No. Thank you." My hands won't stop trembling.

I've heard things about the Feretti family. Whispers at events, fragments of conversations. They're dangerous, ruthless in business. But they're also fiercely loyal to family. I saw it firsthand at the christening—the way Damiano looked at Zoe and their baby. Like they were his entire universe.

When I played at their celebration I watched them from behind my violin. The way Damiano's eyes followed Zoe across the room. How his hand never left the small of her back when they stood together. How they seemed to communicate without words, existing in their own bubble despite the crowd surrounding them.

"Your brother and his wife," I say suddenly. "They seem very..."

"In love?" Lucrezia smiles. "Disgustingly so. It wasn't always that way."

I twist my hands in my lap. "The Ferettis really do put family first, don't they?"

"Above everything." Her voice hardens. "Which is why Ivan has made a critical mistake if he's taken your sister. Noah considers you his, which makes you—and by extension Jessica—under our protection."

The thought of Noah claiming me as ‘his’ should make me angry. Days ago, it would have. Now I feel a complicated twist of emotions I can't untangle.

"I just want Jessica safe," I say. "She has nothing to do with any of this. She doesn't even know about Ivan."

Lucrezia sits beside me, taking my trembling hands in hers. Her grip is surprisingly strong.

"Listen to me, Evelyn. My brothers and Noah—they're very good at what they do. If anyone can find your sister, it's them."

I look into her eyes, searching for empty reassurance but finding only fierce determination.

"I hope you're right."

I sit in silence, staring at my hands. The minutes stretch endlessly while somewhere in this mansion Noah and Damiano are discussing how to find my sister. Every second that passes is another second Jessica might be with Ivan. The thought makes me physically ill.

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