Chapter 186

Franco's victorious smile sent chills down my spine. I forced myself to maintain eye contact, hiding my disgust as he pulled me against his chest.

"I've always liked watching women look desperate," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "It's a beautiful sight—seeing someone who once rejected me now begging for attention."

I swallowed hard, fighting the urge to push him away. Every second in his embrace felt like an eternity, but I reminded myself why I was doing this. The small microphone I'd slipped into my bra earlier was perfectly positioned to capture every word.

"You know what's funny?" Franco continued, his hand sliding down my back. "Everyone thinks I actually care about my new 'brothers.' As if I'd ever consider those Vasquez boys family."

I pulled back slightly. "You don't care about them at all?"

He laughed, the sound cold and hollow. "Why would I? I'm only here to take what should have been mine all along. Their territories, their businesses, their father's approval." His eyes darkened. "And maybe even the women they desire."

His fingers traced my collarbone, making my skin crawl. I wanted to slap his hand away but forced myself to remain still.

"What about Maria?" I asked, desperate to keep him talking. "Your fiancée?"

Franco's lips curled into a sneer. "What about her? She's a means to an end."

"And what about me?" I whispered, hating myself for playing this role but knowing it was necessary.

His eyes raked over me hungrily. "You? I'd take you to my bed right now if I could." He sighed dramatically. "But unfortunately, I can't back out of this arrangement with Maria. Too much at stake."

I stepped away slightly, pretending to be hurt. "Do you even like her?"

"Like her?" Franco scoffed. "She's clingy, insecure, and frankly, not that bright. But her father's shares in Dante's businesses are worth putting up with her."

My heart raced as he continued spilling his plans, unaware that every word was being broadcast to the party guests below.

"So it's just about the shares?" I prompted.

"Of course. Once I marry her, those shares become mine. Her father practically worships Antonio, so he's thrilled about this match." Franco leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Antonio's getting old, you know. His mind isn't what it used to be. Sometimes he forgets things, gets confused. It's only a matter of time before someone needs to step up."

"And that someone would be you?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral.

"Who else? Dante's too rigid, Matteo's too emotional, and Salvatore?" He laughed. "That kid's a joke. And Enzo—well, we know what happened to him."

My stomach tightened at the mention of Enzo, but I maintained my composure.

A sudden knock on the door made Franco tense.

"Franco! Are you in there?" Victoria's voice called out.

Before Franco could answer, the door flew open with such force it slammed against the wall. Victoria stood there for only a second before Salvatore pushed past her, his face contorted with rage. He lunged at Franco, tackling him to the ground and pinning him there.

"You backstabbing piece of shit!" Salvatore growled, his fist connecting with Franco's jaw.

Antonio rushed in behind them, his eyes immediately finding the small speaker on the table—the one I'd connected to my microphone. He quickly switched it off, but the damage was done.

Dante pulled Salvatore off Franco, though his own expression showed he wasn't happy about intervening.

"What the hell is going on?" Franco demanded, wiping blood from his lip as he struggled to his feet. Then understanding dawned on his face as he looked between me and the speaker. "You set me up."

I didn't bother denying it. "Everyone at the party heard everything, Franco. Every word about using Maria for her father's shares. Every insult about your 'brothers.' Every comment about Antonio's health."

Victoria tried to approach Antonio, but he held up his hand, keeping her at a distance. "Not now, Victoria. I need time to process this."

"Antonio, please—" she began.

"We have guests downstairs," he cut her off, his voice ice-cold. "Guests who just heard your son's true thoughts about this family."

Victoria turned to Franco, her expression a mix of fury and panic. "What have you done?"

Franco's face had gone white. "I... she tricked me! She—"

The door opened again, and Mr. Bianchi entered with Maria at his side. His face was rigid with controlled anger.

"Mr. Vasquez," he said stiffly. "I believe we need to discuss the future of our arrangement."

Franco stepped forward, desperation clear in his eyes. "Mr. Bianchi, please. She forced me to say those things! She—"

"Forced you?" Maria interrupted, her voice small. "No one forced you to call me stupid, Franco." Her eyes welled with tears. "Was she blackmailing you? Is that it?"

I almost felt sorry for her in that moment. Almost.

Mr. Bianchi placed a protective hand on his daughter's shoulder. "I will not allow my daughter to marry someone who speaks of her with such disrespect. However," he glanced at Antonio, "I remain open to discussing other possibilities. Perhaps one of your other sons would be a more suitable match."

Antonio nodded grimly. "We will discuss this later, Mr. Bianchi."

As they spoke, I felt a small surge of triumph. For once, Franco was facing consequences for his actions. I kept my expression neutral, but inside I was celebrating.

Antonio turned to Franco, his face hardened with disappointment. "You've shown not only a lack of respect for women, but you've also exposed private matters about my health that were not yours to share."

"Father, I—" Franco started, but Antonio cut him off.

"I should have never..." Antonio began, then shook his head and walked out of the room, leaving his sentence unfinished.

I watched him go, feeling strangely hollow. I knew erectile dysfunction was common among men Antonio's age, but Franco had no right to expose such a private issue. Still, I couldn't help but feel glad Franco had been exposed for the terrible person he was.

As everyone began filing out of the room, Franco's eyes locked with mine, burning with hatred. I knew this wasn't over. But for now, at least, I had won.