Chapter 119 You dare to betray me
Octavia’s Pov
If there was a way to just hide and avoid all this, I would have done so, but I knew I wouldn't receive the protection I needed without playing by Vanni’s rules.
Beatrix had become a source of fear for me, and I tried to steer clear of her as much as possible. However, Gianni's plan involved confronting all those involved.
Upon arriving at the old mansion, Beatrix appeared upset, slapping me and kicking me in the stomach.
“You dare to betray me, you bitch,” she accused.
“What are you talking about?” I tried to deny it, feeling the searing pain.
“You dare to deny it?” She delivered another kick to my abdomen, sending me to the floor and rendering my training from Vanni and Molly useless because of all the bodyguards around.
Struggling to focus, I saw the familiar faces of the bodyguards, many of whom had worked in Vanni’s mansion or office.
It became clear that there were more than two spies feeding information from Vanni to Beatrix. It was a trap, and I needed to warn him as he was expected for dinner later.
As I reached for my phone, Gael snatched it from me. “I trusted you, Octavia. You could have been my Donna, but you chose to trust Gio. Did you sleep with him?”
He lifted me and pinned me against the wall, but I retaliated by kicking him in the groin and spitting in his face. “It's your fault,” I accused him, seeing shock in his eyes.
Beatrix signaled for the bodyguards to intervene, but Gael stopped them. “I can handle her.”
“You coward,” I cursed. “How dare you involve me in your schemes without informing me?”
Expecting him to strike me, he laughed sarcastically. “You think he cares about you? Gio cares for no one. I could have made you happy, but you chose to betray us.”
He brandished a gun, ready to shoot, but I questioned him, “Who told you I betrayed you?”
The bodyguards, possibly bought over, stood by and watched as Beatrix and Gael abused me.
There were no hints dropped for them to understand the situation. Beatrix instructed me to return to Gio, and I complied, but Gianni hesitated to dismiss the bodyguards on Hanks' advice, fearing Beatrix might catch on.
Most of the plans were discussed behind closed doors. "I told you I could buy anyone, but you didn't listen. Hank has been my secret spy all along," she revealed. I felt dizzy and lost the will to live in that moment.
Vanni trusted Hank so much, giving him control over Roger. How could this be? "No, it's a lie. Hank would never betray Vanni."
"You fool," Beatrix scoffed. "Everyone can be bought. It's just a matter of knowing what is most important to them. Hank made it clear that he wants Molly, so if Gio dies, Molly would be his. You see, it isn't only about money."
How would Vanni be able to win this time? So, Hank has secretly been in love with Molly?
"Since you are no longer of value to us, why don't you join Gio's mother and father in hell?" Gael was about to pull the trigger when a familiar voice stopped him, and I heard footsteps from upstairs.
“Stop!” It was Hank; he had been here all along. "You bastard. Where is my son?"
"Oh, shut up, Octavia. Things would not have ended like this if you had not shown Gianni that text message. I was planning a surprise for him, you know?"
There was no remorse in his eyes, and I felt sorry for Vanni. "He trusted you, so how could you do this? Do you know that Beatrix killed your best friend's mother and father?"
Something flashed in his eyes, but it was soon gone. I hadn't heard Vanni telling him, so I wasn't sure if he did.
"What does it matter? The only time I felt human was when I thought about meeting Molly again, but guess what? It turned out she was the same woman Gio was looking for, and he's the one she loves. So sorry, I no longer have sympathy inside me."
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I confronted him, "So, all of this is because of Molly?"
A smirk played on his lips as he locked eyes with me, "Why else would I betray my best friend if not for a woman? Women have sparked conflicts since the time of Troy."
Realizing the gravity of the situation with Hank, I knew my fate was sealed. There was no way for me to warn Vanni, but a daring idea crossed my mind.
"Vanni loves Molly, and she will never love you. Gianni always prevails."
Gael's slap left me reeling, but Hank's sudden hesitation caught my attention as Gael aimed the gun at me again. Hank intervened, "You're so predictable, Gael. Let's have some fun."
Avoiding my gaze, Hank offered me a chance, "You can switch sides like me, pretend to be on Gio's side. More instructions will follow."
"Never!" I shouted, knowing that aligning with Beatrix would lead to no good. Even if I perished before Vanni's arrival, I was certain that he would avenge me and all these people would meet their end.
Hank grinned, "Fine. Agree to be my play thing for Molly's sake, or the moment she walks in, a bullet will find her heart."
Despite my initial indifference towards Molly, the time we spent training together had endeared her to me. She was kind, humble, and willingly cooked for everyone.
As I got to know her better, my fondness for her grew. "How can I trust you won't harm her?" Despite the pain wracking my body, I was willing to endure more if it meant Molly's safety.
After all, if she perished, Gio would never be the same. Molly had transformed Gio, and without her, he would revert to his cold, distant self.
Hank laughed sarcastically as fresh warm tears slid down my cheek. He was toying with me, but it was Gael who spoke next.
"So, you're willing to sacrifice yourself for a stranger, yet you betrayed me," Gael said, raising his hand as I stood up, only to be stopped by Hank. I briefly thought Hank was on our side before his expression turned cold.
"I have a better idea. She seems to prefer Gio. Why not let her witness how we deal with Gio?" Hank suggested.
Gael nodded in agreement. "You're right. Gio will be here in thirty minutes." He then proceeded to tie me to a chair as more family members began to arrive.
I was then escorted to the large dining room, where they all taunted me while seated around the table.
"Don Gio has arrived with Molly," one of the bodyguards announced, my lips sealed with duct tape. Beatrix and Gael lit cigars, joined by some family members, while Hank hurried upstairs.
"You look puzzled. Do you realize Molly is allergic to smoke?" Beatrix asked, a smirk forming in the corner of her lips. “At least Nicole told me. Bless her humble soul.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as they continued to puff their cigars at the entrance just as the door swung open.
The sound of Molly's irritated coughing could already be heard.