Chapter 184 On His Terms

Chapter 184 On His Terms
Aurelia Vale couldn't believe her eyes.
Nico Moretti was standing right in front of her.
For a moment, she simply stared at him.
His clothes were dusty.
His hair was disheveled.
And he looked exhausted.
But there was no mistaking him.
"Nico?"
Nico gave her a faint smile.
"Aurelia."
She quickly stepped off the bus.
"What are you doing here?"
Nico glanced briefly at the road before looking back at her.
"I could ask you the same thing."
Aurelia almost laughed from relief.
"I escaped."
He said.
"You escaped?"
He nodded.
"I had to leave the Moretti estate."
Nico's expression changed slightly.
"Where have you been?"
"I have been with your father, but then he left me for the war."
She looked around nervously.
"I need to get to him."
Nico studied her.
There was something different about her.
Something he couldn't immediately identify.
Then he noticed the way her hand rested protectively over her stomach.
His eyes lingered there for a moment.
But he said nothing.
Instead, he asked,
"How did you get here?"
"It's actually a long story."
Nico stared at her.
"I have to see Roman."
Her expression suddenly became serious.
"I haven't heard from him."
Nico didn't answer immediately.
Aurelia stepped closer.
"Have you seen him since you escaped?"
Nico nodded.
"He's at the Russo estate."
Her face immediately brightened.
"He is?"
"Yes."
Aurelia released a breath of relief.
"Thank God."
She almost couldn't contain her excitement.
"Then take me there."
Nico smiled.
"I was actually heading there myself."
Aurelia frowned.
"Why?"
Nico hesitated for just a fraction of a second.
Then he gave her an answer.
"I need to see my father."
Aurelia's expression softened.
"Then we can go together."
Nico nodded.
"Sure."
He didn't tell Aurelia that he had been planning to find a way inside the estate before he met her.
He didn't tell her that he had spent the entire morning thinking about how impossible it would be to get past Roman's guards and free Bianca.
And he certainly didn't tell her what had gone through his mind the moment he saw her.
Aurelia had solved his problem.
She was Roman's weakness.
His most precious possession.
The woman he had hidden away because he feared his enemies would use her against him.
If Nico arrived at the estate with Aurelia beside him, Roman would have no choice but to listen.
And if Roman refused to release Bianca...
Nico's eyes hardened for a brief second.
He would make him understand just how much he had to lose.
He could threaten Aurelia.
He could put her life at risk.
Good thing he had a knife in his pocket.
Don Roman might be the most powerful man in the city, but Nico knew one thing for certain.
A man could survive losing an empire.
He could survive betrayal.
He could survive war.
But losing the woman he loved?
That was different.
And Nico believed Roman would crack.
But Aurelia couldn't know any of that.
Not yet.
So Nico kept his expression warm.
"Let's go."
Aurelia's face lit up.
"Thanks Nico."
"Of course."
She smiled.
"I thought I would have to find a way there myself."
Nico nodded.
"You won't have to."
He looked toward the road.
"We'll go together."
Aurelia's heart filled with relief.
Everything had suddenly become easier than she had imagined.
She had spent hours hiding in a truck.
She had worried about finding transportation.
She had feared she might wander around for hours trying to locate the Russo estate.
And now...
Nico Moretti had appeared.
He knew exactly where Roman was.
And he was willing to take her there.
It felt like fate had finally answered her prayers.
Aurelia smiled.
Nico smiled back at her.
But inside, his thoughts were completely different.
You have no idea what you're walking into.
He turned away before his expression could betray him.
"Come on."
Aurelia followed.
They started walking along the roadside.
For a few moments, neither spoke.
Then Aurelia broke the silence.
"Nico..."
"Hmm?"
"When did you escape from the Moretti estate?"
Nico glanced at her.
"Two nights ago."
Aurelia sighed.
"You've been through a lot."
Nico gave a bitter smile.
"So have you."
She lowered her gaze.
There was a moment of silence.
"We need to hurry," Nico said.
Aurelia nodded.
She didn't notice the faint change in Nico's expression.
The guilt he felt was real.
His concern for Bianca was real.
But so was his plan.
He couldn't let Roman keep Bianca as a prisoner.
And if using Aurelia was the only way to get Bianca back...
Then he would do it.
They continued walking.
Aurelia was already imagining the moment she would see Roman.
She imagined running into his arms.
She imagined telling him about the baby.
She imagined his reaction.
Would he be shocked?
Would he be happy?
Would he be angry that she had escaped the safe house?
Probably all three.
A small smile appeared on her lips.
She touched her stomach again.
"Your father is waiting for us."
Nico glanced at her.
He didn't say anything.
Because he knew something Aurelia didn't.
Roman wasn't waiting for her.
And Nico intended to make sure their reunion happened on his terms.