9. Evil Intent

9. Evil Intent
Amelia found herself slightly puzzled by what had just happened, but she nodded anyway. After finishing her meal, she made her way toward the exit. Suddenly, a woman dressed in what looked like a hotel staff uniform approached her.

"Miss, Mr. Luca’s driver is waiting for you at the side exit," the woman informed her politely.

“So I don’t need to go out the front?” Amelia asked.

“No, ma’am. "Your driver is right over there,” she replied, pointing toward a quieter hallway.

“All right, thank you,” Amelia said with a small smile.

Without a hint of suspicion, she followed the unfamiliar route—unlike the one used by most guests. As she walked eastward, something started to feel off. The area was unusually quiet compared to the rest of the venue.

“Hm... why is this path so empty? "Doesn’t anyone use this route?” she muttered, her steps slowing with uncertainty.

She glanced behind her. No one was coming. Looking ahead, the hallway stretched out, silent and empty. Trying not to overthink it, Amelia took out her phone and called Isabella—Luca’s trusted aide, who she was sure would be with Alfonso.

She initiated the call, but there was no answer. That made her stop walking. She stood in place, hesitant, until a man in a suit suddenly appeared and addressed her.

“Mrs. Luca, are you heading to the exit?” he asked politely.

“Ah, yes,” she replied.

“The door is just down there. "Let me escort you,” he offered with a warm smile.

“Thank you! "Sorry to trouble you—I didn’t see any staff around, so I was trying to call my assistant,” she said, her voice still casual.

“No trouble at all. Mr. Luca’s car is actually parked near mine. "I saw it earlier,” he added, as if he knew Luca personally.

Once again, Amelia followed without questioning him, letting the stranger lead her toward what he claimed was the exit. But just like before, no one else was around. The corridor stretched out in eerie silence, the sound of their footsteps echoing ominously against the walls.

Something didn’t feel right.

Why isn’t anyone else here? She thought, eyes scanning the quiet surroundings. Isn’t the exit area usually guarded or at least patrolled by staff?

Her instincts began to scream. Something was off—and she was just starting to realize it.

Something felt off. Her mind drifted to the fact that Luca was a mafia man. The world he belonged to was far from safe.
There was a real chance that the man in the suit beside her wasn’t just some helpful stranger. He could be one of Luca’s enemies—or someone sent to kidnap her, threaten her, or even use her as bait to bring Luca down.

Amelia’s steps began to slow, her heartbeat picking up. She glanced to her left and caught sight of a sign: Restroom.
A chance!

Without a second thought, she changed direction, striding quickly toward the restroom door.
“Sorry, sir. You go ahead. "I just need to use the bathroom real quick!” she said hastily, and without waiting for a reply, she pushed the door open and slipped inside, locking it behind her.

As the door shut, Amelia exhaled sharply. She hurried into one of the stalls and locked it, then frantically pulled out her phone, trying again to call Isabella. Her fingers trembled as she tapped the screen, but she managed to redial the same contact.

Still no answer.
“Isabella… where are you? "Pick up, please,” she whispered anxiously.

She tried to steady her breathing and pressed her ear against the stall wall, hoping to hear any sounds from outside. At first, it was silent. Then—faintly—the sound of approaching footsteps.
Dress shoes. The same ones the man had been wearing.

He hadn’t left.
He was waiting for her.

Holding her breath, Amelia flushed the toilet, pretending to be busy inside. Still clutching her phone, she strained her ears to hear whether the footsteps remained outside the restroom.

She waited. Time ticked by. Eventually, the sound faded. The hallway outside went quiet again.

Maybe… maybe he wasn’t a threat.
Maybe she was just being paranoid because of Luca’s world.

“What are you thinking, Amelia? "He was probably just another guest,” she muttered, letting out a nervous sigh.

Slowly, she unlatched the stall door and stepped out cautiously. But before she could take a full step forward, a strong arm grabbed her from behind—
And a large hand clamped over her mouth.

Amelia struggled, trying to scream, but her mouth was tightly covered. Without hesitation, she stomped hard on the man’s foot with her sharp high heels and a bit down on his hand.

“Argh! "You damn woman!” he cursed.

“You think you can kidnap me? "Dream on!” Amelia snapped, then yanked off both her high heels and hurled them straight at the man’s face.

She ran, desperate to get back to the crowd, where she might be able to call for help. But it was as if the area had been sealed off—several men suddenly appeared, blocking her path.

“You’re not going anywhere! A woman married to Luca has to be eliminated!” a female voice rang out, stepping forward from among the men.

Her face looked vaguely familiar. It was the same woman who had directed her toward this place earlier—the one dressed like a hotel staff member.

The woman walked forward, her chin lifted arrogantly. Her eyes scanned Amelia from head to toe as if judging a cheap item on display.

“So, you’re the woman Luca married?” she sneered, her voice high and grating. “I thought his taste was more… exclusive. But turns out he likes plain, average girls like you.”

Amelia raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. Her gaze was just as sharp.

“Hmm, sorry, but I don’t think you’re pretty. In fact, you’re too skinny and pale,” Amelia shot back coldly.

The woman’s face tensed. She folded her arms, but Amelia clearly caught the irritation burning in her eyes. Narrowing her gaze, Amelia tilted her head.

“Wait a second… are you one of those crazy fans of Luca? Heartbroken because he married me?” she asked, taunting.

“You insolent—!” the woman snapped, striding forward and raising her hand high, ready to slap Amelia’s face.

But before she could land the hit, a swift movement stopped her.

“Crack!”

With practiced precision, Amelia twisted the woman’s arm. A sharp cry of pain echoed as the woman screamed.

“AARGH! Let me go!!”