NEMESIS

strange behavior

Her slender legs walked into the Darcio family's manor along with Sebastian, who followed behind her. In her hand she was carrying a black folder containing a sheet of paper cases that she would face in the near future. She could not delay her work any longer after a few days, going to the North to carry out the mission given by their leader.

Two of the four cases thrown at her are currently under investigation, and the other two she gave to Paolo, the second consigliere in The Orphic. The four are cases that are directly related to The Orphic and it is her duty to handle all of them.

Her job is confusing. In the underworld, she is both a consigliere and an assassin. But in the world above, she is a mysterious lawyer who is active in charity work — no one knows very well how she is, except for Sebastian and Darcio's family members.

One of them is Leonardo Darcio, the current head of the Darcio family.

“Leonardo never suddenly asked me to stay here, but why all of a sudden?” at first she was very confused because she was ordered to stay in the Darcio residence for a long time and not to return to The Orphic manor for a while. The most disconcerting thing was that Leonardo missed her — it was disconcerting because it felt strange.

“As he said, he misses your presence” Sebastian replied casually, reluctant to comment further. Worried about causing misunderstandings for anyone who hears “I guess that's natural, you haven't been back in recent years.”

Well, maybe this is perfectly natural — it seems like she's too sensitive to have bad thoughts about this, when there shouldn't be any need for such strange thoughts, right?

.

.

Darcio's family gathered around one long table, unlike when she was at The Orphic manor — their meals would be delivered to their quarters and they always ate alone in their room. Darcio's family dinner is always exquisite as usual and the food served is always varied. That is what makes Giuliana feel at home at Darcio's residence.

Leonardo, along with his younger sister and five cousins ​​gathered at one table. There weren’t Mr. and Mrs. Darcio now, they were killed a few years ago on a cruise ship because of the Rogue Mafia who hijacked the cruise ship until it exploded due to a time bomb.

So that the person in power in this residence is Leonardo.

“It's nice that we're back at the dining table together — we haven't seen each other in a long time since you stayed at the Orphic manor and, since then, your seat has always been empty, because no one is allowed to sit there — not even Beatrice.” Atlas, Leonardo's cousin, spoke mischievously with a small chuckle afterwards.

It was surprising to hear such a thing, because Beatrice was a woman who was said to be the next Mrs. Darcio. Her position as the eldest daughter of a mafia family is quite influential in the West and that makes her a strong candidate to side with Leonardo.

“Why so?” she asked innocently between chews, “Isn't Beatrice Leonardo's future wife?”

“What nonsense did I just hear?” Jane glared at her disapprovingly. Ah, Giuliana almost forgot about her existence until now they met again. “She's just an itchy caterpillar. No one pays attention to her because she is such a bitch.”

“Don't say bad things about her, things will not end well if they hear this and are offended” she warned her. No, in fact, not just her — her head turned and looked at Leonardo, who was busy eating. “You too, Leon.”

Hearing her name being called made her immediately turn around and find Giuliana with a fierce face. “What?”

“You can’t be so mean to Beatrice.”

Silence, both Giuliana and another five Darcio didn't make a sound after she say that. The atmosphere between them was still relaxed, but somehow something was different from before.

“You don't have to worry about such trivial things, her family is under my control if you forget” he replied calmly, so calm that he seemed very arrogant. “ She can't match me.”

.

“You had an accident a while ago.”

So this is the main reason he wants her here.

Now the two of them are in his study, sitting on a chair with a warm cup of tea in hand — her maroon satin evening gown exposed most of her skin, making her even more beautiful and sensual in ways words cannot describe.

Her grip on her cup loosened, almost falling into her lap. “You know what?”

An arrogant chuckle escaped from her boss' mouth, “I know every single thing about you, dearest Giuliana.” His eyes looked straight into hers, almost pierced her soul “Tell me, who did that to you? Is Theodore Lorelai brave enough to hurt you or is it someone else?”

For a split second, her body stiffened with clenched jaws and it didn't escape Leonardo's intense gaze. Giuliana didn't say a word after that, her mind in turmoil — whether she should tell him the truth or not.

“Maybe it's someone else, you know I have a lot of enemies out there too.” that came out of her mouth after he thought for a while. That's the only thing that makes sense to be a good reason, given her reputation as a lawyer.

“You are not a good liar, Giuliana — I know how your reputation in the upper—world is what a reliable lawyer who is quite picky and often wins complicated cases owned by higher—ups. You do have many enemies because you always manage to damage the reputation of your opponent. But they will never have enough courage to harass you, let alone kill you.” f**k. She forgot that Leonardo was gifted with brains. “Tell me before I managed to find it myself.”