𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

Chapter Fifty-Eight

VALENTINA
LARS

MY life was an enigma, filled with unpredictable twists and turns that often left me seething. The harsh reality of existence was a constant reminder that Nothing was ever certain or fair. As I stood before Bridget, desperately trying to reason with her, I knew that her words would fall on deaf ears. Bridget was determined to bring Adeline back from Vegas, but I knew deep down that it was better for Addie to stay there.

With a roll of her eyes, Bridget defiantly grabbed her purse and slung it over her shoulder, ready to embark on her misguided mission. I couldn't help but groan in frustration as I blocked Bridget's path, refusing to let her pass. The tension in the air was palpable as I questioned her intentions.

"Where do you think you're going?" I demanded, my voice laced with a mix of concern and authority.

Bridget raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "And why is it any of your business, Valentina?"

My eyes narrowed, my resolve strengthening. "Because, Bridget, you seem to forget that the Lars mansion and residence belong to three people: Damien, Valentino, and myself. Well, after our parents, of course. So, you and your mother can stop trying to assert control and cause unnecessary conflicts. I still haven't forgiven you for the vile things you said to my father, who has kept our family in peace for years," I spat, my voice dripping with venom. "I am the rightful owner of this place, Bridget."

Bridget let out a mocking laugh, her high-pitched tone oozing with malice. "No, Valentina. Damien is the true owner. And guess who Damien happens to be? My boyfriend."

I corrected her with a hint of disdain. "Fake boyfriend, Bridget. He is my brother, and I have everyone wrapped around my finger. You would do well to show some respect to my father, or else..."

"Or else what?" Bridget interrupted, her voice laced with arrogance. "You're just a little girl who sleeps with her brother's best friend. You can't do anything to me, you pathetic witch."

A sinister smile crept across my face as I stared Bridget down. "Oh, Bridget, you have no idea what I am capable of. I would not be surprised if I were to end your life."

The door creaks open, and my brother strides into the room. "Damien," Bridget sighs, her voice heavy with disdain. "Both of the Lars siblings here to make my day hell. Watch your sister, before I put an end to her." With that, Bridget exits the room, leaving a tense atmosphere behind.

I feel the urge to lunge at her, to unleash my anger, but my brother's firm grip on my arm stops me in my tracks. "What's happening here?" Damien's voice cuts through the tension, grounding me momentarily.

I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself. "Your little accomplice is what's happening. There's no way you're taking Addie to Vegas."

Damien narrows his eyes as he steps closer, crossing his arms. "It wouldn't be kidnapping if she's part of our family."

"You know she's not our family, Damien," I retort, my frustration is evident. "The Marianos are her family, not us." I emphasize the point, hoping he understands.

A hint of annoyance creeps into Damien's voice as he speaks. "They're probably just using her as a--"

I cut him off, turning to face him fully. Gripping the staircase railing, I glare at him. "Don't you dare finish that sentence. The Marianos love and care for her. Keep your vile thoughts to yourself, Damien."

"You're out of line, Valentina. Remember your place," Damien warns, his tone firm.

I can't help but smile, a glint of defiance in my eyes. "I know my place, Damien. And don't forget who holds the inheritance in this family. Papa would choose me over you in a heartbeat. I demand respect, and I won't settle for anything less."

My brother's jaw tightens, his expression unreadable. "I don't know what's gotten into you, but I won't stand for this disrespect."

Bad fucking blood we got.

"Only your fake girlfriend who told me you're planning to give her the crown."

The revelation of Damien's plan to give the coveted diamond mafia crown to his fake girlfriend, Bridget, sent shockwaves through my body, causing me to tremble uncontrollably. The crown, a symbol of power and prestige, had always been reserved for the wives of mob bosses, not girlfriends. It was a piece that no other woman had obtained in decades.

But I wanted that crown. I desired it with every fiber of my being, regardless of my status as a non-boss' wife. It had been my lifelong dream, my aspiration to be seen as strong, influential, and capable of leading. For far too long, I had been confined to the role of a young girl, hidden away in my room, engrossed in studying or writing.

I yearned to make my mark on the world, to leave a lasting legacy.

And yet, Damien shattered my hopes and dreams with his callous words. "I will give her the crown. It's rightfully mine. Papa and Mama bestowed it upon me, granting me the authority to do as I please. It belongs to Bridget."

My voice quivered as I protested, "It belongs to me. I am a Lars." The sound of my own voice filled me with a sense of pathetic weakness that I despised.

Damien chuckled, his hands casually tucked into his trouser pockets. "She will become a Lars, Valentina, sooner or later. She is my girlfriend, and soon-to-be the new queen of the Lars empire. Whatever she desires, she shall have."

I was taken aback by his words. "You... You hate her."

"She may be my girlfriend, but she will soon hold the title of a Lars. And as a Lars, she will have the power to obtain whatever she desires."

"Not while I am here," I declared defiantly, storming out into the garden and making my way back home.

Mark my fucking words.

At that moment, I realized that I needed my Papa. Only he possessed the ability to grant me what I could not achieve on my own.

Only he can get me what I can't.

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