Elena stood in the middle of the dining hall long after Adrian left.
Her mind was spinning.
Dangerous people…
Her father's debts…
Was Adrian really protecting her?
Or was this just another way to control her?
She clenched her fists.
"I won't stay here forever," she whispered.
Just then, the maid approached again.
"Miss Elena, would you like to see the rest of the mansion?"
Elena sighed.
"Why not. Since I'm apparently living here now."
The maid smiled politely and began leading her through the enormous mansion.
The place was unbelievable.
Long hallways.
Luxury paintings.
Private lounges.
A massive indoor pool.
Even a private cinema.
Elena couldn't help but think—
This place looks like a palace.
They finally reached the second floor again.
The maid stopped in front of another large door.
"This room is restricted," she said quietly.
Elena raised an eyebrow.
"Restricted?"
Before the maid could answer—
The door suddenly opened.
And Adrian stepped out.
He froze when he saw Elena standing there.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Adrian looked at the maid.
"You can leave."
The maid immediately nodded and disappeared down the hallway.
Now it was just the two of them.
Elena crossed her arms.
"So this is your secret room?"
Adrian leaned against the door frame calmly.
"Curious already?"
"Maybe."
Elena tilted her head.
"Or maybe I'm just wondering what a Mafia King hides."
Adrian's eyes darkened slightly.
"You really don't know how to stay out of trouble."
Elena stepped closer.
"You said I'm not allowed to leave the mansion."
She pointed at the door.
"But you didn't say I can't explore it."
Adrian stared at her.
For a few seconds.
Then suddenly—
He grabbed her wrist and pulled her inside the room.
The door closed behind them.
Elena's breath caught.
The room was darker than the rest of the mansion.
But what shocked her was the wall.
Screens.
Security cameras.
Weapons.
Maps.
This wasn't a bedroom.
It was a war room.
Elena turned slowly toward Adrian.
"You're planning something."
Adrian watched her carefully.
"I always am."
Elena's heart pounded.
Then her eyes landed on one of the screens.
And she froze.
The screen showed…
Her.
Pictures of her.
Old photos.
School records.
Even recent photos from a few days ago.
Elena's voice trembled.
"You were watching me?"
Adrian stepped closer.
His voice was calm.
"I was protecting you."
Elena looked at him in disbelief.
"You've been spying on me for years?!"
Adrian didn't deny it.
Instead, he said quietly—
"You became my problem the day your father betrayed me."
Elena's heart dropped.
"What does that mean?"
Adrian's expression turned serious.
"Your father didn't just owe money."
He paused.
Then said the words that changed everything.
"He stole something from me."
Silence filled the room.
Elena swallowed.
"And now?"
Adrian's gaze locked onto hers.
"Now I'm taking it back."
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