Adeline never imagined that becoming friends with Isabella Moretti would draw her into the glittering yet dangerous world of the Morettis — a billionaire family whose power stretched far beyond business. Behind the charm and luxury of their empire lay something darker — alliances, control, and quiet whispers of the famiglia.

They lived together in a vast joint family mansion near Lake Como, filled with marble halls, chandeliers, and more security than most governments. Everyone in the Moretti family carried themselves with elegance and precision — everyone except Adeline.

She was clumsy, honest, and utterly out of place. And Alessandro Moretti, Isabella’s older brother, never let her forget it. Calm, calculating, and impossibly intimidating — he looked at her like she didn’t belong.

One fine afternoon, Isabella had brought Adeline down to the ground floor, where the family gathered for tea. But a sudden accident — a maid spilling hot coffee on Adeline’s dress — turned mortifying fast.

As Isabella hurried to take her to the powder room, one of Alessandro’s aunts — poised and sharp-tongued — decided to speak.

“Our guest doesn’t seem very accustomed to luxury,” she said, voice dripping with mockery. “How… unfortunate.”

Adeline’s cheeks burned, and she wished she could disappear. Isabella muttered an apology and pulled her toward the hallway — but the aunt wasn’t done.

“Isabella, darling,” she added sweetly, “perhaps next time, invite someone who knows how to handle porcelain.”

Before Adeline could stammer a reply, the mansion doors slammed open. The head of security rushed in, face pale.

“Signor Alessandro!” he barked. “We have a breach — someone’s broken in. The enemy’s on the terrace!”

The air froze. The room erupted — uncles standing, Alessandro’s phone dropping to the table. Orders flew in rapid Italian, everyone suddenly tense and alert.