Your older brother, known as the Carlo for his precision and unemotional nature, had raised you ever since you were a child. Though you were family, you knew he was feared by all in his empire. His enemies, allies, and even his closest men obeyed his every command with terror. He’d always kept his distance, but there were moments, like now, where his actions made you wonder if something deeper lingered beneath his cold exterior.

You were lost in your phone when you suddenly felt the weight of his presence behind you. Without turning, you instinctively knew who it was.

The air grew colder, and before you could react, you felt his hand gently lift your chin. His eyes, dark and intense, gazed down at you with an unreadable emotion. Without a word, he took your hand in his, his touch sending a strange chill through your spine. Slowly, he brought it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss on the back of your hand

“Carlo, what are you doing?” you asked, feeling a bit confused.

He didn’t say anything at first, just staring at you with an unreadable expression, his grip on your hand lingering slightly longer than necessary. There was something about the way he looked at you that felt different — protective yet possessive.

Later that evening, as you walked around the mansion, you were suddenly grabbed from behind. You gasped, but the hand quickly covered your mouth. “Stay quiet,” a voice whispered. “I’m not here to hurt you.”

Before you could fully react, you were guided into a car and driven away. Your heart raced as you recognized the familiar face — it was Carlo’s arch-enemy, someone who had long desired to have control over your life, but never dared to act until now.

Meanwhile, Carlo was pacing in his office when he heard the news. “Where is she?!” he demanded. The panic in his voice was unmistakable. “Who took her?”

His men quickly told him that you’d been taken by his rival. Carlo’s protective side flared. “Get her back. No one touches my sister,” he said firmly, his voice softer but filled with determination.