MADDEST OBSESSION - Chapter 17: Chapter 17

The following night, the city pulsed with tension. Dominic was recovering, but the fury in his eyes hadn’t cooled. If anything, his temporary weakness only made him more dangerous.
Aria stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting the diamond necklace Dominic had gifted her. It glittered like a collar—a mark of possession and protection. But tonight, she didn’t feel safe.
“You’re certain it’s necessary I go with you?” she asked as Dominic approached from behind, his hands sliding around her waist.
“I need them to see you at my side,” he murmured into her ear. “A message to Salvatore and Gabriel: you’re untouchable.”
Her lips tightened. “But am I?”
His jaw tensed. “Not while I breathe.”
Later that evening
The ballroom was a display of power and opulence. Criminal kings dressed like royalty, their mistresses glittering beside them. Every handshake masked betrayal; every smile hid a loaded gun.
Salvatore stood near the bar, glass in hand, watching them enter. His smirk widened when his eyes landed on Aria. He raised his glass in mock toast.
Dominic’s grip on her hand tightened.
“He wants you to react,” Aria whispered.
“He’ll get nothing from me tonight,” Dominic replied coldly. “Not yet.”
Across the room, Gabriel approached, smooth as ever in his tailored suit. His audacity was infuriating.
“Aria,” he greeted, ignoring Dominic entirely. “You look stunning.”
Dominic’s eyes darkened. “Leave.”
Gabriel only chuckled, as if amused by the fury simmering beneath Dominic’s calm surface.
“I bring news,” Gabriel said, voice lowered. “Salvatore is moving against you faster than you realize. He’s not working alone anymore.”
Dominic’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
Gabriel glanced around cautiously, then leaned in. “There’s a third player entering the war. Someone you overlooked.”
Dominic’s voice dropped to a growl. “Speak.”
Before Gabriel could answer, the doors to the ballroom burst open. Every head turned as a stunning woman entered, her gown blood-red, her presence commanding.
It was Valentina Romano.
Aria’s breath caught. She’d heard whispers of the Romano family, but they had remained neutral for years, their empire rooted in old European bloodlines and quiet cruelty.
Valentina’s gaze swept the room like a queen surveying her court. And then she smiled—directly at Dominic.
“Well, well, Moretti,” she purred as she approached. “It’s been too long.”
Dominic’s face hardened. “I wasn’t aware you were returning to the States.”
Valentina’s red lips curled. “The balance of power has become… intriguing. I couldn’t stay away.” Her eyes flicked briefly to Aria. “And I see you’ve made some interesting acquisitions.”
Aria stiffened under her icy gaze.
“What do you want, Valentina?” Dominic asked flatly.
She stepped closer, voice low and dangerous. “To claim what’s owed. The blood debts between our families were never truly settled. And you know it.”
Gabriel’s smile widened behind them. The real game had finally begun.
Later, in the car
As the convoy sped through the city, Dominic’s anger was barely contained.
“She’s siding with Salvatore?” Aria asked, trying to make sense of it all.
“No,” Dominic said bitterly. “She’s playing her own game. And she’s more dangerous than both of them combined.”
Aria turned toward him, her voice steady despite her own rising fear. “Then what’s our next move?”
Dominic looked
at her, something dark flashing behind his eyes. “We stop playing defense.”