MADDEST OBSESSION - Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Gabriel’s private suite at The Elysian was built for secrecy. Soft classical music played, but its calming melody couldn’t mask the venom in the room.
Aria entered first, flanked by two of Dominic’s most trusted guards. Her heels clicked sharply against the marble, a rhythmic warning.
Gabriel stood near the bar, pouring himself whiskey. “To what do I owe this unexpected visit, my queen?”
“We need to talk,” Aria said simply. “Alone.”
Gabriel glanced at the guards with mild amusement. “Do you trust me so little?”
“I don’t trust anyone,” she replied coldly. “Leave us.”
The guards hesitated, but Aria’s nod sent them outside. The door clicked shut.
Gabriel sauntered toward her, eyes glittering. “You’re playing a dangerous game standing toe-to-toe with Valentina.”
“I didn’t come for warnings,” Aria said sharply. “I came for the truth.”
Gabriel’s smile flickered. “Truth is expensive in our world.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You’re feeding Valentina information.”
For a heartbeat, silence reigned. Then Gabriel chuckled softly. “Careful, Aria. That’s a serious accusation.”
She took a slow step forward, her voice steady. “You leaked the dock shipment schedule. You’re playing both sides, waiting to see who bleeds first.”
Gabriel’s mask of amusement cracked slightly. “If I were truly betraying you, I wouldn’t be sitting here unarmed.”
“Don’t flatter yourself.” Her tone sharpened. “You think because Dominic tolerates you, I will too? I’m not his mercy.”
Gabriel’s gaze grew darker, voice lowering into something more intimate. “But you could be. Do you know how powerful we could be together, Aria? You, me — we wouldn’t be standing in anyone’s shadow.”
Disgust flared in her chest. “I am not for sale.”
He stepped closer, dropping the charming pretense, revealing the predator underneath. “Dominic’s empire will fall eventually. And when it does, you’ll either sink with him… or rise with me.”
Aria didn’t blink. “You’re overestimating your worth.”
The air between them vibrated with unspoken threats.
Just then, the door slammed open. Dominic stormed inside like a loaded gun, fury radiating from him. The guards scrambled behind him.
“Step away from her,” he ordered, voice like steel slicing through glass.
Gabriel smirked but obeyed, retreating a step. “Relax, Dominic. We were simply having a conversation.”
“You don’t breathe near my wife unless I allow it,” Dominic growled, eyes ablaze.
Aria placed a calming hand on Dominic’s arm. “He’s made his intentions clear.”
Dominic’s voice lowered, dangerously controlled. “Good. Because the next time you overstep, Gabriel, you won’t walk away.”
Gabriel raised his glass mockingly. “Duly noted.”
But behind his smug facade, Aria saw something else—fear.
For the first time, Gabriel realized he may have underestimated just how far Dominic would go for her.
Later, back home
The penthouse was silent, but the tension between Aria and Dominic hummed like an electrical current.
“You shouldn’t have gone alone,” Dominic said, his voice tight.
Aria met his gaze. “I can handle Gabriel.”
“I know you can. That’s not the point.” His hand cupped her jaw gently, his thumb brushing her cheek. “If anything happened to you—”
Aria leaned into his touch, her voice softer now. “We’re stronger together, remember?”
His eyes burned with fierce love. “You’re my only weakness, Aria.”
“Then let’s make sure no one gets close enough to exploit it.”
He kissed her deeply, sealing the silent vow between them. This war was no longer about territory or money—it was personal. And personal wars always drew the most blood.