MADDEST OBSESSION - Chapter 22: Chapter 22

The early morning light filtered through the penthouse windows, but there was no peace in the Moretti household. The attack at the boutique had made one thing crystal clear: someone inside Dominic’s inner circle was feeding Valentina information.
Aria stood at the window, arms crossed, watching the city below. Dominic’s voice was low but hard behind her.
“We vetted everyone,” he said. “Background checks. Loyalty tests. No cracks.”
Aria turned, her eyes sharp. “Then there’s one we haven’t tested hard enough.”
Dominic’s jaw tightened. “Gabriel.”
A bitter silence followed. Dominic had trusted Gabriel for years — his oldest friend, his most skilled lieutenant. But the signs were clear: information leaks, power moves, whispered conversations behind closed doors.
“We need proof,” Aria said firmly.
Dominic nodded. “We’ll draw him out.”
That evening — The Setup
Dominic and Aria staged a meeting at one of his smaller warehouses — intentionally leaking false information to see who would bite. Only Gabriel and one other trusted soldier knew about the fabricated shipment.
The trap was set.
Hours later, Dominic’s phone rang. One of his men.
“The warehouse was hit. They knew exactly where to strike.”
Dominic’s expression hardened. “Gabriel.”
Gabriel’s Private Club
Gabriel lounged on a velvet armchair, sipping whiskey, when Dominic and Aria arrived unannounced. The room emptied quickly. The tension was electric.
“Dominic,” Gabriel greeted with fake warmth. “To what do I owe the honor?”
“No more games,” Dominic said coldly. “You sold me out.”
Gabriel's smile slipped. “I’ve done nothing but protect your empire.”
“You fed Valentina the dock schedule, the boutique location. Tonight, you led her to my decoy warehouse.”
Gabriel rose, eyes shifting between Dominic and Aria. “You’ve always been too blinded by her. She’s your weakness, Dom.”
Aria stepped forward, voice sharp. “You’re wrong. I’m his strength. And you? You’re a traitor.”
Gabriel’s mask fully dropped. “Valentina promised me what you never would — my own empire.”
Dominic’s voice was dangerously calm. “You betrayed your blood for empty promises.”
“You don’t have the stomach to kill me.” Gabriel sneered.
Dominic tossed a plane ticket onto the table. “Disappear. Leave the city. Tonight.”
Gabriel’s expression twisted. “You’ll regret this.”
Aria answered, voice cutting through the air like a blade. “No, Gabriel. You will.”
With one last glare, Gabriel snatched the ticket and stormed out, knowing one truth: crossing Dominic Moretti came with a price.
Later — Moretti Penthouse
That night, Dominic pulled Aria into his arms, resting his forehead against hers.
“One less snake,” he whispered.
“But not the last,” Aria replied softly.
Dominic’s grip tightened on her waist. “Let them come. As long as I have you, they’ll never break me.”
His lips found her throat, his touch rough and possessive. Their breathing grew heavier, bodies pressed tightly together as the storm raged outside their glass fortress.
Dominic’s voice growled against her skin. “You’re mine, Aria. No one will ever take you from me.”
Aria’s breath caught as his hand slid lower, claiming every inch of her. “Then show me,” she whispered.
And he did. Fiercely. Completely.