Episode 3

It was late at night when Matteo left the office, tired and only thinking about sleep. To his misfortune, he encountered Anna in the corridor leading to his room. She was dressed in a sensual, transparent nightgown, clearly trying to seduce him. With a determined look, Matteo stared at her.

“Matteo...” Anna whispered, approaching him with a sly smile. “You work so hard... you need to relax.” She attempted to touch him.

With a cold and distant expression, Matteo took a step back, avoiding her touch.

“Anna, this isn't going to happen.” He said firmly; Matteo would never get involved with Anna. “You are my brother's wife, and I am not the kind of man who betrays his family for just one night of pleasure.”

Frustration and disappointment were evident in Anna's eyes, and Matteo didn’t wait for her reply. He headed toward the door of his room, leaving Anna alone in the corridor.

Upon entering his room, Matteo let out a heavy sigh. Not caring about the hour, he called Enzo.

“I need you to move my trip to Brazil up.”

“Alright, I'll see what I can do…” Enzo replied sleepily, not understanding Matteo's urgency.

“Do whatever it takes.” Matteo said, ending the call as he headed to the bathroom. “Spending a few days in Brazil will be good…”

If there was one thing Matteo didn’t want, it was to get involved with his brother's wife. Anna was beautiful and alluring, and she seemed willing to do anything to win him over, which could lead to trouble.

Matteo turned on the shower and let the hot water run over his skin, trying to relieve the tension that had built up. The trip to Brazil would be a chance to temporarily escape the problems and the pressure of his impending rise to the position of Don. At least, far from Italy, he could reflect on his next steps without the constant manipulative attempts surrounding him.

As the water cascaded down his shoulders, Matteo closed his eyes and allowed his mind to wander. He knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges, especially with Carlo's opposition, and that the position of Don would come with immense responsibility. However, he was determined to prove his worth and lead the De Vincenzo family with the strength and wisdom he had inherited from his grandfather.

Anna returned to the room in a fury, feeling rejected and humiliated. When she lay down beside her husband, Carlo immediately noticed her mood.

“He rejected you, didn’t he?” Carlo asked with a mocking tone and satisfaction. He knew that Anna had always been in love with his brother and thought Matteo returned her feelings; that’s why he had done everything to marry her.

Anna shot him an angry glare but didn’t respond immediately. Frustration simmered within her, and Matteo's rejection felt even harsher in light of Carlo's words.

“You think you can seduce anyone with your body and beautiful face, but Matteo isn’t stupid. He knows exactly who you are and what you want.” Carlo continued, looking at Anna with a mischievous smile on his lips.

Anna clenched her fists under the covers, trying to control her anger. Matteo's rejection and Carlo’s words were like salt on an open wound.

“You're just angry because you know he never respected you as a real rival.” Anna retorted, her voice low but laced with venom. “Matteo has always been Grandpa’s favorite, and that eats you up inside.”

Carlo narrowed his eyes at her, his smile fading. He knew there was truth in Anna's words, but he wouldn’t admit it. Instead, he turned away, giving her his back.

“Grandpa is an old man nearing ninety; all I have to do is prove that Matteo isn't ready to replace him, and he will be on my side... Let’s see how much longer my little brother can keep that position untouched.” Carlo muttered, feeling anger towards Matteo. “Things are changing, and he has no idea what is coming.” Carlo's voice was threatening.

Anna shut her eyes, trying to push away thoughts of Matteo and the humiliation of the night. She knew the coming days would be crucial, and both of them, in different ways, were about to face a storm that could change the course of their lives. She considered that maybe she should tell Matteo what Carlo was plotting to gain her trust and ultimately win him over.

"Anna, don't forget that you have to give me a child, an heir. That's the least I expect from you," Carlo said, still facing away from Anna, his tone filled with warning.

Anna swallowed hard, the weight of Carlo's words intensifying her sense of despair. Her thoughts and desires were focused on Matteo, and if she were to have a child, it would be with him. Anna knew she would have to play her cards very carefully, but she was determined to change her fate, no matter the cost.

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