Chapter 16 I turned to leave , but Adrian's hand shot out and caught my wrist . The sudden contact sent a jolt through my body . " Were you planning to go out like that ? " His voice carried none of the earlier hesitation . His grip was firm but not painful , radiating warmth against my skin . I tried to pull away , but his hold remained steady . My strength felt insignificant against his . " What are you doing ? Let go . " His gray eyes locked onto mine , unwavering . The awkward art dealer was gone , replaced by someone who commanded attention with just a look . He didn't release my hand . " Are you still hurting over their betrayal ? " The question cut through my defenses . " Primo and Yesha ? " My breath caught . The direct mention of their names sparked an old ache in my 80 % 19.04 1/2 chest , but it wasn't the crushing pain it used to be . I stopped struggling against his grip . " It upset me ," I admitted , lifting my chin . " Finding out the truth about both of them . But these past few days … " I squared my shoulders . " I've grown stronger because of it . They showed me exactly who they are , and that knowledge is power . " Adrian's expression remained unreadable , but something flickered in those storm- colored eyes . His thumb traced a small circle on my pulse point , and I fought back a shiver . " You're different than I expected , " he said . His fingers loosened but didn't let go . " Do you think you have space in your heart to love again ? " The question caught me off guard . His thumb still traced gentle patterns on my wrist , the touch so different from his earlier firm grip . 80 % 19:04 217 " What about space for a new man to capture your heart ? " His voice dropped lower , intimate . I stared at him , heart racing beneath my ribs . The transformation in him was startling . " Why would you ask me that ?" Adrian shook his head and let out a low chuckle . The sound sent warmth spreading through my chest . " It's nothing . " His eyes met mine , and for a moment , I glimpsed something raw and honest in their depths . " I just see great value in my heart for a woman like you . " His fingers still circled my wrist , but now the touch felt like a question rather than restraint . I pulled my wrist back , the ghost of his touch still lingering on my skin . " You don't understand , Adrian . My family … we're not just any family . We're part of a dangerous world . The mafia isn't something you can just walk away from . " 80 % 19 04 3/7 Chapter 16 The words spilled out before I could stop them . " Everyone connected to me ends up in danger . I can't - I won't let myself fall for someone like you . " My voice caught . " Even if I wanted to . The regret would kill me if anything happened . " Adrian's lips curved into an unexpected smile . Not the shy one I'd seen before , but something different . The transformation . sent a chill down my spine . " Good night , " he said , releasing my hand with deliberate slowness . I stared at him for a moment , caught off guard by his abrupt dismissal . The warmth of his touch still lingered on my wrist as I turned and walked out of his room . The mansion's hallway stretched before me , my heels clicking against the marble floor . Something felt off about Adrian's behavior the shift from art dealer to … whatever that was . The way his entire presence had changed in seconds . 80 % 19.04 4/7 I reached my room and closed the door behind me , leaning against it . My heart wouldn't slow down . The memory of his gray eyes piercing through me sent another shiver down my spine . Running my fingers through my hair , I crossed to the window . The grounds below lay quiet under moonlight . Adrian's words echoed in my mind : " I see great value in my heart for a woman like you . " No one spoke like that - especially not a supposedly awkward art dealer . The contradiction nagged at me . One minute he could barely maintain eye contact , the next he commanded the room with just his presence . I changed into my nightgown , mind racing . Maybe I was overthinking it . After Primo and Yesha's betrayal , I'd grown paranoid about everyone's motives . But something about Adrian didn't add up . The way he moved , the sudden confidence , how he'd caught my wrist with perfect 80 % 19.04 5/7 Chapter 16 timing - those weren't the actions of someone socially awkward . They were calculated , precise . I slipped under the covers , staring at the ceiling . Who was Adrian Constantine really ? And why did I feel like I'd just glimpsed a carefully hidden truth ? I woke to sunlight streaming through the curtains . My mind drifted back to last night's encounter with Adrian , but I pushed the thoughts aside . After a quick shower , I slipped into a navy silk blouse and pencil skirt , adding minimal makeup to hide the shadows under my eyes . The sound of laughter drifted from the dining room . Dad's deep chuckle mixed with another voice that made my blood freeze . My feet stopped at the doorway . Primo sat at our dining table , dressed in one of his impeccable suits , sharing what looked like an intimate breakfast with my 80 % 19.04 6/7 father . His presence hit me blow . Dad's face lit up when he saw me . " Asteria , look who stopped by for breakfast . " Primo's dark eyes found mine , his lips curving into that familiar smile that used to make my heart race . Now it just made me feel sick . He stood , buttoning his jacket with practiced ease . " Good morning , bella . " His voice carried the same warmth it always had , as if nothing had changed between us . As if he hadn't betrayed me with Yesha . My fingers curled into fists at my sides . The dining room suddenly felt too small , the air too thick . 85 % 19:05