Chapter 20 Alia POV Sunlight streamed through the floor - to - ceiling windows when I finally opened my eyes . I reached out automatically , the space beside me was empty , the sheets cool to the touch . The digital clock on the nightstand read . I bolted upright , my online internship report meeting at San Luca University had started at 9 AM ! My last clear memory was sitting by the hot spring pool with a bottle of wine . " Oh God , " I groaned , mortification washing over me as fragments of the night before filtered back - Marco pulling me from the water , his soaked suit , my hands reaching for his tie …. I lifted the silk gown , examining myself with trepidation . Everything seemed normal . The sound of quiet conversation drew my attention to the balcony doors . I pulled the velvet duvet around me like a shield before calling out , " Marco ? " The conversation outside ceased immediately . A moment later , Marco appeared in the doorway , His eyes moved over me , assessing . " You're awake , " he stated simply , pocketing his phone . " How do you feel ? " I clutched the duvet tighter , mortification heating my cheeks . " I missed my report meeting . " " I called your professor this morning . You've been granted an extension due to illness . His lips quirked slightly . " I don't normally drink like that , " I said quickly , " I just- " " You don't need to explain , Alia . But remember one thing : the next time you drink , I have to be there ! " I swallowed hard , changing the subject . " Did you … help me change last night ? " A hint of redness spread across his cheekbones , which surprised me . " What else did you think happened ? " he asked . " Thank you , " I whispered , genuinely touched by his consideration . Marco nodded , then glanced at his watch . " I've arranged for us to return to our apartment in Portano this evening . " As we departed Bellavista Estate an hour later , " Marco , what exactly does your family business involve ? " I asked , keeping my voice casual . " I mean , what industries does the Vittorio family specialize in ? " His expression remained neutral , eyes fixed on the road ahead . " Any business that makes money , we're involved in . " " Cortese Tech is just one branch , " he replied smoothly . " We have investments in real estate , shipping , hospitality , private security … diversification is key to sustainable wealth . " I nodded , realizing he had changed the subject . There was something he wasn't telling me , something beyond what I , as an intern , should be touching upon . About twenty minutes into our journey , Marco opened his laptop and began reviewing documents . His black work phone - separate from his personal one - buzzed almost constantly . Within ten minutes , he'd taken at least a dozen calls , switching effortlessly between Italian , English , and German . I pretended to be absorbed in my phone while secretly listening to his German conversation . My two semesters of German weren't fluent, but I 1.03 AM Chapter 20 caught enough to realize he wasn't discussing ordinary business matters . " Nein , keine Verzögerung . Die Lieferung muss heute Nacht ankommen , " he said sharply . No , no delay . The shipment must arrive tonight . His tone left no room for argument . Whatever was being delivered , it was urgent and non - negotiable . Each call followed a similar pattern - Marco issuing precise instructions , his voice carrying an authority that seemed to transcend his role as a tech company CEO . " Die Zahlung erfolgt wie üblich . Stellen Sie sicher , dass niemand davon erfährt . " Payment will be made as usual . Ensure no one finds out about it . I suppressed a shiver . This wasn't the language of corporate acquisitions or software development . This sounded more like … I pushed the thought away . I letting my imagination run wild based on fragments of conversation in a language I barely understood . Still , I couldn't help noticing how different Marco appeared during these calls - his jaw set harder , his eyes colder , his entire demeanor radiating dangerous kind of power . This wasn't just a businessman ; this was someone accustomed to giving orders and having them obeyed without question . a Half an hour later , Marco closed his laptop and slipped his phone into his jacket pocket . The tension in his shoulders seemed to ease slightly he glanced over at me . " What's on your mind ? " he observed . as I hesitated , then opted for a safer question than my suspicions about his business calls . " I was wondering about your family . You rarely mention them . " " What would you like to know ? " His tone was neutral . ' Do you have siblings ? What are your parents like ? " I asked , genuinely curious about the family I'd married into . Marco's eyes remained fixed on the road . " I have parents and a grandfather above me , and one sister below me who doesn't understand rules . " ' A sister who doesn't understand rules ? " I perked up , intrigued by this hint of family dynamics . " What's her name ? " " Sabrina , " he said , then his expression cooled noticeably . " She's young and impulsive . "