Page 41 of Tormented Hearts

Miguel updated Luca with each new development, his satisfaction evident. “She’s running out of places to turn,” Miguel updates with a smirk. “No one wants to touch her anymore. It’s only a matter of time before she realizes she’s finished.”

Luca nods, though his expression remains hard. “Good. But we’re not done.”

Bianca was nothing if not resilient. When she realized that Luca was systematically dismantling everything she had built, she went on the offensive, desperate to maintain some semblance of control. She reached out to her few remaining allies, trying to rally support, but it was clear that her influence had all but vanished.

It wasn’t long before she showed up at Luca’s penthouse once again, this time with a different energy. Gone was the seductive charm she had used so many times before. Now, there was a wild, desperate edge to her movements, her eyes blazing with fury as she storms inside.

Luca was waiting for her.

“You think you can do this to me?” Bianca spat, her voice shaking with rage. “You think you can take everything I’ve built and just erase me?”

Luca stands, his arms cross over his chest, his expression cold and unyielding. “I didn’t take anything from you, Bianca. You brought this on yourself.”

Bianca’s eyes narrow, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. “This is about her, isn’t it? You’re doing all of this because of Phoenix.”

Luca’s jaw tightens, but he doesn’t deny it. “Phoenix is my future. You need to accept that.”

Bianca let’s out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “She’s nothing, Luca! She doesn’t belong in this world. You’re throwing everything away for someone who can’t even handle what you are.”

Luca’s fists clench, but he keeps his voice calm, even as his anger simmers beneath the surface. “You’re wrong. Phoenix is stronger than you’ll ever be. And this isn’t about her. This is about you refusing to accept that it’s over.”

Bianca’s face twists with fury, she takes a step closer to him, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “You’ll regret this, Luca. You’ll regret pushing me aside. I’ve done more for you than you realize.”

Luca’s eyes darken, he takes a step toward her, his presence intimidating and final. “I won’t regret a damn thing,” he growls. “You’ve tried to manipulate me, hurt Phoenix, and make this about your ego. But it ends now.”

Bianca’s breath hitches, her eyes widening slightly as she realizes just how serious Luca is. For the first time, her confidence wavers, and she takes a step back.

“You think you’re untouchable,” she whispers, her voice shaking. “But you don’t know how deep this goes.”

Luca’s expression doesn’t falter. “I know exactly how deep it goes, Bianca. And I’m telling you now—if you come after me or Phoenix again, I’ll make sure you disappear for good.”

There is a long, heavy silence between them, the weight of Luca’s words settling over the room like a dark cloud. Bianca stares at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of anger, fear, and something else—something almost vulnerable.

But Luca doesn’t care. He has made his decision, and nothing she says will change it.

Finally, Bianca turns on her heel and storms out of the penthouse, slamming the door behind her. Luca watches her go, his heart pounding with a mixture of relief and tension. He knows she isn’t gone yet, but the message has been sent.

She has lost.

PHOENIX 21

After the confrontation with Bianca, Luca returns to Phoenix’s side. Though the tension from Bianca’s interference has strained things between them, Luca knows she needs reassurance, and he is determined to give it to her.

Phoenix is sitting on the couch, her arms wrapped around herself as she stares out the window. She looks small, vulnerable, and Luca’s heart aches at the sight. He crosses the room, sitting down beside her and gently placing a hand on her back.

“Bianca’s gone,” he says softly, his voice filled with quiet determination. “She won’t be coming back.”

Phoenix looks up at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty. “How can you be sure?”

Luca turns to face her fully, his hand sliding down to take hers. “Because I’ve taken everything from her. She’s got no power left, no influence. And I made it clear that if she tries anything else, she won’t get another chance.”

Phoenix swallows hard, her chest tight with emotion.

Luca’s grip on her hand tightens, his eyes locking onto hers with fierce intensity. He leans in closer, his voice soft but filled with conviction. “You’re the one I want, Phoenix. No one else.”

Phoenix’s looks deep into his eyes, her heart swelling with a mixture of love and relief. “I just... I was so scared that I was going to lose you.”

Luca pulls her into his arms, holding her tightly against him. “You’re not going to lose me,” he whispers, his voice rough with emotion. “I’m yours. Always.”

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