The next morning, Vincent was woken by his phone ringing.

Still half-asleep, he answered on speaker. A seductive female voice came through, and he shot awake, frantically hitting the mute button.

His eyes met Lucia's, which seemed to see right through him. A flicker of panic crossed Vincent's face as he stammered an explanation. "It's... it's one of my men. An urgent report. I'll take it outside."

Lucia didn't stop him. She watched as he scrambled out of the bedroom, not even bothering to put on slippers.

She knew perfectly well it wasn't one of his men. It was Scarlett, the woman he had promised to "make it up to" yesterday.

After all, in their seven years together, Vincent had never kept any secrets from her—until Scarlett.

She could walk into his office anytime she wanted. His encrypted phone was never locked to her. He had even given her the contact information for all his most trusted men.

One of his lieutenants had once complained privately, "Vincent, don't you think Lucia has too much control? What kind of Don has zero personal space like you?"

Lucia happened to overhear and was wondering if she was being too controlling, when she heard Vincent laugh and shake his head.

"I don't think so. And it's not that she wants to control me. I'm the one who chooses to show her everything."

His men thought he was crazy.

But Vincent just smiled sweetly, saying it was an understanding between him and Lucia that outsiders wouldn't get.

"Lucia, I have to go to the office. I can't have lunch with you."

Vincent quickly changed, threw those words at her, and left in a hurry without waiting for a response.

Staring at the slammed door, Lucia let out a bitter laugh.

His promises still echoed in her ears, but the man who had made them had already changed his heart.

If Vincent wanted freedom, she wouldn't stay for him any longer.

Lucia spent the entire day at the estate packing her things.

They had been together for so long, seven years of living side by side. Their lives and belongings had merged, becoming inseparable.

But now, she had to personally tear apart everything that had once been so tightly woven together.

An entertainment news alert popped up on her phone. Scarlett had started filming.

Immediately after, Vincent called. "Lucia, the new movie the company invested in just started production. As the main investor, I have to go over and talk to the director and producers about the next steps. It's our first time in Hollywood, so I have to oversee it myself."

He paused, his tone becoming cautious and probing. "The set is in Los Angeles, so... I might not be back for a few days."

To Vincent's surprise, Lucia agreed without a second thought.

"Okay. Go ahead."

She hung up before he could even react.

Vincent stared at the dark screen, stunned. An inexplicable sense of dread washed over him, a feeling that something important was about to spin out of control.

Just then, Scarlett walked up to him with a fawning smile.

"Vincent, thank you for coming to the set with me. The director and everyone are being so much nicer to me now." She took his hand, her touch full of suggestion. "The hotel suite the studio booked is amazing. Tonight, we could..."

One of Vincent's deputies approached. Seeing Scarlett's gesture, he gave Vincent a knowing smirk and backed away.

"Sir, it's not often you find one so cooperative. You should..."

Hearing his subordinate's flippant tone, Vincent's brow twitched. He yanked his hand away from Scarlett as if he'd been electrocuted.

His face turned cold.

"I've warned all of you to respect Lucia. Her position is irreplaceable. Don't you dare overstep again, or I'll consider replacing you."

After reprimanding his man, he turned his gaze to Scarlett.

He was about to refuse her, but when he saw the tears welling up in her eyes, his resolve softened.

He sighed and wrapped his arm around her waist. "Next time, I won't be so forgiving with my naughty little minx."

Scarlett's face immediately lit up with a sweet, obedient smile as she stood on her toes to kiss his cheek.

"Don't worry, Daddy, I'll be good. Let me take good care of you tonight~"