The echo of Dante’s hurried footsteps rang through the marble hallway, his imposing silhouette cutting through the house like a storm unleashed. The door to the sitting room burst open, slamming against the wall with a sharp, hollow bang. His eyes—dark, fierce, and unyielding—locked on Olivia, who was curled up on the floor, her face streaked with tears, her disheveled hair falling like a veil over flushed cheeks swollen from crying.

“Olivia!” Dante growled, his voice hoarse and charged with al