The light drizzle coated the city streets, neon lights reflecting on the wet pavement. Louis' car sped through the roads toward Le Château Lumière, his eyes fixed ahead, but his mind was restless.

Ever since Peter's message, a bad feeling had been clawing at his chest like a storm. Cleopatra was here. Meeting someone—Noah.


His grip on the steering wheel tightened, his jaw clenching at the thought of that name. Cleopatra's ex. A man from her past. And for some reason, his instincts screamed that this was more than just an innocent reunion.

As Louis pulled into the parking lot, he spotted Cleopatra walking briskly out of the restaurant.

She wore a high-slit black dress that hugged her curves perfectly, but her expression was colder than usual. Her eyes stared straight ahead, her lips pressed into a thin line—a clear sign that something had happened.


Noah had done something.

Just as Cleopatra reached her car and opened the door, Louis moved.


His hand wrapped around her wrist, stopping her.

'I know something happened."

Cleopatra flinched, her head snapping up in surprise. 'Louis?"

The shock in her eyes lasted only a second before her expression went blank again. She tried to pull her hand free, but Louis didn't let go.

'What are you doing here?" Cleopatra's voice was calm, but Louis could feel the tension behind it.

He ignored her question. His eyes scanned her from head to toe, checking for any sign that she was hurt.

'I'm fine, Louis. Go home." Cleopatra tried to shake off his grip, but he didn't move.

'If you're fine, why do you look like you just saw a ghost?" His gaze sharpened, full of suspicion.

Cleopatra hesitated. Her breathing was slightly uneven, but she forced herself to maintain her cold exterior.

'This isn't your business."

Louis stepped closer, his voice dropping. 'Cleo, you know I'm not leaving until you tell me the truth."

Cleopatra closed her eyes briefly, then let out a long sigh. She knew this man was stubborn. He wouldn't back down without an answer.

Finally, in a quieter voice, she admitted, 'Noah… started threatening me."

Louis froze, his grip loosening slightly. 'What?"

'He said I'll come back to him. Whether it's willingly… or on his terms." Cleopatra shrugged, trying to sound indifferent, but Louis saw something in her expression he rarely saw—real tension.

His blood boiled. His jaw clenched, fists tightening at his sides.

'I'm not letting him lay a finger on you."

Cleopatra smirked, trying to lighten the mood in her own way. 'Oh, Louis, you're adorable when you're jealous."

Louis wasn't amused. His entire body was tense. 'I'm not joking, Cleo."

He stepped forward, trapping her between him and the car. His eyes were dark, filled with a protective fire Cleopatra had never seen before.

'I won't let anyone ruin what we have."

Cleopatra swallowed, her chest rising and falling faster than usual.

What we have.

'What do we have, Louis?" she whispered, searching his face for an answer.

Louis didn't respond immediately. He just stared at her with such intensity that it made her heart race.

'You already know the answer, Cleo."

Cleopatra went silent.

Then, slowly, she smiled—a small, mysterious smile, like always. But this time, there was something deeper behind it.

She reached out, fingers grazing the fabric of his tie, pulling him just a little closer.

'I like you like this, Louis." Her voice was soft, teasing. 'A man who protects his woman."

Louis didn't move, but he felt the heat of her touch.

'I'm serious, Cleo. Noah isn't the type to just throw empty threats."

Cleopatra nodded slowly. 'I know. But I'm not the type of woman who's easily broken either, Louis."

'Still," he muttered, his voice lower now, 'I don't want him trying anything."

His words felt different.

Cleopatra felt it.

She didn't respond, just held his gaze for a long moment before finally offering a small smirk.

'Alright, Mr. Protector. Let's go home."

Louis exhaled sharply before opening the car door for her.

She slid in gracefully, but before he could shut the door, Cleopatra turned her head, looking at him.

'…Thank you, Louis."

He paused, then gave her a small, genuine smile.

'I'll always be here for you, Cleo."

Cleopatra held his gaze.

And for the first time in a very long time, she felt… safe.

But deep inside, she knew—this wasn't over.

Noah wouldn't give up that easily.

________________________________________

The light drizzle still coated the city as Louis' car sped down the empty roads. Streetlights flickered, their glow reflecting off the foggy car windows.

Inside, the silence between them was thick—not comfortable, but tense.

Louis glanced at Cleopatra from the corner of his eye. She sat with her usual unreadable expression, but her fingers tapped lightly against her bare thigh—a telltale sign that her mind was far from calm.

She wanted to say something.

But she didn't.

Louis kept his focus on the road, but his voice was steady when he finally spoke.

'Cleo, what really happened between you and Noah?"

Cleopatra didn't answer immediately. Her eyes stayed on the window, watching the raindrops race down the glass—as if carefully choosing her words.

Then, in a voice quieter than usual, she said, 'My father once tried to arrange our marriage."

Louis glanced at her sharply, his grip tightening on the wheel.

'A business deal?"

Cleopatra nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. 'Noah's father was a business associate of my father. They thought if we got married, Dimitri Group could expand into Europe. It was the perfect strategy—for them."

Louis' jaw clenched. He didn't like where this was going.

'So he wasn't just your ex… he was almost your fiancé?"

Cleopatra turned to face him, her gaze steady. After a brief pause, she nodded.

'Yes. But he's not the same man he used to be."

Louis studied her carefully, trying to read between the lines.

'Then why was the engagement called off?"

Cleopatra let out a slow breath, her fingers tightening around the hem of her dress.

'Because I saw who he really was."

Louis stayed silent, giving her space to continue.

Cleopatra stared out the window again, lips pressed into a thin line.

'When I first met him, he wasn't a bad man. He seemed kind, attentive—always there when I needed someone to talk to. I thought… maybe this marriage wouldn't be so bad."

Louis frowned.

He didn't like hearing Cleopatra talk about another man with that tone.

'But over time, he changed," she continued, her voice slightly unsteady. 'He became more… controlling. More rigid. He wanted to dictate every aspect of my life."

Louis' grip on the steering wheel tightened. 'How far did his control go?"

Cleopatra sighed, her expression hardening. 'He wanted me to be someone I wasn't. He wanted me to submit to him, to become the obedient wife he expected. He didn't like the way I led, didn't like the way I spoke without a filter. He wanted to change me."

Rage simmered in Louis' chest.

'So you called it off?"

Cleopatra let out a small, sarcastic smile. 'Not that quickly. Back then, I was still too obedient. I thought if it was for my father's business, I had to endure it."

Louis glanced at her, his eyes narrowing. 'Then what finally made you end the engagement?"

Cleopatra turned to face him, her gaze burning with anger from the past.

'When my father found out how he treated me."

Louis held his breath.

'My father realized how controlling Noah had become. How he started limiting my movements, manipulating every decision I made. I might have been too weak to fight back then—but my father wasn't. He ended the engagement immediately."

'And the consequences?" Louis asked, even though he already had a feeling.

Cleopatra let out a quiet, bitter laugh.

'Dimitri Group lost its merger opportunity with his company. Our business took a hit."

Louis felt his chest tighten. 'And your father still chose you over the company?"

Cleopatra nodded. 'Yes. Because to him, I was worth more than any business deal."

Louis couldn't stop the small smile tugging at his lips.

He had never met her father, but from this story alone, he knew the man truly loved his daughter.

But that smile faded as he remembered something.

'But Noah still wants you."

Cleopatra shrugged. 'He never really left. Even after all these years, he still finds ways to crawl back into my life."

Louis' grip on the wheel tightened. His eyes remained locked on the road, but his voice was firm.

'I won't let him come near you again."

Cleopatra chuckled, trying to ease the tension. 'Louis, you don't need to fight for me."

Louis turned to her, his gaze sharp.

'I'll do whatever it takes to protect you, Cleo."

Cleopatra froze.

His words felt… different.

They weren't empty promises, weren't just sweet talk. There was something in his eyes that made her feel—safe.

And that terrified her.

She had never relied on anyone before. She had always fought her battles alone.

But Louis…

Louis was here.

Offering a protection she never asked for—but somehow, she wanted.

Cleopatra gave him a small smile, then turned back to the window.

'Be careful, Toreto."

Louis raised an eyebrow. 'Careful of what?"

She turned to him, her lips curling into a playful smirk.

'I might just fall madly in love with you."

Louis stiffened, his eyes widening slightly.

Cleopatra let out a light laugh, enjoying his reaction.

'Relax, sweetheart. I'm just joking."

But they both knew… it wasn't entirely a joke.

As the car continued down the quiet city streets, heading toward Cleopatra's penthouse, the night grew darker—

But neither of them felt any closer to sleep.

________________________________________

Meanwhile…

The night settled over the city, and in an opulent mansion nestled in an elite neighborhood, the scent of cigars mingled with the aroma of expensive brandy.

The dimly lit room was bathed in the soft glow of a chandelier, its light reflecting off the polished mahogany desk.

Theodore William Blake sat in his grand chair, one leg crossed over the other. A cigar rested between his fingers, while his other hand idly twisted the gold ring on his finger—a habit he had whenever he was deep in thought.

Across from him, Noah Walter sat, his expression serious. One hand gripped a glass of brandy, his narrowed eyes fixed on Theodore with a calculating gaze.

'She won't come back to me that easily."

Noah finally broke the silence, his voice edged with frustration.

Theodore chuckled, leaning back into his chair.

A thin trail of smoke curled in the air before disappearing into the dimly lit room.

'You just need time," he said smoothly. 'I can help you make her doubt Louis."

Noah lifted his glass to his lips but didn't drink.

He was thinking.

And Noah never made deals without knowing what they would cost him.

'And what do you want in return?"

Theodore smirked. He liked men who didn't jump at offers immediately—men who weighed their options, calculated risks before making a move.

'If you succeed in breaking Cleopatra and Louis apart," he said, taking another slow drag of his cigar, 'I'll ensure your company's expansion into this city goes smoothly."

Noah set his brandy glass down, his expression shifting into one of genuine interest.

'And how exactly would you do that?"

Theodore's grin widened, his sharp eyes gleaming under the dim light.

'I have connections—powerful ones. Government officials, businessmen, even the police. This city isn't a place where outsiders succeed without the right people backing them. You need a bridge."

He leaned forward slightly.

'And I can be that bridge."

Noah leaned back, tapping his fingers against the wooden desk.

He knew better than to trust Theodore blindly. The man was a snake—dangerous, cunning, and always looking out for his own interests.

But the offer was tempting.

'So, you want me to destroy their relationship?"

Theodore nodded slowly, his smirk never fading.

'Not just destroy it, Noah. I want you to make sure Cleopatra never sees Louis as a man she can rely on."

Noah let out a small chuckle, though his gaze remained sharp.

'Cleo is stubborn. She won't fall for an obvious trap."

Theodore exhaled a cloud of smoke, unfazed. 'Everyone has a weakness, Noah. You just have to dig deep enough."

Noah arched an eyebrow, smirking. 'And what do you think Cleopatra's weakness is?"

Theodore set his cigar down on the crystal ashtray with a smooth motion.

'Simple."

He met Noah's gaze, his voice calm but dangerous.

'She despises betrayal. She will never forgive someone who betrays her."

Noah paused, processing those words before a slow smirk spread across his lips.

'So you want me to make her believe Louis is unfaithful?"

Theodore nodded, satisfaction glinting in his eyes. 'Exactly."

Noah lifted his brandy glass, swirling the liquid thoughtfully before locking eyes with Theodore.

'If you can guarantee Cleopatra walks away from Louis, I'll hold up my end of the deal."

Theodore chuckled, the sound low and full of sinister amusement.

'Good."

He intertwined his fingers, resting them on the table.

'I have a few ‘friends' in the media who can make a scandal out of nothing."

Noah's smirk widened. 'A scandal?"

Theodore nodded. 'We'll set Louis up. Make him look like a man who can't be trusted. If Cleopatra sees something convincing enough, she'll start to doubt him."

Noah let out a quiet laugh.

'And once Cleo starts to doubt… I can slip back into her mind."

Theodore's grin widened. 'Exactly, Noah."

They exchanged a knowing look before Theodore reached for the bottle of brandy, pouring another glass for Noah.

They raised their glasses.

'To Cleopatra's downfall."

The crystal clinked as they sealed their dark deal.

________________________________________

The Next Morning

Sunlight poured through the massive penthouse windows, casting a golden glow over the empty bed.

Louis blinked awake, frowning at the strange silence surrounding him.

He turned his head.

Empty.

No Cleopatra.

No warm body still tangled in the sheets, curled up under the blankets with her wild curls spilling everywhere.

No lingering trace of her soft perfume.

Louis frowned.

This was… unusual.

Even if Cleopatra had to wake up early, she always left something behind.

A cup of coffee waiting for him.

A teasing text message.

A lipstick-stained note telling him to stop sleeping in.

But today… nothing.

Louis sat on the edge of the bed, grabbing his phone.

No messages from Cleopatra.

That uneasy feeling from last night returned, pressing down on his chest.

He quickly got up and walked out of the bedroom, expecting to find her in the kitchen or her office.

But the penthouse was silent.

She was really gone.

Louis exhaled slowly, trying to push down the rising unease.

Did this have something to do with her meeting with Noah last night?

Without hesitation, he got ready and left for the office.

________________________________________

At Dimitri Group

From the moment he arrived, Louis knew something was off.

Cleopatra was always the center of attention in the office—whether it was because of her commanding presence or the way she always found a way to tease him, making his heart race in ways he wasn't ready to admit.

But today…

She was sitting at her desk, eyes locked on her laptop screen, expression unreadable.

She didn't acknowledge him when he walked in.

No smirk. No playful greeting.

Just… silence.

Louis observed her from across the room.

Her fingers tapped lightly against the table, her posture tense.

She was restless.

Something had happened.

And Louis was going to find out what.

________________________________________

With quick steps, he made his way to Peter's office.

The secretary was, as always, busy with his iPad, barely looking up when Louis entered.

Without preamble, Louis asked, 'Did Cleo say anything to you?"

Peter studied him for a moment before shaking his head.

'No. But I know she met with Noah last night."

Louis felt his stomach drop.

'She didn't say anything to me."

Peter sighed, setting his iPad down.

'Maybe she's trying to protect you."

Louis' fists clenched.

Protect me? From what? From who?

He turned back toward Cleopatra's office.

She was still sitting there, staring at her screen like she was actually working, but he caught the way she bit her lower lip—

A habit she only had when she was anxious.

Louis couldn't let this continue.

Whatever was happening…

He needed to know.

________________________________________

The city skyline glowed under the morning sun, golden rays spilling through the tall windows of Cleopatra's penthouse.

But the massive bed inside the bedroom remained empty.

Louis stirred awake, blinking against the morning light.

His hand instinctively reached across the bed, searching for the warmth that should have been there.

But all he felt was cold sheets.

No Cleopatra.

Something was wrong.

He sat up immediately, scanning the room.

Cleopatra was always the last to wake up.

She always made a point to linger in bed, either teasing him mercilessly or stealing all the blankets just to annoy him.

But today… nothing.

Louis grabbed his phone.

No texts. No notes. No signs of her anywhere.

This wasn't normal.

He exhaled sharply, shaking off the last remnants of sleep before heading to the bathroom.

Splashing cold water on his face, he quickly got dressed.

If she wasn't here, she had to be at the office.

But why the hell did she leave without saying a word?

That question echoed in his mind as he made his way out of the penthouse and into his car.

________________________________________

At Dimitri Group

Everything looked normal.

Employees bustled around, phones rang, keyboards clacked.

But Louis felt something was off.

As he walked past the main floor, he noticed something strange.

Cleopatra was nowhere to be seen.

His frown deepened.

With quick steps, he made his way to Peter, who was standing near the reception, chatting with another employee.

The moment Peter saw him, he greeted him casually.

'Morning, Mr. Toreto. You look… tense?"

Louis didn't waste time. 'Peter, is Cleo in her office?"

Peter raised an eyebrow before shaking his head. 'No, she hasn't come in yet."

'What?" Louis narrowed his eyes. 'She didn't tell me anything."

Peter hesitated before saying, 'She told me she needed fresh air… to clear her mind."

A bad feeling coiled in Louis' stomach.

And she didn't tell me?

Peter sighed, his expression turning serious.

'Maybe she's trying to protect you from Noah."

Louis' jaw clenched.

Noah.

Louis clenched his fists at his sides, his jaw tightening. 'If Noah tries anything, I'll destroy him."

Peter placed a firm hand on Louis' shoulder, trying to ground him. 'Relax, Louis. Cleopatra isn't someone who's easily manipulated. She knows how to handle Noah."

Louis shot him a sharp look. 'That's not the point, Peter. The point is, she chose not to tell me about it."

Peter shrugged. 'Maybe because she knew you'd react like this."

Louis exhaled heavily. That was true. Cleopatra knew he wouldn't sit still when it came to her safety.

'I need to find her."

Peter checked his watch. 'Cleo rarely disappears without telling anyone. Maybe she just needed some time alone."

But Louis couldn't accept that answer.

'No. I know something's wrong. I can feel it."

Peter sighed, shaking his head. 'You're really in love with her, huh?"

Louis turned to him sharply, but he didn't deny it.

Peter smirked slightly. 'Alright, I'll reach out to a few people who might know where Cleo went."

Louis gave him a quick nod. 'Thanks, Peter."

Back in his office, the unease only grew.

If Cleopatra just needed air, why wouldn't she tell him? Why did she feel the need to stay away from him?

Or worse—had Noah done something to make her doubt him?

The thought crashed into him like a tidal wave, sending his anxiety spiraling.

Louis grabbed his phone, scrolling to Cleopatra's contact and hitting Call.

It rang once…

Twice…

Three times…

No answer.

His grip on the phone tightened.

'Cleo, where are you?" he muttered under his breath.

Just then, his phone vibrated.

1 New Message from Cleopatra.

"Don't worry. I just need some time alone. I'll be back later."

________________________________________

Later That Afternoon

Louis was still at his desk, trying to make sense of Cleopatra's change in behavior.

Something happened.

He knew it.

Cleopatra wasn't the type to suddenly pull away.

And he was almost certain this had to do with her meeting with Noah last night.

His fingers drummed lightly against the desk, his eyes staring at his laptop screen—but his mind was elsewhere.

Should he go find her?

His thoughts were abruptly cut off when his phone vibrated loudly against the desk.

The ringtone sliced through the heavy silence of the room.

With a small flicker of hope, Louis reached for it, expecting to see a message from Cleopatra telling him she was okay.

But the moment he saw the caller ID, his blood turned to ice.

Unknown Number.

A bad feeling slammed into his chest.

He immediately answered.

'Hello?"

A serious voice spoke on the other end.

'Mr. Louis Toreto?"

His grip on the phone tightened. 'Yes, this is me. Who's this?"

The voice remained professional but urgent.

'This is St. Mercy Hospital. We're calling to inform you that your mother has been in a car accident."

The world around him stopped.

'…What?"

'There was a hit-and-run incident. Your mother is currently in critical condition. We need you to come to the hospital immediately."

The call ended.

For a moment, Louis couldn't move.

The words echoed in his head.

Accident. Critical condition.

Then suddenly—he shot to his feet.

His chair nearly toppled over as he grabbed his jacket and bolted out the door.

________________________________________

At Dimitri Group

Peter was in the middle of a conversation when the sound of rushed footsteps caught his attention.

He turned just in time to see Louis storm past, his expression stricken with panic.

'Louis! Hey, where are you going?!"

Louis didn't answer. He kept moving, walking so fast it was almost a run.

Peter's frown deepened.

He turned to the receptionist, who looked just as confused.

'What happened?" he asked.

The receptionist shrugged. 'I have no idea. But… he looked really upset."

Peter narrowed his eyes. 'I need to find out."

He quickly pulled out his phone and dialed Louis' number.

No answer.

Something was wrong.

________________________________________

At St. Mercy Hospital

Louis burst through the hospital entrance, his chest tight with panic.

He immediately rushed to the front desk, his breath coming out in short bursts.

'Linda Toreto! Where is she?!"

The nurse behind the counter looked up at him sympathetically. 'She's on the second floor, ICU. But—"

Louis didn't wait.

He turned and ran toward the stairs, not even bothering with the elevator.

His legs burned as he sprinted up two flights, his pulse pounding in his ears.

When he reached the ICU, he saw a group of doctors discussing something outside a room with large glass windows.

His gaze locked onto the motionless figure inside.

His mother.

She lay on the hospital bed, oxygen tubes connected to her, the slow beep of the heart monitor the only sign that she was still alive.

Louis' breath caught in his throat.

Without a second thought, he pushed past the doctors and entered the room.

He didn't care about the rules.

He only cared about her.

Reaching the bedside, he took her cold hand in his own, squeezing it tightly.

His voice trembled.

'Mom… I'm here."

Linda didn't open her eyes, but her chest rose and fell slowly.

The doctor's voice behind him snapped Louis back to reality.

'Mr. Louis?"

Louis turned sharply. 'How is my mother?"

The doctor hesitated but finally answered in a professional tone.

'She suffered severe internal injuries from the impact. The car that hit her was speeding and fled the scene. We're preparing for surgery, but…"

Louis clenched his fists. 'But what?"

The doctor took a deep breath.

'I'm sorry, but her condition is critical. We will do our best, but the chances of success…"

Louis felt like reality had just slapped him in the face.

He shut his eyes tightly, forcing himself to stay calm.

Then, something clicked in his mind.

This wasn't an accident.

This was intentional.

'Who did this?" His voice was quiet but laced with dangerous restraint.

The doctor shook his head. 'The police are still investigating. But we need you to remain calm."

Remain calm?

How the hell was he supposed to remain calm?

________________________________________

Cleopatra had just returned to the office after spending the morning alone, trying to clear her mind.

She wasn't ready to face Louis yet.

She wasn't ready to explain everything.

But as she walked toward her office, she noticed Peter standing near the reception area, looking tense as he spoke on the phone.

Something was wrong.

Cleopatra quickened her pace. 'Peter, what's going on?"

Peter immediately ended the call and turned to her with serious eyes.

'Cleo… Louis is at the hospital."

Her chest tightened.

'What?"

Peter sighed. 'His mother was in an accident. A hit-and-run. She's in critical condition in the ICU."

A wave of fury and panic crashed over Cleopatra.

Her hand immediately went for her phone.

'Tell me which hospital she's in."

Peter quickly forwarded the details.

Cleopatra didn't hesitate.

She grabbed her bag and rushed out of the office.

The moment she got into her car and started the engine, her mind spun.

This wasn't a coincidence.

She knew exactly who was behind this.

Noah.

Or maybe… Theodore.

If they thought they could use the people Louis loved to control the situation, they had made a deadly mistake.

Cleopatra slammed her foot on the gas, her car speeding through the city.

Right now, only one thing mattered—

Protecting Louis, at all costs.