The interior of Elena's villa was bathed in dazzling light, with guests dressed in opulent attire chatting in small groups. Giovanni stood in a corner, trying to avoid drawing attention, but his mind was far from calm.
"Why did I even agree to come to this kind of event?" Giovanni thought bitterly. "These people aren't part of my world." He felt like an outsider thrust into an unfamiliar realm, the extravagance and superficiality around him making him deeply uncomfortable.
However, a group of wealthy acquaintances soon approached him, breaking the brief moment of solitude.
"Hey, Giovanni! I heard you've become quite the star at school lately," one young man in an expensive suit said with a smirk. "Not only are you excelling on the sports field, but you've also caught the attention of two of the school's most beautiful girls. Truly enviable!"
Giovanni forced a smile. "Just lucky, I guess." Despite his casual tone, irritation bubbled beneath the surface. "They only see the surface. They have no idea how complicated everything really is."
Sophia and Isabella arrived just in time, each linking arms with him as if to support him.
"Don't be modest, Giovanni," Sophia said with a warm smile. "Everyone can see your talent."
Isabella playfully winked. "Yeah, and he's easily the most popular guy at school!"
The surrounding guests cast curious glances their way, some whispering among themselves: "Who exactly is this boy? How does he manage to catch the attention of both Sophia and Isabella?"
Aletia's voice chimed in from the ring, disdainful. "Master, these mortals love gossip. Shall I teach them a lesson?"
Giovanni quickly shook his head, a bitter laugh forming in his mind. "Aletia, doing that would only make things worse." He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay composed, though a flicker of anxiety lingered—after all, he knew he wasn't truly the "star" everyone assumed him to be, but rather a small player pushed to the forefront by fate.
As Giovanni tried to blend into the party atmosphere, Elena reappeared before him, holding two glasses of champagne. "My dear, it seems you're quite the center of attention," she said, handing him a glass with a teasing tone. "But I'd prefer you focus on our conversation."
Giovanni accepted the glass, offering a polite smile. "Madame Elena, what brings you to speak with me?"
Elena leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "To be honest, I'm very interested in a certain… 'quality' you possess. If you're willing to cooperate, we could achieve a win-win situation."
"A quality?" Giovanni's heart tightened, but he kept his expression neutral. "I'm sorry, I don't quite understand."
Elena gave him a meaningful look. "No matter. Time will reveal everything. But remember—opportunities like this come only once."
Her tone carried an air of undeniable authority, sending a chill down Giovanni's spine. His mind raced through countless possibilities. "Does she know something? Has she already sensed the secret of the bronze ring? Or is she using me to get closer to Sophia and Isabella?"
At that moment, Sophia interjected. "Madame Elena, you seem to show particular interest in Giovanni. Would you care to share why?"
Elena paused briefly, then resumed her elegant smile. "Of course. I simply believe someone with as much potential as Giovanni deserves special attention."
Giovanni's heartbeat quickened. He realized he might already be a key piece in Elena's plans. He had to tread carefully; one wrong move could trap him in an irreparable situation.
Midway through the party, Giovanni excused himself to use the restroom and slipped out of the main hall. As he wandered along the corridor, attempting to calm his uneasy mind, he accidentally pushed open a slightly ajar door, revealing Elena's private study.
On the desk lay several documents, one of which immediately caught Giovanni's eye—a map marked with familiar locations: Pompeii, Troy, and a symbol labeled "Fate's Wheel."
"This is…" Giovanni's eyes widened, a sense of foreboding creeping over him. "Fate's Wheel? Could it really exist?"
Aletia's voice rang out urgently. "Master, this map is definitely suspicious! It's likely connected to the fragments of Fate's Wheel."
Giovanni's fingers brushed the map, memories of past adventures flooding back—the dangerous ruins, mysterious runes, and Aletia's warnings. He began to suspect that his life had long been entangled in a much larger conspiracy.
"Master, we must leave immediately," Aletia urged. "If Elena catches you here, the consequences will be dire."
But just as Giovanni prepared to examine the map further, footsteps echoed behind him. He turned hastily, only to find Sophia standing in the doorway, her expression complex and wary.
"What are you doing?" Sophia asked quietly, her tone tinged with suspicion.
Giovanni hurriedly explained. "I just stumbled upon this place by chance. I didn't mean any harm."
Sophia frowned. "Do you realize how dangerous this is? If Elena finds out, the repercussions could be catastrophic."
"Who exactly are you?" Giovanni finally blurted out. "Why do you always seem to know things I don't?"
Sophia hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Alright, I'll tell you part of the truth. But we need to leave now, or Elena will have leverage over us."
Sophia pulled Giovanni away from the study and back to the main hall. However, as they emerged, they found Elena standing nearby, her sharp gaze fixed on them.
"My dears, where were you two?" Elena asked with a smile, her tone laced with danger.
Sophia remained composed. "We just went for a walk in the garden. Nothing special."
Elena nodded, though her eyes still brimmed with suspicion. Giovanni felt a cold shiver run down his spine, realizing he might already be under her radar.
Back home, Giovanni sat at his desk, replaying the night's events in his mind. What secrets did the map hold? And were Sophia and Isabella's true identities tied to the mysteries of Troy?
"Maybe I can't keep running away anymore," Giovanni clenched his fists, determination flaring within him. "Whatever lies ahead, I have to face it. Because only then can I protect myself and the people I care about."