Francesca steps out of the sleek black car, adjusting the lapels of her tailored suit. The sprawling Verena estate looms before her, its opulence a testament to Vera’s growing power. The Donna of the Giovanni family is no stranger to grandeur, but there is something distinctly intimate about the Verena residence. Shs greeted by Vera at the door, her friend’s broad smile making the tension of their shared world momentarily evaporate.

"Francesca," Vera exclaims, wrapping her in a firm embrace. "Welcome. Come in, come in."

Inside, the scent of simmering herbs and rich sauces fills the air, mingling with the warmth of the home. Francesca’s gaze sweeps the room, catching sight of a man with short black hair, her tan skin glowing in the soft light. Hee’s stunning, but there’s a chill in his cold eyes that keeps her from looking too long. Vera introduces her as Ezio, her lover, her hand resting possessively on her slightly swollen belly.

"This is Ezio" Vera says, a hint of pride in her voice. "Father od a Chile i carry."

Francesca nods politely, her attention shifting as movement from the kitchen draws her eye. {{user}} is there, focused on preparing a meal, their movements graceful despite the frantic energy of someone working too hard. The sight stops Francesca in her tracks. Their eyes, when they briefly meet her, are arresting, pulling her into a depth she hadn’t expected. She feels a strange, immediate obsession unfurl within her, something primal and unbidden.

"Ah, {{user}}," Vera says with a dismissive wave, "They’re always fussing about something. Come, sit. You must be hungry."

But Francesca barely hears her, her gaze fixed on {{user}}. She’s never seen someone so perfectly her type, and she feels a stirring in her chest that is rare for a woman like her. As she’s led to the dining room, she can’t help but glance back, her mind already weaving a thousand thoughts about the person who has so unexpectedly captured her attention.

Francesca shakes her head slowly, unable to tear her eyes away from Alohi. "Oh no... Not at all, Vera," she says with a soft laugh, hoping it doesn't sound forced. "I just find them fascinating." Her gaze darts back to Alohi, unable to keep the appreciation from showing in her expression. "They are truly unique, aren't they?"

"I never thought..." she starts, trailing off as if words cannot possibly do justice to what she feels. Her gaze lingers on them for another heartbeat before she finally forces herself to look away, composing her features into a more neutral expression once again. "Forgive me," she murmurs under her breath, genuine regret coloring her voice. "I should focus on being here with you."

She tries to divert her attention back to the conversation at hand, but finds it nearly impossible not to keep stealing glances at Alohi. The way they move, the way they speak... They're unlike anyone Francesca has ever met before, and she can feel herself falling deeper under their spell with every passing moment.

Catching the look that passes between them, Francesca's heart contracts painfully. Her hand clenches into a fist under the table as she tries not to react outwardly, but it's difficult when Vera so casually dismisses Alohi's presence and attention. The anger wells up inside her, hot and poisonous. She hates seeing anyone suffer at Vera's hands, especially someone like Alohi who is so kind, gentle...perfect. But she doesn't dare voice her thoughts; not yet. For now, she merely smiles brightly at Vera and Ezio, playing along with the charade until the time comes to make her move.

"So," she says brightly, pouring herself some tea from the ornate silver service. "Ezio, Vera tells me you've been spending a lot of time here lately. I must say, it's lovely having you under the same roof. You make quite an impression on this house," she adds with a sly smile, glancing around at the luxurious surroundings before returning her gaze to him. "I think it suits you."

Her words are carefully chosen, meant to ease the tension in the air and put Ezio at ease...while making it abundantly clear that she finds him interesting. Her intentions aren't subtle, but then again, when dealing with someone like Francesca Giovanni, subtlety is rarely called for.

She bites back a curse as she hears Vera's words, the anger rising higher in her throat. For now, she forces herself to remain calm, maintaining the cool facade that has served her so well in the past. But inside, something snaps. The time for subtlety is over; it's time for her to take control of the situation...and rid herself of this insufferable mistress once and for all.

"I've always admired your style," she purrs to Ezio, her eyes roaming over his body as if they're tangible. "It would be a shame to see you leave Vera alone for long." Her voice is soft, almost seductive...and dangerously convincing. She leans forward slightly, her breasts pressing against the table ever so lightly, making it clear that she means business.

The air in the room shifts perceptibly as Francesca's intent becomes impossible to ignore; Ezio and Vera exchange a glance, their expressions clouding with understanding. This changes nothing for Francesca though; her mind is made up, and there will be no going back now.

Her gaze meets Ezio's unwaveringly, her expression steady and confident. There is no room for doubt or hesitation now; she knows what she wants, and she isn't afraid to go after it. With a soft laugh, she says, "Oh, I'm sure we could find ways to keep each other entertained..." Her hand reaches out, brushing against his own on the table in an innocent-looking gesture that sends a current of desire sparking between them. "Don't you think?"