ISABELLA

Chapter 45

Next morning

Servants moved briskly, carrying carefully packed luggage down the grand staircase. The soft thud of leather suitcases was punctuated by the occasional clink of jewelry boxes or ornate trunks.

Outside, the mansion’s driveway was already a hive of activity. The security team checked the vehicles, sliding doors open and closing them with quiet efficiency, scanning the perimeter, ensuring every detail was perfect. The black luxury cars gleamed under the sunlight, engines quietly humming as they waited.

Inside, Don Salvatore and Valentina moved gracefully, their presence commanding attention even in the midst of the morning chaos. Valentina adjusted her scarf, her gaze scanning the driveway, while Don Salvatore leaned slightly toward Matteo.

“Matteo,” he began, his deep voice calm but edged with authority, “while I am away, I want you to keep Leo updated. All his meetings, any incoming reports, and especially any irregularities. Do not let him lose track of anything—he needs to maintain control, even in my absence.”

Matteo nodded, understanding the weight of the task. “Understood, sir. I’ll make sure he is informed.”

Meanwhile, Riccardo lingered near his mother, his hands brushing her arm in a reluctant goodbye. Valentina, ever teasing, gave him a sly smile.

“Riccardo, you know, it’s about time someone tamed that stubborn heart of yours,” she said lightly, her tone playful but pointed. “You should consider marriage before you turn into an old man who only knows guns and strategy.”

Riccardo rolled his eyes, trying to mask the flush creeping across his cheeks. “Mother, I’m perfectly fine. There’s no rush.”

Valentina laughed softly, shaking her head. “You’ve been saying that for years. One day, someone will come along and… well, you know. Don’t make me wait too long.”

Riccardo couldn’t help but chuckle, though his eyes flicked toward the mansion doors, thinking of Isabella and the chaos that had followed her arrival. Her presence was like a storm he couldn’t control, and he knew that as long as Leo had his eyes on her, there was little he could do but watch.

Back outside, the maids carefully loaded the last of the suitcases into the waiting cars, bowing slightly as Don Salvatore and Valentina took their seats. The security team tightened the perimeter one last time, scanning the horizon with precision.

Don Salvatore leaned slightly toward Matteo once more before the car door closed. “Keep Leo in line, Matteo. And ensure everything remains smooth. I don’t want surprises.”

“Of course, sir,” Matteo replied, his voice steady, masking the tension he felt under the weight of such responsibility.

Valentina offered a small, reassuring nod to Riccardo, who simply inclined his head in return. As the engines purred to life and the convoy began moving down the driveway.

Inside, Leo stood in the hallway, watching the cars disappear, his mind already calculating every possible scenario for the days ahead. Isabella’s safety, the looming threats from rival families, and Riccardo’s restless energy all pressed at the edges of his focus.

Leo’s pov

I was seated behind my desk, reviewing the latest reports on the family’s operations, my mind scanning for anything out of place. Even with Don Salvatore and Valentina gone, I couldn’t afford distractions—or mistakes.

The sharp knock on the door made me glance up.

“Come in,” I said, my voice controlled, low.

Matteo stepped in, hands clasped behind his back, a serious expression on his face. “Boss, there’s a message for you.”

I leaned back slightly, studying him. “Go on.”

He cleared his throat. “Dante Moretti… he wants to meet you for dinner tonight. And he requested that you bring Isabella.”

I froze for a fraction of a second, the name igniting a cold edge inside me. Dante Moretti. That bastard. My jaw tightened.

“Isabella?” I repeated, letting the word hang in the air, sharp and dangerous. My fingers flexed against the armrest of the chair.

Matteo shook his head. “He didn’t specify why, but the request… it’s unusual. He’s not someone who makes requests lightly.”

I leaned forward, elbows on the desk, eyes narrowing. “Unusual is putting it lightly. He doesn’t get to dictate who I bring anywhere—especially her. Not ever.”

Matteo’s expression softened slightly, cautious. “Understood, boss. But he insisted. And considering the Moretti’s current issues with supplies, this could escalate if we ignore it.”

I ran a hand over my face, exhaling slowly, though inside I was already calculating. Dante had always been trouble. Always reckless. And the fact that he wanted her there… it wasn’t just coincidence. It was a challenge. A provocation.

“Set it up,” I said finally, my voice steady but cold. “But know this, Matteo… nobody touches her. I don’t care how he spins this dinner. She’s coming because I say she’s coming. Not for him. Not for anyone else.”

Matteo nodded, understanding the silent weight in my words. “I’ll prepare everything, boss. She won’t be in any danger.”

I leaned back, my eyes drifting to the empty windows of the mansion. Dante Moretti had no idea what he was stepping into. He had no idea that bringing her into this room, into this city, into this world… was like lighting a fuse in a powder keg.

And I wasn’t about to let anyone, not Dante, not anyone else, threaten what was mine.

“I want her ready in two hours,” I added after a pause, my tone lethal in its calmness. “Dress. Everything. She doesn’t get to see what’s coming until we arrive.”

Matteo inclined his head, and with a swift turn, he left the office, leaving me alone with the weight of the decision and the cold, sharp edge of anticipation coursing through my veins.

Dante Moretti had just made a mistake. And I intended to make him regret it.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

Isabella’s pov

The soft knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts.

“Come in,” I called, curiosity tugging at me.

Matteo stepped inside, carrying a long, black garment bag. He gave me a polite nod, his expression unreadable. “Miss Isabella, this is for you.”

I raised an eyebrow as he handed me the bag. “What is it?”

He hesitated just a fraction before answering. “Leo… he asked me to give this to you. He wants you to get dressed.”

I blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Get dressed… for what?”

Matteo shook his head, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “That, Miss Isabella, he didn’t say. You’ll have to find out yourself.”

My pulse quickened despite myself. Leo. Always keeping me on edge. Always controlling, always mysterious. I could feel my cheeks warm at the thought that it was him, personally asking me to wear something he chose.

I took the bag from him, feeling the weight of it in my hands. The fabric was soft under my fingers, expensive, the kind of material that spoke of elegance and authority.

“Do I… have to go now?” I asked, trying to keep my voice casual, though my stomach had tightened into knots.

Matteo gave me a curt nod. “He requested it soon. He didn’t specify why, only that you should be ready.”

I swallowed hard. “And he’s not… telling me where?”

He shook his head again. “No. He didn’t say. But… I wouldn’t worry too much. Just… follow instructions. That’s all he asks.”

“Thank you, Matteo,” I said softly, giving him a small, nervous smile.