Chapter 4
"My Isabella, since when did you start caring about the family business?" he teased.
He pulled me onto his lap, his fingers playing with my hair.
"Just be pretty. I'll handle everything else," he said.
I lowered my head, masking the disappointment and icy chill in my eyes.
"I just don't want to see you struggling so much," I said softly.
"Is that so?" Dante murmured, tilting my chin up and forcing me to meet his gaze.
His blue eyes were so deep that they seemed to see through every mask I wore.
"Then use your own way to make things easier for me."
His kiss tasted faintly of coffee... bitter and lingering.
I closed my eyes, while my mind raced.
The shipment at the docks got stolen.
This was my opening.
To show everyone the Rossis were still a force to be reckoned with, Dante would have to deal with it personally.
As soon as he left the estate, that would be my moment to strike.
This time, the Falconi Syndicate's provocation had really pushed him over the edge.
Sure enough, Dante was going to the docks himself.
He had to respond with absolute force, just to keep those circling wolves at bay.
The night before he left, he came to my room.
He seemed to be in a pretty good mood, even brought along a bottle of red wine.
"I'm going to be away for a few days," He poured me a glass while he talked. "I'm heading out to deal with the docks."
I took the glass, making sure to show just the right amount of concern in my eyes.
"Is it dangerous?" I asked.
"Not for me," he replied.
He let out a soft laugh, his voice brimming with confidence.
He took a sip of wine, then pulled me against him.
"Wait for me." His hands started to roam where they shouldn't. "I'll bring you something nice."
I leaned obediently into his arms, letting him do as he pleased.
But inside, I was smirking coldly.
A gift?
Forget the gifts. I just want you dead.
The day he left, the sky was overcast.
I stood by the window on the second floor, watching his convoy slowly roll out through the estate gates.
I watched until they disappeared from view.
I spun around and headed straight back to my room.
This was it. Opportunity was here.
I reached out to Leonard.
"He's gone," I said.
My voice was calm, but there was a sense of urgency beneath it.
"I know," Leonard replied, his voice steady. "Everything's set.
"Isabella, are you sure you want to go through with this?
"After all, he's still..."
"I'm sure,"I cut him off. "He has to die."
"Good," Leonard said, sounding genuinely satisfied with how determined I was. "The docks are locked down tight... there's no way out for him.
"The Falconi Syndicate is in on it with us.
"The moment he sets foot on Pier Three, he's as good as dead."
I hung up, my heart pounding in my chest.
I was not afraid. I was thrilled.
Finally, it was time for payback.
But something just didn't feel right.
Leonard's plan was going way too smoothly.
Would someone as cautious and paranoid as Dante really walk right into a trap like that?
And why would he tell me about the hijacked shipment?
He knew I hated him with every fiber of my being.
This doesn't add up.
No, this isn't right.
I can't just sit here and do nothing.
I need to make a move.
I stared at myself in the mirror... my face was ghostly pale, but my eyes burned with determination.
Calm down.
Don't let Dante lead you around by the nose.
You need to flip the script and take the upper hand.
An even crazier, more daring plan started to form in my mind.
I made up my mind... I was going to the docks myself.
If Dante and Leonard were going to go head-to-head, I'd make sure they went all the way, no holding back.
I wanted to witness firsthand as they destroyed each other.
And when the dust settled, I'd be the one to pick up the pieces and take control.