Chapter 167 Reverse Is The Case

Chapter 167 Reverse Is The Case
The office was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner. Dante sat behind the desk, fingers lightly tapping against the table.

Valentina stood near the leather armchair, tilting her head slightly as she studied him.
“I hope you’re not hurt,” she said softly, almost cooing, though there was a sly undertone in her voice. “After everything… with Isabella. You have to be careful. She was always a gold-digger, a manipulator. An enemy. And yet… nobody ever believed me when I said it.”

Dante didn’t flinch. He didn’t even lift his gaze. His voice wasn't loud. “Stop talking about her.”

Valentina’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. “As you wish… but you have to admit, she had a way of weaving herself into your life.”

Dante’s eyes finally flicked toward her, sharp and cold. “I said stop.”

A quiet, almost imperceptible tension hung in the air. Valentina stepped closer, her fingers brushing toward his shoulders. “Let me help you relax. You’ve been tense lately and very stressed… you deserve a little care.”

Dante’s hand shot up before she could touch him, firm and precise. “Don’t.” His tone was still calm, almost gentle, but carried an unyielding authority that brooked no argument. “I don’t need your pity. I don’t need your… interference.”

Valentina paused, her hand lingering mid-air, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. “You’re… not angry?” she asked, almost suspiciously, her voice softening.

Dante leaned back slightly, hands folded over the edge of the desk, his gaze returning to the window for a moment. “I’m focused,” he said simply. “And I don’t have time for distractions, especially not from people pretending to be concerned.”

Valentina’s smirk returned, though tempered by caution. “Very well. If you insist.”

He studied her for a moment, then tilted his head, his voice low but firm. “There’s work to be done. I want you handling the Moretti intel, making sure every movement reaches me directly. And I mean directly, no delays.”

Valentina nodded, hiding her momentary irritation. “Of course. I’ll handle it.”

“Good,” Dante said, his tone leaving no room for debate. “And Valentina…”

“Yes?” she asked, eyes glinting, as though waiting for him to falter.

“Keep your hands to yourself. This isn’t a game of trust or pampering. You serve a purpose here. Don’t forget it.”

She exhaled softly, a mixture of respect and suppressed frustration crossing her features. “Understood,” she said, straightening her posture. “I’ll make sure everything is in order. You’ll have all the intel you need.”

Dante nodded as he returned his gaze to the city below. “See that you do,” he said quietly.

For a moment, the office was silent again, save for the faint ticking of a wall clock. Dante’s jaw tightened slightly, his fingers drumming on the desk ever so lightly.

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The night had settled quietly over the city, a soft hush filling Isabella’s parents apartment as she sank onto the couch, hugging her knees. Sofia perched on the armrest, her eyes fixed on her Isabella.

“So…” Sofia began, her voice gentle but curious, “how did it go with Matteo? Was he… convinced?”

Isabella hesitated, staring at the muted glow of the streetlights outside the window. Her fingers twisted the edge of her sleeve, mind replaying every word, every expression. “It… went better than I thought,” she said slowly, carefully. “At least, he listened.”

Sofia tilted her head, leaning closer. “Listened… or argued?” She smirked slightly, though her eyes betrayed worry.

“Knowing Matteo, I’d bet he argued.”

Isabella let out a soft laugh, short, a little bitter. “A little of both, I guess. He was… skeptical at first. Angry, actually. Thought I might be using him or lying. I had to… beg him to stay and hear me out.”

Sofia reached out, resting her hand lightly on Isabella’s arm. “You begged him?” she asked, a trace of disbelief in her tone.

“Yeah,” Isabella admitted, biting her lip. “I couldn’t risk him walking out. He’s… the only one I can talk to about this. The only one who might understand without telling Dante.”

Sofia’s eyes softened. “And… did he understand?”

Isabella shrugged, letting out a long sigh. “He… he did, eventually. I think. But Matteo is very cautious. He doesn’t trust easily, and I don’t blame him. I mean, after everything, who would?”

Sofia leaned back, letting her concern show more clearly now. “Isabella… you’re putting yourself in so much danger. Are you sure this is the right move?”

Isabella’s eyes darkened, reflecting the mix of determination and torment she felt. “I don’t have a choice, Sofia. Running away, hiding… that’s not me. Not Romano. I have to see this through. I need answers. And maybe… maybe I need to make sure Dante doesn’t get himself killed in the process.”

Sofia swallowed hard, her throat tight. “You’re so brave… and reckless doing this alone.” Sofia then teased her to lighten the atmosphere a bit. “I still can't imagine this is you, normally, I'm the brave one, the risk taker but now it seems the reverse is the case. Seems like we switched personalities.”

“I’m not alone,” Isabella smiled softly, glancing at Sofia. “You… you’re here. Matteo’s there. A few people I can trust.”

Isabella paused, biting her lip again. “And yet… I can’t shake this feeling. That something’s wrong. Valentina… I think she’s playing a bigger game than we realize. That’s why I need to see Liora. She’s the only one who can explain what’s really going on.”

Sofia frowned, concern deepening in her eyes. “Just… promise me you’ll be careful, Isabella. Don’t let your trust blind you. Matteo… you can lean on him, sure but the rest tread lightly.”

Isabella nodded. “I know, I have to be smart. I won’t get reckless. But I need to do this… I need to know the truth.”

Sofia reached over, squeezing her hand gently. “Then we’ll figure it out together. But promise me, no unnecessary risks. You’re too important to lose.”

Isabella gave a small, almost sad smile. “I promise… I’ll try.”