Chapter 129
Isabella looked at Laura seriously and asked, "Laura, did something happen to you? Or did Amboni do something to hurt you?"
"If that's the case, tell me. I know it might sound like I'm throwing my weight around, but I'll make sure Vitale stands up for you."
Laura didn't expect Isabella to be so perceptive.
She froze for a moment, her smile a bit forced.
"No, Amboni hasn't done anything to hurt me, at least I don't have any proof," she said quietly, her fingers absentmindedly stirring the cold tea leaves in her cup, "It's just that something feels off lately."
"Marina seems to be getting really close to Amboni."
"More than once, she's said that she, Vitale, and Amboni grew up together in the same neighborhood and went through a lot together."
"She says she understands Amboni better than I do—his stress, the rules of his world, even what he likes and dislikes."
"She doesn't get why Amboni would fall for me. She says I'm too ordinary, that I don't fit into their complicated and dangerous world, and that I'm just a temporary distraction for him."
"I see," Isabella said, reaching out to gently hold Laura's cold hand, "What you're asking about is really what's bothering you deep down. You're feeling insecure, right? Because of Marina's words and because you don't know much about Amboni's past."
Laura nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, though she stubbornly held them back.
"It's okay to feel jealous, Laura," Isabella said firmly, "Any woman would feel uneasy or jealous hearing those things from another woman. It's a normal emotion, and you don't need to feel ashamed of it."
"But whether Amboni likes Marina or not has nothing to do with how long she's known him or how well she understands him. Vitale once told me he doesn't like Marina, and no amount of time spent together will change that. Feelings aren't based on how long you've known someone."
Isabella looked into Laura's eyes, trying to convey her confidence, "I believe Amboni chose you for a reason. He's not the kind of guy who just picks someone to mess around with. If he were, Vitale wouldn't trust him with such an important role."
Listening to Isabella, the anxiety and confusion in Laura's eyes slowly turned into thoughtfulness.
She sniffled and nodded, "I think what you're saying makes sense. Amboni sometimes makes me feel like he's dangerous, and the life he leads—I used to think it wasn't for someone timid like me."
"But lately, I've realized he's actually protecting me really well. All the dangers I've heard about, the troubles I've vaguely sensed, seem to be kept far away from me by him. That's why I can still sit here with you, complain, sip tea, and chat about guys."
Seeing the renewed brightness on Laura's face, Isabella felt happy for her.
"Alright, let's drop the heavy stuff for now. So, my dear Laura, do we keep talking about the complicated species called men, or move on to something lighter and more fun?"
She leaned back and made an inviting gesture, "Or do you want to come over to my place? We can crash on my super soft bed, do face masks, gossip, and talk until we fall asleep naturally."
"My mattress, by the way, cost Vitale a fortune. It's so comfy it can make you forget all your worries."
Laura's eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement, "Can I? I've never stayed over at a friend's place before."
Isabella looked at her in disbelief, "Wait! You've never been to Amboni's place either?"
They've been together for a while now, so this seemed surprising.
Laura hesitated, her face quickly turning red, "Yeah. We usually meet at hotels."
The answer seemed both expected and a bit surprising.
Isabella raised an eyebrow, lowering her voice with a teasing smile, "Oh? Which hotels? Looks like Mr. Scott is a VIP at a lot of places."
Laura's face turned even redder, and she waved her hands to explain, "It's not what you think! I know you're wondering why he has so many hotel memberships. It's because of his work. Vitale's mafia business sometimes requires it. Different meetings, different deals, they need different, safe locations. So…"
Isabella nodded understandingly, not pressing further.
Everyone has their own way of doing things and their own boundaries, and she didn't intend to judge.
She patted Laura's shoulder and picked up the bill, "Alright, no need to explain. I get it. So, decided? Coming to my place?"
Laura nodded enthusiastically, a look of anticipation on her face, "Yes!"
Isabella smiled and got up to pay at the counter.
The alcohol and the earlier conversation left her feeling a bit thirsty and slightly dizzy, but her mood was still pretty good.
She gestured toward the restroom to Laura, "Wait for me. I'm going to the restroom, then we'll head out."
She splashed cold water on her face, looking at her slightly flushed and tired reflection in the mirror. Thinking of Vitale coming back tomorrow, a smile crept onto her lips.
She needed to get home and get some good sleep. She couldn't let him see her looking so worn out.
Isabella fixed her hair and adjusted her collar before opening the restroom door to head back to Laura.
But the moment she stepped out into the hallway, a huge, fast-moving shadow-like figure slammed into her from the side without warning!
Caught off guard, Isabella stumbled, her body crashing hard against the cold tiled wall, a sharp pain shooting through her shoulder.
Terror gripped her instantly. The dizziness from the alcohol faded as fear took over, and she opened her mouth to scream for help.
But before the sound could escape, a rough, calloused hand, covered in hair and sweat, clamped down over her mouth and nose with unstoppable force!
Her scream was muffled in that hand, reduced to desperate, terrified whimpers.
The strong smell of tobacco and male sweat filled her nose, making her feel sick.
A wave of overwhelming fear washed over her like icy water. She struggled with all her might, kicking and hitting the body holding her down, her nails digging into the person's arm, her wide, panicked eyes darting around for any sign of help.
Despair wrapped around her heart like cold vines.
Was this Colt's doing?
Sonia's revenge?
Or one of Vitale's other enemies?
Countless terrifying thoughts raced through her mind in a split second.
Just as Isabella felt like she was about to suffocate, her strength fading, a strangely familiar voice spoke urgently, "It's me. Calm down. You're in danger. Come with me!"
That voice…
Isabella's struggling stopped abruptly.