Chapter 84

Chapter 84

Isabella sat on Vitale's lap, her arms wrapped around his neck, both of them still catching their breath.

Then Vitale laughed.

"Speaking of cruise parties," he said slowly, a mischievous glint in his blue eyes, "should I bring up what happened at that banquet back then?"

Isabella's body tensed, "You're bringing this up now?"

"Why not?" Vitale gently lifted her chin, "I remember helping you out that time."

He watched her expression, his smile growing wider, "What was your reaction back then? I recall you just standing there, staring at me, looking like you couldn't decide if I was an angel or a devil."

Isabella rolled her eyes and tried to get off his lap.

"Vitale, you're unbelievably petty. How long ago was that?"

Vitale tightened his arms, not letting her go, "As long as other things aren't small and can make you feel good, what's the harm in being a bit petty?"

Isabella felt a rush of heat flood through her, her face instantly turning red.

"Vitale!"

"What?" He blinked innocently.

Isabella finally broke free from his hold, straightening her messy shirt and skirt.

She could feel Vitale's gaze roaming over her, like a tangible touch.

"I'm going back," she said, heading toward the door, "There's a lot of work tomorrow, and—"

Her words cut off abruptly.

Vitale had stood up, one hand braced against the door, blocking her way.

"And what?" He leaned down, their faces so close she could feel his breath.

Isabella's heart raced.

"Let me go, Vitale." Her voice was calmer than she expected.

Vitale stared at her for a few seconds, then made an exaggerated pout, pretending to lean in for a kiss.

Isabella turned her face away.

Vitale sighed, relenting as he loosened his arm and stepped back.

"Fine. But you're coming with me somewhere tomorrow."

"Where?" Isabella asked warily.

"Blake's private gathering at a manor outside the city," Vitale walked back to his desk, picking up a golden invitation, "He invited 'a few friends,' supposedly to celebrate a newly acquired vineyard, but really, it's to figure out alliances for the next few months."

Isabella frowned, "I don't want Judy going with you."

Vitale raised an eyebrow, "Isabella, it'll be dangerous and boring there. You wouldn't like it. Blake's parties aren't your thing. And even if I took her, she'd just be waiting outside. She wouldn't get anywhere near the main event."

"Really?" Isabella's tone was skeptical.

Vitale smiled, cupping her face with both hands.

"Are you jealous?"

Isabella wanted to deny it, but the words stuck in her throat.

She took a deep breath and just admitted it, "Yes! Damn it, I'm jealous! I can't stand any woman being near you, especially at times like this! Marina was bad enough, now there's Judy, and who knows who else!"

"Calm down," Vitale pulled her closer, "Calm down, Isabella. Look at me."

Isabella stopped, her chest heaving, her blue eyes glaring at him.

Vitale looked at her, the corner of his mouth twitching upward.

He loved seeing her lose control over him like this.

It made him feel like, to Isabella, he wasn't just a boss or a lover, but something more.

"I'll grant you one request, okay?" Vitale said, his thumb brushing the inside of her wrist, "Any request. Just calm down."

Isabella froze. "What?"

"One request. As long as I can do it," Vitale repeated, his expression turning serious, "In return, you come with me to Blake's gathering tomorrow, no tantrums, and no getting jealous over Judy or anyone else—at least not on the spot."

Isabella stared at him, trying to spot any hint of teasing in his face.

But Vitale's blue eyes held only a sincere promise.

"Are you serious?" she asked quietly, "Are you messing with me?"

Vitale shrugged, "Isabella, there are things I haven't said, but I've never lied to you."

That was true.

Isabella thought back and realized Vitale might hide things, dodge questions, or stay silent, but he had never told her a direct lie.

"Alright," she said slowly, her mind racing, "Then I want you to give Amboni the weekend off."

Vitale raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the request.

"Amboni? What do you want with him? Is he important to you?"

Isabella caught the hint of jealousy in his tone, and it made her feel a small thrill.

"It's his birthday this weekend," she explained, "Laura's been waiting forever to throw him a surprise party. I mean, they've hooked up, and Laura wants to celebrate early tonight."

Vitale let go of her, crossing his arms and leaning against the door, "I know about them. Actually, I know about tonight's plans. That's why I let Amboni leave early—two hours ago."

Isabella blinked. "You let him go?"

"Laura said he was supposed to have a party, but something came up and it got canceled. You thought it was because of me?"

Isabella shook her head, feeling a wave of guilt, "No. I just heard how disappointed Laura was and assumed you'd given him last-minute work. Sorry, I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."

Vitale said, "You're a good person, Isabella. Laura's lucky to have a friend like you. Most people would just complain or stay out of it at times like this, but you stood up for her, even using the 'one request' I gave you to help her."

"So," Vitale pulled her back to the desk, "before we head to Blake's gathering, there's one more thing I need your help with."

"What is it?" Isabella asked, letting him guide her to the table.

Vitale pulled a folder from the drawer and placed it in front of her.

"It's about Blake's contract, the share distribution for the new port. I need you to prepare something."

Isabella opened the folder, revealing complicated legal documents and financial models.

"What exactly? I've already checked it three times. The numbers are correct, the risk assessment is done—"

"Not that," Vitale interrupted, leaning over her from behind, his hands braced on the desk, trapping her in between, "Little gambler, Blake loves darts and gambling. He sets up all kinds of games at his parties. If you're really coming with me tonight, you need to be ready to lose."

Isabella's body stiffened, "Gambling? Vitale, I'm not good at that. I can't guarantee I'll win. I can't afford to lose."

"Don't worry," Vitale's voice was right by her ear, "If you lose, I've got you. Besides, if someone tries to flirt with me, aren't you going to help me push them away?"

Isabella's heart skipped a beat.

"Someone's trying to flirt with you? Who? Marina? Or someone from Blake's side?"

"Maybe all of them," Vitale shrugged, but his smile grew wider, "Blake has two daughters, both of marriageable age. Last year, he hinted at the possibility of a marriage alliance."

"And Marina, well, you know her intentions."

Isabella felt a familiar surge of emotion, but this time it was mixed with a protective urge.

"So you want me to push them away? Be your shield?"

"I don't think I can handle it alone," Vitale said, pretending to be serious, "Those women are persistent. I need backup."

Isabella looked at his fake pitiful expression and couldn't help but laugh.

"So you want me to stake my claim?"

Vitale's blue eyes lit up, "Yes, exactly. Stake your claim, in any way you think works."

"Any way?" Isabella raised an eyebrow, turning to face him, her hands resting on his shoulders, "Including kissing you in front of Blake? Telling his daughters to stay away from my man? Letting Marina know that you're all mine?"

With each sentence, she leaned closer, until their lips were almost touching.

Vitale's breathing grew heavier.

"Yes," he said hoarsely, "Including all of that."

Then he kissed her, brief but intense, "So, will you help me?"

"Of course."

Henley's car pulled up right on time outside Isabella's apartment building.

She came down the stairs with a small suitcase, and Henley took it from her, placing it in the trunk.

Isabella slid into the back seat, noticing Vitale wasn't there.

"Mr. Luca is heading straight from the office," Henley said as he got into the driver's seat, glancing at her through the rearview mirror, "We'll pick him up first."

The car moved through the evening streets, but it didn't head toward the city center or any familiar manor.

Instead, Henley took the highway out of town, heading toward a private airport in the suburbs.

Isabella watched the scenery change outside the window, a growing sense of unease creeping in, "Henley, where exactly is Blake's gathering? Why are we leaving the city?"

"Not far," Henley replied briefly.

"Not far, as in how far?"

Henley glanced at her through the rearview mirror, hesitating for a moment, "Actually, it's in Eldoria."

Isabella's eyes widened, "What? Eldoria? You're kidding, right? We're going to Eldoria for a party tonight?"

"Yes," Henley said, a hint of apology in his tone, "Mr. Luca didn't tell you? Mr. Rossi recently acquired a vineyard there. This party is kind of an opening celebration plus business talks."

Isabella felt her stomach twist, "So we're flying there?"

"Private plane," Henley confirmed, "Mr. Luca has it all arranged."

Isabella's brain struggled to process this information.

Then she remembered something very important.

"Henley," her voice tightened with nerves, "turn around. I didn't bring my passport. How am I supposed to board an international flight without one? Even if it's a private plane, they still need—"

"Mr. Luca's private plane doesn't require a passport," Henley interrupted calmly, "He has special clearance. You just need to get on."

Isabella opened her mouth, then closed it again.

She knew Vitale was powerful, but a private plane that didn't need passports was still beyond her understanding.

Then she thought of something else.

Something more personal, and more worrying.

The car pulled into the entrance of the private airport, passing through several security checkpoints before stopping in front of a small terminal.

Isabella pulled Henley aside, lowering her voice, "Henley, Vitale's afraid of heights, isn't he?"

Henley paused for a moment, then nodded, "Yes, but only in specific situations. He won't go in glass elevators—that day was an exception—and he's used to planes."

"With you here, Ms. Martinez, he probably won't be as scared."