I'm the Principessa He Dumped (Now He's Desperate)

At the end of the hallway, Papa's hearty laughter rang through the receiver.

"Catalina, I told you Mattia Vitale was never worthy of you. If you hadn't stopped me, the Ricci family would've taken over the Vitale casino long ago. We wouldn't have had to wait until today."

I stared out at the Las Vogis skyline, suppressing the bitter ache rising in my chest.

"Every money laundering loophole Mattia created these past three years, every tax evasion account, even the underground shares he mortgaged to loan sharks to cover his losses—you handled all of it. Just give me the evidence, and the Vitale family will crumble immediately," Papa said.

"Make your move, Papa. I'll send you the evidence shortly. This time, I won't stop you."

After hanging up, I sent Papa all the evidence I'd collected over the years. Once that was done, I took a deep breath and pushed open the door to Mattia's executive office.

When Mattia saw me, panic flashed across his face for a brief moment. Then, he quickly regained his composure.

My gaze swept slowly across the room and stopped on the tightly shut door to the break room. Through the gap at the bottom, a corner of red fabric peeked out.

Yesterday, I had picked up that dress from the haute couture boutique for Mattia. He said he wanted to give it to an important business partner.

Mattia noticed where I was looking, and his expression shifted. He strode over and positioned himself between me and the break room door, blocking my view. Gently, he took my hand.

"Catalina, why didn't you knock before coming in? A few executives were just here for a meeting. The smoke was pretty heavy. Did it bother you?"

As he lied, he reached up and brushed the stray hair from my forehead. He turned and picked up an invitation from his desk, handing it to me.

"The Bellini family is hosting a charity gala tonight. You'll accompany me as my personal assistant."

He paused, then added, "Remember, keep quiet. Don't let the Bellinis notice you."

I took the invitation and looked up at him. "Mattia, today is our fifth anniversary. Did you forget?"

His brow furrowed instantly, his face shifting into perfectly measured distress and regret. He stepped closer and pulled me into a tight embrace.

His chin rested on the top of my head as he murmured, "Catalina, be good. You know how hard things are for me right now.

"Once I close the deal with the Bellinis, I'll have complete control over the Vitale empire. When that happens, I promise I'll marry you properly, the way you deserve. Just bear with me one last time, okay?"

Something clattered in the break room, and Mattia's body went rigid. Instinctively, he released me, his gaze darting nervously toward the break room door.

The last trace of warmth inside me vanished as I watched his expression shift. I didn't expose him. I simply smiled. "Alright, I'll listen to you. One last time."

With that, I turned and left. The moment I pulled the office door open, I clearly heard Mattia rush into the break room behind me. I closed the door gently, shutting out everything inside.

Of course. How could Ginevra Bellini, the Bellini family's precious daughter, endure even the slightest grievance?

And me? I was just an assistant who could be sacrificed at any moment.