TWENTY THREE : HER FIRST RESPONSIBILITY

Isabella stared at the invitation on her dressing table.

It was an elegant cream-coloured envelope bearing the Moretti family crest. Inside was the schedule for the foundation's first planning meeting, along with a list of projects Elena wanted her to review.

She had read everything twice, yet she still wasn't sure where to begin.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

“Come in.”

Alessandro entered, already dressed for work.

“Still studying?”

She held up the papers.

“Your mother sent me all these documents. I think she expects me to understand everything by Wednesday.”

He collected the papers and glanced through them.

“She isn't expecting you to become an expert overnight.”

“Some of these programmes have been running for years. I don't even know how they are funded.”

“Then ask. That's how people learn.”

Isabella sighed.

“What if I make a mistake?”

He placed the documents on the dressing table.

“Then you correct it.”

She looked at him.

“You make it sound so easy.”

“Because it is. You're not expected to know everything, Isabella.”

He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“Don't let the fear of making mistakes stop you from trying.”

She smiled.

“I'll try.”

“Good. Now, I have a meeting. I'll see you later.”

---

By Wednesday morning, Isabella had prepared a small notebook filled with questions.

Elena had arranged for her to meet the foundation's director and two members of the administrative team at the family estate.

When she arrived, Elena welcomed her warmly.

“I'm glad you came.”

“Thank you for inviting me.”

“Come. Everyone is waiting.”

The meeting room was smaller than Isabella expected. Three people sat around a table covered with documents.

Elena introduced her to the foundation director, Mr. Ricci, and the two administrators.

“Isabella will be joining us in understanding and coordinating some of our projects,” Elena explained.

Mr. Ricci smiled politely.

“Welcome, Mrs. Moretti.”

“Thank you.”

They began with a report on the foundation's educational programme. Isabella listened carefully, taking notes as the director explained how scholarships were awarded to children from low-income families.

When he finished, she raised her hand slightly.

“May I ask something?”

“Of course.”

“How do we know the children receiving these scholarships are actually attending school?”

The director paused.

“We receive reports from the schools.”

“Do we visit them?”

“Not regularly.”

Isabella looked down at her notes.

“Would it be possible to have someone visit the schools occasionally? Just to make sure the money is reaching the children it was meant for?”

Elena smiled.

“That is a reasonable suggestion.”

Mr. Ricci nodded.

“We can look into it.”

Isabella continued listening, gradually becoming more comfortable.

For the first time, she wasn't simply sitting beside Alessandro at a business meeting. She was contributing something of her own.

---

After the meeting, Elena invited her to have tea.

“You did well today.”

Isabella smiled.

“I was nervous.”

“I noticed. But you asked good questions.”

“I hope I didn't offend anyone.”

“You didn't. And even if someone disagrees with you, that doesn't mean you've done something wrong.”

Isabella nodded.

She was beginning to understand that lesson.

Elena reached for her cup.

“There's something else I want you to know. The foundation has a children's home outside Milan. I'd like you to visit with me next week.”

“I would love to.”

“Good. I think you'll enjoy meeting the children.”

---

That evening, Alessandro returned home to find Isabella waiting for him in the sitting room.

She immediately stood.

“How was your day?” he asked.

“Good.”

He loosened his tie.

“That's all?”

She laughed.

“I had a meeting with your mother's foundation team.”

“And?”

“I asked questions.”

“I'm shocked.”

She gave him a playful look.

“Alessandro!”

He smiled and sat down, pulling her gently beside him.

“Tell me about it.”

She explained the scholarship programme and her suggestion about school visits.

He listened without interrupting.

When she finished, he nodded.

“That's a good idea.”

“Your mother said so too.”

“Then perhaps you should start believing that your opinions are worth hearing.”

She smiled.

He brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

“I'm proud of you.”

The simple words made her heart flutter.

“Thank you.”

He studied her face.

“You look happy.”

“I am.”

“Good. I like seeing you that way.”

She rested her head against his shoulder.

After a moment, she remembered something.

“Your mother wants me to visit the children's home next week.”

“Then I'll arrange security.”

She lifted her head.

“Alessandro, it's a children's home. Not a battlefield.”

His expression remained serious.

“I know. But you're still my wife.”

“I understand, but I don't want people following me everywhere.”

He considered her words.

“Two discreet guards. They'll remain outside unless there's a genuine reason to intervene.”

She thought about it before nodding.

“That's fair.”

He kissed her forehead.

“See? We can negotiate.”

---

The following afternoon, Alessandro was in his study when Marco entered.

“Sir, the foundation's latest financial report has arrived.”

Alessandro continued reading the document in front of him.

“Leave it there.”

Marco hesitated.

“There's something you should know.”

Alessandro looked up.

“What?”

“The foundation has been receiving donations from several companies connected to our business associates. One of those companies has recently been involved in a dispute with Victor Salvatore.”

Alessandro's expression changed.

“Which company?”

Marco placed a document on his desk.

“Salvatore Logistics.”

Alessandro slowly closed the file he had been reading.

“Why is a company belonging to Victor's group donating to our foundation?”

“We're still checking. The donation was made through a separate corporate account.”

“Find out who approved it and whether the foundation knew where the money came from.”

“Yes, sir.”

Marco turned to leave, but Alessandro stopped him.

“And Marco?”

“Yes?”

“Keep this away from Isabella until we know what it is.”

Marco nodded.

---

That evening, Isabella was sitting beside Alessandro on the sofa when he received a message.

She noticed his expression change.

“Is something wrong?”

He locked his phone.

“Just business.”

She looked at him for a moment.

“Is it something you can't tell me?”

He hesitated.

“Not yet.”

She nodded, although disappointment crossed her face.

“Okay.”

Alessandro reached for her hand.

“It's not because I don't trust you.”

“I know.”

He kissed her fingers.

“I'll explain when I can.”

She rested her head against him, choosing not to press further.

But later that night, while Alessandro was in the shower, Isabella's phone rang.

It was Elena.

“Isabella, dear, I need to speak with you about something concerning the foundation.”

Isabella sat up.

“Of course. Is everything all right?”

Elena hesitated.

“I'm afraid there's a problem with one of the donations.”

Isabella's smile disappeared.

“What kind of problem?”

“It's from a company I don't believe should be involved with our foundation.”

And before Isabella could ask another question, Elena added quietly:

“It's connected to Victor Salvatore.”