Semua Bab The Mafia King’s Bride; He’s danger. She’s revenge : Bab 71 - Bab 80

Matteo's POV The click of the empty chamber echoed in the silence following the gunshot. No bullet. There had never been a bullet.I knew that. Had known it the moment Uncle Stefano raised the rifle. He'd done this before, countless times over the years, all he's done is testing. Always testing.But Isabella didn't know that. I could feel her trembling beside me, her hand clutching my arm so tightly her nails dug through my shirt."See?" Stefano lowered the rifle, his expression disgusted. "Not even a flinch. You knew it was empty.""Of course I knew." I kept my voice steady, controlled. "You're predictable, Uncle.""Predictable? I could have had a bullet in there. Could have blown your head off." He shook the rifle at me. "But you didn't even move. Didn't try to dodge or disarm me. That's not confidence, boy. That's arrogance.""Or trust.""Trust." He spat the word like it was poison. "Trust gets you killed in this life. You should know that better than anyone."I did know. Had lear

Isabella's POV I couldn't back down. Not after everything that had happened last night. Not after they'd made me think I was dying just to see if I'd break."I'll be fine," I told Matteo, keeping my voice steady even though my stomach was twisting with nerves. "It's just tea.""Isabella—""I can handle this." I met his eyes, willing him to understand. If I refused now, if I let them see I was afraid, it would only confirm their suspicions. "I'll be back soon."He didn't look happy about it, but he nodded. "If anything happens, scream. I'll hear you."Mrs Clementine's smile widened slightly. "How sweet. He thinks he can protect you from everything."I ignored her, moving back into the room to quickly splash water on my face. My reflection in the mirror looked tired, haunted. The events of last night had left marks that went deeper than physical exhaustion.But I couldn't afford to look weak. Not here. Not with these people.I dried my face, straightened my shoulders, and followed Mr

Isabella's POV I picked up my fork and took a bite of pasta, chewing slowly whilst everyone stared at me. They expected me to panic. To defend myself frantically. To break down under the weight of their accusations.But I was done playing their games."You know," I swallowed, reaching for my water glass, "I think I know what's wrong with Mrs Clementine."The table went silent. Even Uncle Stefano stopped mid-bite, his fork suspended in the air."You do?" Aunt Pauline's voice was careful, suspicious. "And what would that be?""She slapped me this morning in the garden." I touched my cheek where the mark had mostly faded. "Hit me quite hard, actually. I imagine she must have hurt her hand. That's probably why she's feeling unwell."The reaction was immediate. Gasps. Shocked faces. Uncle Stefano's face turned red with anger."You lying little—" Pauline's husband started, his voice rising. "How dare you accuse Clementine of such a thing? She would never raise a hand to anyone without cau

Isabella's POV I woke to the sound of Matteo's voice, sharp and tense. He was standing by the window, phone pressed to his ear, his back rigid."When did this happen?" His tone was controlled but I could hear the anger underneath. "Why wasn't I informed immediately?"I sat up, pulling the sheet around myself. The morning light filtered through the curtains, but Matteo's mood cast a shadow over everything."I don't care what the protocol is. I should have been told." A pause. "Fine. We'll be there by tonight. Don't do anything until I arrive."He ended the call and stood there for a moment, his shoulders tense."Matteo?" My voice was soft. "What's wrong?"He turned, and I saw the storm in his eyes. "We need to go back to New York. Now.""What? Why?" I climbed out of bed, reaching for my robe. "What happened?""There's been an emergency. I can't explain right now, but we need to leave within the hour." He was already moving towards his suitcase, pulling out clothes. "Can you pack qui

Matteo's POV The room emptied slowly. Vincenzo left first, followed by Father, who walked out without another word. Rico stood in the doorway, turning back to look at me. Our eyes locked, and in that moment, I saw everything he was planning. Every scheme, every manipulation, every move he'd make to take what was mine."May the best man win, brother." His smile was cold, calculated."Get out."He laughed and disappeared down the corridor. But Valentina remained, standing near the window with that infuriating smile still on her face."You should leave too." I kept my voice flat, emotionless."Should I?" She moved closer, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. "I thought we might have a little chat first, for old times' sake.""We have nothing to talk about.""Don't we? I think we have quite a lot to discuss." Her gaze shifted to Isabella, who stood beside me, tense and alert. "Especially now that I'll be living here. We'll be seeing each other every day.""I'm on to your pl