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I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. “They serve their purpose.”
Raffaele’s smile widened, but it didn’t reach his eyes. He took another step closer, his presence imposing, though he kept his tone light. “You know, I’ve always admired how well you’ve adapted to this life, Sofia. It’s not easy, stepping into a world like ours. Especially not with a man like Massimo. He can be… intense.”
I felt a prickle of unease at his words, the way he spoke Massimo’s name with that subtle edge of disdain. I knew he was testing me, trying to gauge my reaction, to see if there was any truth to the rift we had just staged.
“I’ve learned a lot,” I replied carefully, not giving him anything to latch onto.
Raffaele chuckled softly, his gaze never leaving mine. “Our world is a complicated one, but sometimes, even the best of us can lose sight of what really matters.”
I raised an eyebrow, feigning curiosity. “And what do you think really matters,SignoreMoretti?”
He smiled, a slow, predatory smile that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. “Loyalty,” he said simply. “In our world, loyalty is everything. It’s the foundation upon which everything else is built. Without it, even the strongest alliances crumble.”
I nodded slowly, trying to keep my breathing steady. “I agree.”
His eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to see through the veneer of calm I was projecting. “Then you’ll understand how important it is to ensure that loyalty is always rewarded… and betrayal is swiftly dealt with.”
There it was—a veiled threat, wrapped in a pleasant tone and a charming smile. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to maintain my composure. “Of course,” I said evenly. “Loyalty is everything.”
Raffaele’s smile softened, and he reached out to gently touch my arm, a gesture that felt far too intimate given the circumstances. “I’m glad we see eye to eye, Sofia. It’s good to know there are still those who understand the importance of such things.”
I resisted the urge to pull away from his touch, instead offering a small, polite smile. “I’m sure you’ll find that we have more in common than you think.”
He chuckled softly, as if amused by my response. “Perhaps. I hope we’ll have the opportunity to get to know each other better in the future.”
I nodded, forcing the smile to stay on my lips. “I’m sure we will.”
He released my arm, his eyes lingering on mine for a moment longer before he took a step back, his expression returning to that smooth, unreadable mask.
“Enjoy the rest of your evening, Sofia,” he said, his voice cordial but with an undertone that sent a chill down my spine.
“Thank you,SignoreMoretti,” I replied, inclining my head slightly before turning to leave.
As I walked away, I could feel his eyes on me, watching, calculating. I had just been in the presence of a man who could smile and charm his way through any situation, but beneath that veneer was a ruthless predator, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
Raffaele thought he could manipulate me, use me to get to Massimo. But he was about to learn just how wrong he was.
I quickened my pace, leaving the room and heading down the hallway toward the private lounge where I knew Massimo would be waiting. This was far from over, and the stakes were higher than ever. But I was ready.
We were ready.
And Raffaele had no idea what was coming for him.
As soon as I reached the lounge, I pushed open the heavy wooden door and slipped inside, the thick carpet muffling the sound of my heels. The room was spacious, elegantly furnished,with soft leather chairs and a large fireplace with a fire that crackled softly in the corner. The curtains were drawn, shutting out the noise and chaos from the event outside.
Massimo was already there, standing by the fireplace with his back to me, one hand holding a glass of whiskey. He turned as he heard me enter, his dark eyes locking onto mine, his expression unreadable.
“Well?” he asked, his voice low, measured. “How did it go?”
I smiled in his direction and crossed the room to stand in front of him.
“Raffaele stopped me before I could leave,” I said quietly. “He was… cordial, friendly even, but there was something else. He was trying to get a read on me, to see if there’s any truth to the rather public rift between us.”
Massimo’s jaw tightened slightly, his eyes narrowing. “What did he say?”
“He talked about loyalty,” I replied, my voice steady. “How important it is in our world, and how quickly betrayal is dealt with. It was a threat but veiled in polite words. He’s trying to figure out where I stand.”
Massimo’s expression darkened, his grip on the glass tightening. “He’s testing us.”