Chapter 5 - THE MISTRESS WHO WAS SENT TO DISTRACT ME
Valentina Russo had been part of the plan.
The words settled into my chest like stones.
For nine months, she'd smiled at me across candlelit tables.
Told me I deserved someone who understood my responsibilities.
Complained that Isabella was too serious.
Too demanding.
Too interested in old family business.
And every time my wife asked for my attention, Valentina found a reason to need me.
Now I knew why.
At least partly.
I met Valentina the following morning in Rebecca's office.
No private penthouse.
No expensive champagne.
No secret promises.
Two attorneys were present.
Valentina looked exhausted.
Her eyes were red.
She wore a simple black coat instead of the designer dresses she'd favored when we were together.
"Dante."
I didn't answer immediately.
Then I asked, "How much did your father pay you?"
She closed her eyes.
"Nothing."
I stared.
"He threatened to cut me off if I refused."
"That doesn't make you innocent."
"I know."
Her voice broke.
"I was supposed to keep you busy while his people searched for Lucia."
"And the affair?"
She looked down.
"I didn't expect it to become that."
I felt disgusted.
Not only with her.
With myself.
I'd been so eager to believe I deserved excitement outside my marriage that I'd ignored every warning.
Valentina continued.
"My father knew Isabella was investigating the old medical foundation."
"Why?"
"Because she found documents connected to Lucia."
I leaned forward.
"Then why bring me into it?"
"Because he believed Isabella would eventually tell you."
I laughed bitterly.
"He didn't need to worry."
Valentina looked up.
"What?"
"I stopped listening to my wife long before you appeared."
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then she whispered, "I'm sorry."
I shook my head.
"Isabella is the person who deserves that apology."
Valentina nodded.
Her attorney placed a folder on the table.
Inside were copies of messages from Carlo Russo.
Orders.
Threats.
Instructions to monitor Isabella's movements.
And evidence that several companies connected to Saint Catherine's had been used to divert charitable funds.
But one message stood out.
Carlo had written:
IF THE DONNA FINDS THE GIRL, MOVE BOTH BEFORE DANTE RETURNS.
My chest tightened.
"They planned to take Isabella."
Valentina nodded.
"Yes."
"Did you know?"
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
"Not until last week."
I stared at her.
"And you stayed silent?"
She lowered her head.
"I was afraid."
For the first time, I saw how fear had shaped everyone around me.
Some people used it as a weapon.
Others obeyed because they believed they had no choice.
But fear didn't erase responsibility.
I took a slow breath.
"Give investigators everything."
"I will."
Then Valentina said something unexpected.
"Your wife knew about me months ago."
I nodded.
"Obviously."
"No, Dante. She knew why my father sent me."
I froze.
"How?"
Valentina wiped her cheeks.
"She found the messages."
I stared.
"Then why didn't she confront him?"
"Because she was using me."
My stomach tightened.
"What?"
Valentina looked directly at me.
"Every time I kept you away from the mansion, Isabella used the time to collect evidence."
For several seconds, I couldn't speak.
My wife had turned my betrayal into an opportunity to expose the conspiracy.
Then Valentina delivered the final blow.
"Isabella wasn't running when she left."
I leaned forward.
"What was she doing?"
Valentina swallowed.
"She was going to testify."
And according to Carlo's messages, the hearing was scheduled for the following morning.
Under a name I hadn't heard in eleven years.
Isabella Romano.
May you like
Her maiden name.
The name she was finally ready to reclaim.
