Chapter Ten

Antonio Romano rarely left an event early. If he attended, it was either for business or out of obligation, and he always made sure to play his part. But tonight was different.

The moment he saw Isabella speaking with Jasmine, something in his chest tightened—a sensation he didn't particularly enjoy. He hadn't spoken to Isabella in years, and their sudden encounter at the gathering wasn't a coincidence. He knew that much.

So, he had left. Not out of fear, but out of necessity. There were bigger matters demanding his attention, ones he couldn't afford to ignore.

By the time he slid into the backseat of his Rolls-Royce, Vincent Mars, his loyal assistant, was already waiting with his usual efficiency.

"She's been trying to contact you all evening," Vincent said as the car pulled away from the event.

Antonio loosened his tie, exhaling slowly. "I figured."

Vincent handed him a phone. "She's expecting you."

Antonio didn't immediately call back. Instead, he stared out the tinted window, watching the city lights blur past.

There were only a few people in his life who could demand his attention, and unfortunately, one of them was the woman waiting for his response.

Finally, he dialed the number.

It rang twice before a voice came through, sharp and unwavering.

"You took your time," the woman said.

Antonio's lips pressed into a thin line. "I was occupied."

A scoff. "Of course you were. But you do realize we have a situation, don't you?"

Antonio leaned back in his seat. "I wouldn't be calling if I didn't."

There was a pause before she continued. "He's moving faster than we expected. If we don't act soon, you know what's going to happen."

Antonio's jaw tightened. He did know. And he didn't like it.

"Where is he now?"

"Still in the city. But not for long. We need to intercept before he disappears again."

Antonio tapped his fingers against his knee, his mind calculating the next steps. He had known this was coming. He had prepared for it.

"Send me the location," he said.

"Already did."

The call ended, and Antonio handed the phone back to Vincent.

"Do I need to call Damien?" Vincent asked.

Antonio considered it before shaking his head. "Not yet. I want to handle this myself."

Vincent didn't argue, just nodded and relayed new instructions to the driver.

As the car changed course, Antonio finally allowed himself a moment to think—not about business, not about the situation at hand, but about Jasmine.

He had seen the way she looked at Isabella, the way she had tried to mask her reaction. He had no doubt Isabella had left her with more questions than answers.

And whether Jasmine realized it or not, she was already being pulled into a world she didn't belong to.

A world Antonio had been trying—unsuccessfully—to keep her away from.

But it might already be too late for that.

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