Chapter 23:A Past That Won't Stay Buried

The silence between them stretched, thick with everything unsaid.

Isla should have walked away.

Should have left the room before Alessandro could dismantle her defenses even further.

But she didn't.

Because a part of her—one she refused to acknowledge—wanted to hear what he would say next.

Would he tell her last night meant something? Would he try to convince her that this was more than just a contract?

But Alessandro wasn't the type to hand over emotions so easily.

Instead, he did what he always did.

He studied her. Measured her reaction. Calculated his next move.

And then—

A knock at the door shattered the moment.

Alessandro's expression darkened. He turned toward the door, his posture shifting—tense, alert.

Whoever was on the other side hadn't waited for permission.

Because a second later, the door swung open.

And standing there, looking entirely too self-satisfied, was Valeria.

Isla's stomach twisted.

Alessandro's entire body went rigid, his jaw ticking as he crossed the room in two powerful strides. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Valeria stepped inside, her eyes flicking between them with amusement. "I thought I'd drop by for a friendly visit."

Isla tightened the silk robe around herself, feeling exposed under Valeria's sharp gaze.

"Doesn't seem very friendly to barge in uninvited," she said coolly.

Valeria's lips curved. "Oh, sweetheart, I have no interest in your little territorial display." Her gaze slid to Alessandro. "I came to warn your husband."

A chill ran down Isla's spine.

Alessandro's face was unreadable, but there was something lethal brewing beneath his calm exterior. "Warn me about what?"

Valeria sighed dramatically. "You've made enemies, amore. And one of them is getting bold."

Isla frowned. "What does that mean?"

Valeria glanced at her before turning back to Alessandro. "You'll find out soon enough. Just thought you should be prepared."

Alessandro exhaled through his nose, his patience thinning. "If you have something useful to say, say it."

Valeria smirked. "Let's just say… someone doesn't believe your little marriage is real."

Isla's pulse jumped.

Valeria continued, circling the room like a predator playing with its prey. "And they've taken an interest in your wife."

A cold weight settled in Isla's stomach.

Before she could respond, Alessandro moved.

In an instant, he was in front of Valeria, his voice low, controlled. "Who?"

Valeria smiled, tilting her head. "Now, where would the fun be in telling you outright?"

Alessandro's jaw tightened, but his voice remained eerily calm. "Get out."

Valeria chuckled. "So touchy." She glanced at Isla once more before turning to leave. "Enjoy your honeymoon phase while it lasts."

And with that, she was gone.

The room was silent.

But the damage had been done.

Isla exhaled, trying to process what just happened. "What was that about?"

Alessandro didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he turned toward her, his dark eyes filled with something new.

Something dangerous.

"Pack your things," he murmured.

Isla blinked. "Excuse me?"

He stepped closer, his voice lower, more lethal. "You're not safe here."

Her heart pounded. "Alessandro—"

"You're coming with me," he interrupted. "Now."

She opened her mouth to argue.

But the look in his eyes stopped her.

This wasn't about control. This wasn't about winning.

This was real.

Something was coming.

And for the first time, Isla realized—

She might not just be playing Alessandro's game anymore.

She might be a pawn in someone else's.

And she had no idea how to stop it.