Bella or me. Family or power. Time is ticking.

"You're late. But I understand. Things are, complicated."

Tonight, he's supposed to meet Sofia for another clandestine rendezvous.

The kind of meeting that feeds his need for power, for control.

Roberto sits across from her, his posture stiff.

"Roberto," she says softly, her voice low and intimate.

"What's going on? Why did you call me here?"

Sofia leans forward, her fingers brushing against the rim of her glass.

"You need to understand that this isn't just about you anymore. It's about your empire, your legacy. Bella's starting to see you for what you really are, weak. And she'll take everything you've built."

Roberto clenches his jaw, but there's a flicker of doubt in his eyes.

"You don't know her. She won't do anything."

Sofia's laugh is low, dangerous.

"She already is, Roberto. She's already talking to her father, planning her next move. She knows about us, about your affair. She's gathering allies. The game is changing, and you're still stuck in the past, playing the loyal husband."

The words hit him harder than he wants to admit.

He knows Sofia is playing him, but there's truth in her words.

Bella's quiet strength is something he can't ignore.

And if she really is planning to turn her father against him, everything he's worked for is at risk.

"I didn't come here to be lectured," he snaps, his patience wearing thin. "What do you want from me, Sofia?"

She smiles, that predatory gleam flashing in her eyes.

"I want you to make a choice. A real choice.

"Bella or me. Family or power. But don't wait too long. The clock is ticking."