The game is no longer just about controlling her family’s legacy, it’s about survival.

 She can't predict how Roberto will react when he realizes she's fully aware of his betrayal. She doesn't know if Vito will side with her, or if he will take matters into his own hands.

A soft knock at the door brings her out of her spiraling thoughts.

"Enter," she calls, her voice far steadier than she feels, Maria steps into the room, her expression unreadable, Bella doesn't know what to say.

Finally, Maria breaks the silence. "You've made your choice."

Bella nods. There's no point in pretending otherwise. "I have."

Maria's voice softens. "You know the risks."

"I've known them all along," Bella replies, though she feels the sting of her own words. She's lied to herself for so long, told herself she was safe within the walls of the mansion. But there's no safety anymore. Not from Roberto. Not from her father. Not from anyone.

"What now?" Maria asks, her gaze never leaving Bella.

Bella stands and walks toward the window. She gazes out at the sprawling city before her, the same city that has been both her prison and her domain. But today, it feels different. She's not just a player anymore. She's a force, whether she's ready for it or not.

"I wait," Bella says, her voice cold. "For the right moment."

Maria watches her, a quiet understanding passing between them. "You're playing a dangerous game."

"I know," Bella admits, turning to face her. "But it's the only game left to play."

Before Maria can respond, there's a sudden knock at the door, this time more urgent. Bella's heart skips a beat.

"Come in," she says, her voice sharp.

The door opens to reveal Vito, his face grim. His usual confidence has been replaced by something darker, something raw. Bella's pulse quickens as he steps into the room, closing the door behind him. 

Vito doesn't waste time with pleasantries. "We need to talk." Bella doesn't move, but she feels the weight of his presence. "About what?"

"About Roberto," Vito says, his voice low. "It's not just a betrayal anymore. I've learned more. He's making moves, Bella. Dangerous ones. And it's not just him anymore, there are others involved."

Bella feels a chill run down her spine. "Others?"

Vito nods. "Other families. Rival cartels. And they've made a deal with Roberto. One that could tear us all apart."

Bella's mind races, every word from Vito sinking deeper into her chest like a stone. She's barely able to process it all, Roberto's betrayal, the web of alliances, the new enemies who have emerged from the shadows. Her instincts tell her this is bigger than she realized.

"How bad is it?" Bella asks, her voice barely above a whisper. Vito hesitates for a moment before speaking, his eyes meeting hers with a dark intensity. "Bad enough that it could bring everything crashing down. And if we don't act fast, it's not just your marriage that's in danger. It's your entire family's empire."

The words hit her like a punch to the gut. Everything they've built, the legacy, the bloodshed, the years of power,could be destroyed in an instant. Roberto's betrayal was just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath it, a storm is gathering, and it's coming for them all.

Bella stands silently for a moment, the weight of Vito's words settling over her. She knows what she has to do. The game is no longer just about controlling her family's legacy. It's about survival.

"Do what you have to do," she says, her voice cold and determined. "But don't forget who you're doing it for."

Vito nods, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "Don't worry, Bella. I won't forget."

He turns and leaves the room, leaving Bella standing alone, the reality of the situation sinking in. The storm is closer than ever. And now, it's all or nothing.