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"Boss," Marco said as he entered, his face grim. "We've got a problem."

Roberto's jaw clenched. "What is it now?"

Marco stepped closer, lowering his voice. "It's Sofia. She's been meeting with people behind your back, people tied to Bella."

Roberto's eyes flicked toward Marco, sharp and dangerous. "You're sure?"

Marco nodded, his expression serious. "She's been playing both sides. I've had her watched for the last few days. She's making moves, Roberto. And if we don't act, it could be the end of everything."

A cold fury settled in Roberto's chest. Sofia, the woman who had been whispering in his ear, feeding his ambition, pushing him to betray Bella, was playing him. He had suspected it for some time, but hearing it confirmed made the betrayal burn all the more.

"I should have seen it," Roberto muttered, his voice laced with anger. "She's been manipulating me this whole time."

Marco shifted uncomfortably. "What do you want to do, boss? If we move on her now, it could complicate things with Bella."

Roberto's eyes darkened. "We deal with Sofia quietly. No one else needs to know about her betrayal until I'm ready. Bella is still my wife, and that makes her dangerous. But Sofia? She's expendable."

Marco nodded but didn't seem entirely convinced. "Just be careful. If Bella's involved, this could be part of a bigger plan. She's not the same woman she was when you married her."

Roberto didn't respond right away. He knew that all too well. Bella had changed, evolved into something formidable. It had once made him proud, but now, it filled him with unease. She was unpredictable, and unpredictability in this world meant danger.

"We'll deal with it," Roberto said finally, his voice cold. "One piece at a time."

That evening, Sofia stood at the window of her apartment, a glass of wine in her hand. The city lights twinkled below, but her mind was far from the beauty of the view. She had made dangerous choices, aligned herself with both Bella and Roberto, playing them against each other. But now, the game was closing in on her.

She had known the risks. But it was the thrill of power, of being the one pulling the strings, that had driven her. Now, though, the walls were closing in.

A knock at the door startled her. She hadn't been expecting anyone. Her heart raced as she moved to answer it, her mind racing with possibilities. Was it Bella? Had Roberto sent someone?She opened the door cautiously, and there stood Marco, his face hard as stone.

"What are you doing here?" Sofia asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

Marco didn't answer right away. He stepped inside, closing the door behind him with a quiet finality.

"Sofia," he said, his voice low, "we need to talk."

Sofia's heart pounded in her chest. She knew what was coming. "What's this about, Marco?"

Marco's eyes met hers, cold and unyielding. "It's about your future. And whether or not you still have one."

Sofia's breath hitched. The game she had been playing so carefully was crumbling before her eyes. But she wasn't ready to give up just yet.

"I can fix this," she said quickly, her mind racing for a solution. "I can still be useful to Roberto."

Marco shook his head slowly. "It's too late for that. You've crossed too many lines."

Sofia swallowed hard, her pulse racing. "Then why are you here?"

Marco's expression didn't change. "Roberto wanted me to give you a choice. You can disappear quietly, or"

Sofia's eyes flashed with fear. "Or what?"Marco didn't answer. He didn't have to.

 

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