Drastic Steps Continued.

Roberto stood in front of the large mirror in his office, adjusting the cuff-links of his tailored suit, but his mind was elsewhere. Sofia was gone. Marco had delivered the news last night, and though Roberto had expected it, the loss still stung. Sofia had been a pawn, yes, but she had been useful. She had fueled his ambitions, whispered in his ear when he needed it most.

But now, with her gone, the game had shifted yet again. And Bella, his wife, the woman he had vowed to protect, was now his greatest threat.

The phone on his desk buzzed, and without breaking his reflection in the mirror, he reached for it.

"Roberto," Marco's voice was steady but carried an edge of tension.

"What is it?" Roberto asked.

"Bella wants to meet," Marco said, his voice low. "She's on her way to the penthouse now."

Roberto froze for a moment, his thoughts racing. Bella coming here, to his fortress, was a bold move. They had been circling each other for weeks now, neither willing to make the first move. But if she was coming to him, it meant something had changed.

"Let her in," Roberto said, his voice hardening. "I'll handle it."

He ended the call and stared at himself in the mirror again. His reflection seemed to mock him, as if daring him to admit that things were spiraling out of his control. But he wouldn't. He couldn't.