Roberto's biggest weakness

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Bella tensed immediately, her hand instinctively going to the gun tucked at her waist. She wasn't expecting anyone, and Vito was out scouting their next move.

The knock came again, louder this time.

Bella moved toward the door cautiously. "Who is it?" she demanded, her voice steady despite the flutter of anxiety rising in her chest.

"It's me," came the familiar voice.

Her heart skipped. She knew that voice.

Sofia.

Bella's grip on the door tightened, and for a moment, she hesitated. What was Sofia doing here? Her thoughts flashed back to the last time she had seen her, draped over Roberto like she owned him. The anger surged back to the surface.

She opened the door slowly, revealing Sofia standing on the threshold, her face unreadable. Her sharp eyes met Bella's, and there was a moment of silence between them, thick with unspoken animosity.

"Bella," Sofia said smoothly, her tone almost too calm. "We need to talk."

Bella stepped aside, letting Sofia enter. The air between them crackled with tension as Bella shut the door, her eyes never leaving Sofia.

"I don't know what you could possibly have to say to me," Bella said, her voice cold. "Unless you're here to apologize for ruining my marriage."

Sofia's lips curved into a faint smile, one that didn't reach her eyes. "I didn't ruin your marriage, Bella. Roberto made his own choices. You of all people should know that."

Bella's jaw clenched. She wanted to strike back, to unleash all the fury she felt toward this woman who had taken everything from her. But she kept her composure, her mind already calculating. Sofia wasn't here for a petty argument. She had a reason for coming.

"What do you want?" Bella asked, cutting to the chase.

Sofia's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "I'm here because you and I both know this war is reaching its tipping point. Roberto's not going to back down. And neither will you. But there's something you need to understand."

Bella crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering. "And what's that?"

Sofia took a step closer, her voice lowering. "Roberto has weaknesses, Bella. Weaknesses that only I know about. And if you want to win this war, you're going to need me."

Bella's eyes narrowed. "Why would I ever trust you? You're the reason we're in this mess."

Sofia's eyes gleamed with something dangerous. "I'm the reason Roberto's still standing. But he's playing a dangerous game, and he's made the mistake of thinking he can control me. He can't."

Bella's mind raced as she studied Sofia. This wasn't the same woman who had simply been Roberto's lover. There was something more at play here, something that went deeper than infidelity.

"What's your angle?" Bella asked sharply. "Why would you turn against him now?"

Sofia's lips curled into a smirk. "Roberto thought he could use me for his own gain. But I have my own ambitions. I've been playing this game longer than you realize, Bella. And now, I'm offering you a chance to end this on your terms."

Bella's stomach twisted with suspicion, but a part of her couldn't deny that Sofia's offer intrigued her. She had been looking for a way to dismantle Roberto's empire, and here was Sofia, offering her the inside track. But the question remained, could she trust her?

"I'm not stupid, Sofia," Bella said, her voice sharp. "You want something out of this. What's in it for you?"

Sofia's smirk grew wider. "When Roberto falls, there will be a power vacuum. I intend to fill it. But I can't do that alone. We both want the same thing—to bring Roberto down. You'll get your revenge, and I'll get my seat at the table."

Bella's eyes narrowed as she processed Sofia's words. It was a dangerous proposition, and one that could easily backfire. But if Sofia was telling the truth, this could be the key to finally ending the war.

Still, the idea of aligning herself with the very woman who had betrayed her left a bitter taste in Bella's mouth.

"And what makes you think I won't just kill you right here?" Bella asked, her voice ice cold.

Sofia's smile never wavered. "Because you know that without me, you'll never take Roberto down. I have information that you need. And you're smart enough to realize that."

Bella stared at her, weighing her options. Sofia was right about one thing, this war had reached a point where any advantage could tip the balance. And if Sofia truly had the knowledge she claimed, it could be the edge Bella needed.

But trusting Sofia? That would require a leap of faith she wasn't sure she could make.

After a long moment, Bella spoke. "Tell me everything."

Sofia's smile widened, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. She leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Roberto's biggest weakness is you."

Bella's heart skipped a bit as Sofia's words hung in the air. There was no turning back now. The final move in this deadly game was about to be played, and Bella had just made her choice.

The alliance had been forged.