Once enemies, now allies.

Roberto's biggest weakness was her. She had always known that her connection to him was powerful, but to use it as a weapon in this war felt like betrayal in its purest form.

Sofia watched Bella intently. Bella's fingers curled into fists. She despised the woman standing before her, but she couldn't deny the advantage Sofia presented. If she was telling the truth, this was the break Bella had been waiting for.

"Explain," Bella said, her voice low but commanding.

"You and Roberto have a history, one that he can't just erase. Despite everything, you still have a hold over him, whether he admits it or not. He thinks he can separate his personal life from business, but he can't. You're the one thing that keeps him focused."

Bella's chest tightened at the thought. There was still a part of her that wanted to believe Roberto cared, that deep down, he hadn't completely let go of the love they once shared. But that was a dangerous fantasy, one that could cost her everything.

"And you want me to use that against him?" Bella asked, her tone skeptical.

Sofia's eyes gleamed. "Exactly. He won't see it coming, Bella. He's too focused on the war, on maintaining control over his empire. He thinks he has you under his thumb, that you're still playing by the rules. But if you turn the tables, if you get close to him again… you can destroy him from the inside."

But the risk was enormous. One wrong step, and Roberto would see through her. And if he did, he wouldn't hesitate to eliminate her.

Bella's jaw tightened. "And what's your role in all of this?"

Sofia's smirk widened. "I'll handle the business side of things. Roberto's attention will be on you, and while he's distracted, I'll move in on his territory. We'll split his empire, what's left of it, anyway. You get your revenge, I get my power. It's a win-win."

Bella couldn't help but feel a chill run down her spine at Sofia's calm, almost mechanical approach to dismantling Roberto's life. She was ruthless, calculating. And yet, in some twisted way, they were on the same side.

Bella took a deep breath, her mind made up. What was left to lose?

"Fine," Bella said, her voice steady. "I'll play your game. But if you cross me, Sofia, if you even think about betraying me, I'll kill you myself."

Sofia's eyes flashed with amusement. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

The deal was struck. Bella and Sofia, once enemies, were now allies in a dangerous game of deceit and manipulation. Together, they would take Roberto down. Sofia wasn't someone to be trusted. And when the time came, Bella would have to be ready for whatever double-cross Sofia had planned.

For now, though, they had a common goal, Roberto's downfall.