The Test

Virello Estate – The Morning of the Club Visit

Belle sat in front of the vanity mirror, staring at her reflection. Tonight, Dante would test her.

She knew what he wanted—to see if she could handle his world.

A world of blood, power, and crime.

She needed to be ready.

A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. She knew who it was before she even turned.

"Come in, Luca."

The door opened, and Luca stepped inside, shutting it behind him. His usual smirk was absent. Instead, his gaze was sharp, serious.

"I should've thrown you over the estate wall when I had the chance," he muttered, crossing his arms.

Belle let out a short laugh. "Wouldn't have stopped me."

Luca sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Dante doesn't test just anyone. He's suspicious, Bella."

Belle met his gaze. "I know."

"Then you know what you have to do?"

Belle hesitated. Luca was testing her now, too.

She lifted her chin. "I have to pass."

Luca exhaled. "You have to survive."

Belle swallowed. Same thing.

"Do you even know what he'll expect from you tonight?" Luca asked.

Belle had an idea. Dante would push her. He would throw her into the dark, violent world of the mafia and watch to see if she flinched.

"Tell me everything," she said.

Luca hesitated. Then, finally, he spoke.

"It's an underground club, but it's more than that. It's where deals are made, alliances are tested. People gamble with more than just money."

Belle's fingers tightened on her lap.

"And Dante?" she asked.

Luca's gaze darkened. "He won't go easy on you. If he hands you a gun, you take it. If he tells you to sit on his lap while he makes a deal, you do it. If he asks you to prove your loyalty—" Luca's voice lowered, "you don't hesitate."

Belle's heart pounded.

This wasn't just a test.

It was a trap.

"And if I fail?" she whispered.

Luca's jaw clenched. "Then you won't be walking out of there."

Silence stretched between them.

Then, slowly, Belle stood.

"Then I won't fail."

Luca cursed under his breath. "You don't have to do this, Bella."

"Yes, I do."

Because Dante wasn't just testing her.

He was underestimating her.

And tonight, she would prove that she wasn't just playing his game.

She was ready to win it.

---

That Night – Dante's Underground Club

The moment Belle stepped inside, she felt it.

The air was thick with power and danger.

Men in tailored suits and women in shimmering dresses filled the dimly lit space. Some sat at poker tables with stacks of money and guns on the table. Others leaned in dark corners, whispering about deals that could change the city.

And at the center of it all—

Dante Castellano.

Seated on a throne-like leather chair, a drink in his hand, he looked like he owned the world.

Because he did.

His eyes found hers instantly.

He smirked.

Then—he lifted a hand and beckoned her forward.

Belle's heart pounded, but she kept her steps steady.

The test had begun.