A Dangerous Gamble

Dante's Underground Club – After the Encounter

Belle's mind raced as she sipped the expensive red wine Dante had placed in her hand.

Giovanni was suspicious.

She could feel his gaze on her even as he walked away, could sense his thoughts spinning, trying to place where he had seen her before.

And Dante—

Dante had noticed everything.

"You're tense, Elena."

Belle forced a lazy smile, turning to Dante. "You do have that effect on people."

Dante chuckled, his fingers trailing along the stem of his own glass. He was watching her. Testing her.

Belle took a slow breath.

She had two choices.

Kill Giovanni before he figured out the truth.

Or—

Manipulate him into silence.

She couldn't be reckless. Not with Dante this close.

So she had to play this smart.

"I need a moment," she said softly, leaning into Dante as if she were seeking comfort.

Dante studied her, then nodded. "Don't wander too far, cuore mio."

Belle smiled, brushing a soft kiss against his jaw before slipping away.

---

Private Lounge – Giovanni Russo

Giovanni sat in the dimly lit lounge, swirling his drink in his glass.

Belle stepped inside, closing the door behind her.

His eyes flicked up. Sharp. Calculating.

"I thought you looked familiar," he murmured.

Belle tilted her head. "Is that so?"

Giovanni leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "I knew your father."

Belle didn't blink.

"Did you?"

"He was a powerful man," Giovanni continued. "Feared. Respected. Until he wasn't."

Belle's stomach burned with quiet fury. Giovanni had betrayed her family.

But she didn't let it show.

Instead, she stepped closer, placing her hands on the table, leaning just enough to let him feel the weight of her presence.

"And yet, you're the one still kneeling to men like Dante Castellano," she murmured.

Giovanni stilled.

His lips curled. "You have your father's tongue, girl."

Belle smirked. "And his mind."

Giovanni exhaled, sitting back. "What do you want?"

Belle tapped a single finger against the table. "I want your silence."

Giovanni raised a brow. "And if I refuse?"

Belle leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"Then you'll regret it."

Giovanni watched her for a long moment.

Then—he laughed.

A deep, knowing sound.

"You're dangerous," he said. "Just like your father."

Belle smiled. "Then you already know what happens to those who cross me."

Giovanni chuckled again, but there was something darker in his eyes now.

"You want my silence? Fine. But silence has a price, Elena Romano."

Belle's blood turned to ice.

He had figured it out.

And now—

He had power over her.