Walking the Knife's Edge

Castellano Estate – The Next Day

Belle sat on the edge of the bed, staring at her reflection in the mirror.

She had survived last night.

Barely.

Dante had let her walk away—but that didn't mean she was safe. Not yet.

And Giovanni?

He would know she failed.

Her phone vibrated. A message.

Giovanni: You disobeyed me, princess. That's disappointing.

Belle's pulse spiked.

A second message came through.

Giovanni: Meet me at the docks. Midnight. Alone.

Belle exhaled sharply.

This wasn't just a meeting. This was a warning.

And she had no choice but to face it.

---

Dante's Office – Afternoon

Belle stepped inside, her heart hammering.

Dante was behind his desk, dressed in black, swirling a glass of whiskey.

When he looked up, his gaze was unreadable.

"You're quiet today," he murmured.

Belle forced a small smile. "Didn't get much sleep."

Dante leaned back, studying her.

Then—he smirked.

"You're hiding something, Elena."

Belle's breath caught. Did he know?

Dante stood, closing the distance between them.

"Tell me, sweetheart," he murmured, tilting her chin up. "Are you still loyal to me?"

Belle forced herself to meet his gaze.

"Of course."

Dante chuckled. "Then prove it."

Belle's stomach tightened. "How?"

Dante's smirk didn't fade.

"We're paying Giovanni a visit tonight."

Belle froze.

He knew.

He was testing her.

And now, she had to make an impossible choice.

Warn Giovanni—or let Dante walk into a trap?

Either way, someone was going to die tonight.

And it might be her.