CHAPTER 6: KNIVES IN SILK

Luca Moretti lived in a loft draped in indulgence-glass walls, imported marble, and abstract paintings that screamed wealth over taste. But beneath the luxury, Isabella knew what this place really was:

A golden cage for a snake.

She stepped off the elevator and found him exactly where she expected-lounging on a velvet chaise, phone in one hand, glass of amaro in the other.

"Bella," Luca purred, not bothering to stand. " I was wondering how long it would take you to crawl out of hiding."

"I wasn't hiding," she said coolly." I was watching."

His smirk faltered.

"Watching what?"

"How quickly you'd forget Matteo."

Luca rose slowly. " Careful, cousin. That sounds like an accusation."

"Not yet," she said. "But it might be."

He came closer, and the false warmth in his eyes faded.

"You shouldn't be here," he said softly. "This game you're playing-it's dangerous. People are whispering your name in all the wrong rooms."

"Let them whisper," she said. I want to know what they say when they think I'm not listening."

Luca tilted his head, studying her. "Matteo always talked too much. He had drams. Soft ones."

"He had plans," Isabella snapped. "And someone killed him for it."

His smile was sharp now. "And you think it was me?"

She didn't answer.

"Isabella," he said, circling her like a predator in a tailored suit. "I've always protected you. You were the fire he couldn't handle. Don't burn yourself trying to avenge a brother who got caught in the wrong game."

She turned to face him fully.

"He was family."

"So am I."

The room went still.

Then, gently, he leaned in. "If you really want answers, look closer to home. Not at me. At him."

Isabella froze.

"Him?"

"Nico DeLuca." Luca's smile curled like smoke. "The man who showed up just after Matteo died. The man Father trusts too much. The one who's suddenly so protected of you."

She didn't flinch-but inside, a thread tugged loose.

"Why would Nico kill Matteo?" she asked.

Luca shrugged. "Maybe he was tying off loose ends. Maybe he as promised more than protection detail."

A pause. Then he added softly: "Maybe he's not here to save you. Maybe he's here to keep you quiet."

Isabella's eyes narrowed. "You've always hated Nico."

"And you're always trusted too easily."

She trusted to leave.

"Be careful, Isabella, "Luca called after her. "You're not the only one who knows how to wear silk over a blade."

Outside, in the cold morning air, Isabella stood still for a moment, her thoughts racing.

She didn't not believe him, either.

Because secrets had a way of hiding behind the people who swore to protect you.

And now, for the first time since Matteo died, she wasn't sure if Nico was her shield-

-or her executioner.