Chapter 8:Shadow Of Betrayal

Alexandro's Pov:

Alexandro's eyes narrowed as he paced back and forth in his office. Where had Sofia gone? And more importantly why had Mattia done this?

A storm of frustration churned inside him. How could Mattia his closest ally go behind his back?

His thoughts circled restlessly until they landed on the last serious conversation they had shared.

(Flashback)

Mattia stepped into the study, and Alexandro looked up from the papers on his desk. "Mattia, what can I do for you?" His tone remained even.

Mattia took a breath, steady and deliberate. "Alexandro, I wanted to talk to you about Sofia," he said with conviction.

Alexandro's eyes sharpened. "What about her?" His voice held a weight, a trace of something possessive, even if he didn't fully understand why.

"The ceremony is over, Alexandro," Mattia said. "She's done her part. I think it's time to let her go."

Alexandro leaned back in his chair, lacing his fingers together. His gaze held steady. "And why should I do that, Mattia?"

"Sofia is her own person," Mattia replied calmly. Sofia has her own goals and life. She has experienced more than most people realize. I just think she deserves peace."

Alexandro tilted his head, studying him. "Mattia you are very concerned about her, aren't you?"

Mattia hesitated, then said, "I just think it's the right thing to do. Letting her go would show a different side of you. It would mean something."

Alexandro met his gaze. "You're asking me to offer leniency, Mattia. What makes you think that's in my nature?"

"Because I've seen enough of you to know there's more beneath the surface," Mattia replied. "You're not just what people assume. I believe you're capable of understanding capable of choosing differently."

Alexandro was quiet for a moment. No one had ever spoken to him in such a way before. Though he maintained an unreadable expression, something flickered inside of him.

"I will think about it," he said at last. "But only under one condition that you reciprocate and give me something. too"

Mattia looked cautious. "What do you want?"

"I want you to stay close to Sofia," Alexandro said slowly. "Make sure she stays out of trouble. In return, I will consider letting her go."

Mattia gave a single nod. "Alright. But promise me this once I've done my part, you will keep your word. No delays. No conditions."

Alexandro paused, then nodded. "I promise. When you've done your part, I'll let her go."

Without another word, Mattia turned and left the study.

End of Flashback

Even now, replaying the moment, Alexandro searched for any trace of deception but there had been none. Mattia had seemed steady and sincere.

Yet an unease crept into his chest. If Mattia could turn... who else might be hiding things?

A knock interrupted his thoughts. One of his men entered, face drawn.

"What is it?" Alexandro asked, voice tight.

"We have a report. Sofia and Mattia were seen at a small hotel on the outskirts."

Alexandro's eyes darkened. "Assemble a team," he said coldly. "We're bringing them back."

The man nodded and left.

Alexandro stood still, the weight of his emotions pressing in. How could they do this? Mattia had been like family. And Sofia… Sofia was different.

But now?

He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. He couldn't afford hesitation. He needed clarity. Action.

He reached for the phone and called Victor, his most trusted advisor. "I need answers," he said. "Find out everything you can about Mattia's choices. What pushed him?"

"I'll begin immediately," Victor responded.

"And look into Sofia," Alexandro added. "Her background. Any detail we missed."

Victor nodded and left.

Alexandro sat back down, eyes scanning the room. He had to be swift. He had to get ahead before Sofia and Mattia vanished again.

Just as he reached for his notes, the door burst open.

Bruno strode in, his coat still dusted with travel. "What's happening?" he asked, looking around. "I just landed and everything's in chaos."

Alexandro's jaw clenched. "Sofia is gone. With Mattia."

Bruno froze. "What?"

"I don't have all the answers yet," Alexandro said, filling him in quickly. Bruno listened, each word tightening the line of his mouth.

"This doesn't look good," Bruno said grimly. "We must take action before they get further away."

"I've already put Victor on it," Alexandro replied. "But I want your take, too. Why would Mattia do this?"

Bruno's brows furrowed. "I don't know, but something feels off. We need to dig deeper."

The two of them settled into a quiet tension, brainstorming possible next steps. But even as they spoke, something unsettled gnawed at Bruno.

"We need to tread carefully," he said. "If Mattia's stepped out of line, it's possible others could too."

Alexandro met his gaze. "I know. But we act now."

Bruno nodded, already thinking through possibilities. "I'll start with Mattia's background. Look for anything that might explain his decision."

"And I've asked Victor to dig deeper into Sofia's past," Alexandro added. "There's still something we don't see."

They spoke in low tones, strategizing, piecing together connections. But a nagging thought clung to Bruno.

Mattia had always been loyal. Always. Something wasn't adding up.

"You're quiet," Alexandro noted, watching him.

"Just thinking," Bruno said. "About Mattia. I have a nagging suspicion that this is not what it appears to be.

Alexandro narrowed his eyes. "You think someone else is involved?"

Bruno nodded slowly. "what if Mattia is not the one in charge.

Just then, Victor walked in, a folder in hand. "I found something," he said.

Alexandro and Bruno straightened.

Victor sat and opened the file. "It turns out Mattia and Sofia go way back. Since her parents passed."

Bruno blinked. "Right… I remember. He was there for her."

"Exactly," Victor said. "He was like her anchor during those years. They've had a strong bond ever since."

Alexandro's expression flickered. "I didn't know that."

Victor continued. "From what I can tell, Mattia's actions are tied to that connection. He feels obligated to keep her secure.

Bruno nodded thoughtfully. "He always looked out for her."

Alexandro stared at the floor, expression hard. "It doesn't make this easier."

Victor hesitated. "There's more. Sofia's past… it's layered. A lot more than we thought. All the time, Mattia has been by her side.

Bruno leaned back, arms crossed. "So maybe we're not dealing with betrayal in the way we think."

Alexandro didn't speak for a moment. The room held its breath.

Finally, he said, "Maybe you're right. Maybe there's someone else behind all of this."

Bruno's eyes met his. "If that is accurate, we are facing a more significant issue."

Victor quietly closed the file. "I'll keep digging."

Alexandro looked up, his resolve sharpening. "Do it. And find out who else might be hiding something."

He wouldn't jump to conclusions not yet. But one thing was clear.

This wasn't over.