Chapter Forty Four - The Rival’s Agenda

Amelia felt as if she'd been slapped. "Alessandro, please. I know what I'm talking about. Dante is-" "Enough!" Alessandro cut her off, standing abruptly. "I know things have been stressful lately, but this... this paranoia isn't helping anyone. Dante is my brother. He's here to help the family, not destroy it." "But the evidence-" Alessandro held up a hand, silencing her. "I don't want to hear any more about this. The family's business issues are just growing pains, nothing more. I need you to trust me to handle it." Amelia stared at him, a mix of hurt and frustration welling up inside her. How could he be so blind? How could he dismiss her concerns so easily? "Now, if you'll excuse me," Alessandro said, his tone making it clear the conversation was over, "I have work to do." As Amelia left the study, her mind reeling, she couldn't shake the feeling that she'd just lost a crucial battle. Alessandro's unwillingness to see the truth about Dante could cost him everything – and she s