Chapter 16: Shadows of Truth
(First-person POV: Alessia)
The tension in Nico's voice froze me in place. He was rarely serious; his casual charm was his trademark. For him to approach me with such a grave demeanor only fueled the unease Matteo's cryptic warning had ignited.
"What's going on, Nico?" I asked, my voice steady despite the anxiety coursing through me.
"Not here," he said, glancing over his shoulder. "Follow me."
He led me down a back corridor, the route unfamiliar. The polished floors gave way to worn stone, and the air grew colder the deeper we went.
"Nico," I said, my unease growing. "Where are we going?"
"Somewhere we can talk without prying eyes or ears," he replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Finally, we entered a small room tucked away in a forgotten corner of the mansion. It was plain compared to the rest of the house, with a single wooden table and two chairs. Nico closed the door behind us and leaned against it, his expression unreadable.
"I need you to tell me everything," he said, crossing his arms.
"About what?" I asked, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "If you have something to say, Nico, just say it."
"Isabella," he said flatly. "What did she say to you?"
I hesitated. "She didn't say much. She asked about my life here, hinted that she and Matteo have some kind of history."
Nico's jaw tightened. "She's dangerous, Alessia."
"Dangerous how?" I demanded.
"Let's just say she's not here for tea and pleasantries," he said, running a hand through his hair. "Isabella doesn't show up anywhere unless there's something to gain. She's calculating, manipulative, and completely self-serving."
"She mentioned business with Matteo," I said cautiously. "Do you know what she meant?"
Nico hesitated, his gaze flicking toward the door as if expecting someone to burst in at any moment.
"It's not just business," he said finally. "It's personal. Deeply personal."
"Explain," I pressed.
He let out a bitter laugh. "I can't. Matteo would have my head if I told you. But you should know—this isn't the first time Isabella has been here. And the last time, things didn't end well."
The weight of his words settled over me like a heavy fog. Before I could ask more, there was a knock at the door.
"Signora, Mr. Matteo has returned," the butler's voice called through the door.
Nico and I exchanged a glance before he opened the door, stepping aside to let me pass.
"Be careful, Alessia," he said quietly as I walked by.
When I reached the main hall, Matteo was already there. His coat was draped over his arm, and his tie was loosened, but his expression was as unreadable as ever.
"Alessia," he said, his eyes scanning me briefly before settling on my face.
"Matteo," I replied, my tone sharper than intended.
He raised a brow but didn't comment. "Come with me."
I followed him into his office, the heavy door closing with a soft click behind us. He walked to his desk, set his coat on the back of the chair, and finally turned to face me.
"I told you to stay away from Isabella," he said, his voice low.
"I didn't seek her out," I shot back. "She came to me."
His jaw tightened, and he paced to the window, staring out at the gardens.
"Matteo," I said, stepping closer. "Who is she? What is she doing here?"
"She's someone I used to know," he said, his tone clipped.
"That much is obvious," I replied. "But she's not just an old acquaintance, is she?"
He didn't answer, his silence only fueling my frustration.
"Matteo," I said, my voice softening. "If you want me to trust you, you need to stop keeping me in the dark."
He turned to face me, his dark eyes unreadable. For a moment, I thought he might actually tell me the truth.
But then the door burst open, and Isabella strode in, her confidence filling the room like a storm.
"I hope I'm not interrupting," she said, her gaze flicking between Matteo and me.
Matteo's expression darkened. "What are you doing in here?"
"I thought we had business to discuss," she said smoothly. "But I see you're occupied."
I stepped back, the tension between them palpable.
"Leave," Matteo said, his voice like ice.
Isabella's smile didn't falter. "We'll talk later," she said, casting me a glance before walking out.
The door closed behind her, leaving the room thick with unspoken words.
"Matteo," I began, but he held up a hand.
"Not now," he said, his voice weary.
I watched as he sank into his chair, his head in his hands.
"Then when?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
He didn't answer, and I left the room, my frustration and confusion mounting.