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Rosalie's kindness settles over me like a warm blanket, easing some of the chill that has settled in my bones since learning the truth about Stefano’s new position of power. I trust her implicitly, knowing they have no ulterior motives, only genuine affection and loyalty.
"Thank you," I say again, my voice barely more than a whisper. But she hears me, and understands.
"Alright, let's get packing and then some rest," Rosalie suggests, standing up from her seat. "Tomorrow is going to be a long day."
“Wait,” said Felix, who had entered the room while we were talking. We simply hadn’t noticed his presence. “There’s still a matter of allies and protection to be discussed.”
"Let's do this," I reply, my voice steady and unwavering.
Together with Rosalie, we gather around the dining table, where maps of Mexico and various documents are spread out. Our mission today is clear: secure loyal protection for my journey back to my homeland.
"Alright, Isabella," Felix begins. "We've identified several potential allies who have both the resources and the motivation to protect you."
"Good," I say, scanning the names on the list. "But remember, they must be trustworthy. I can't afford any more betrayals." My heart clenches at the thought of Stefano, but I push the pain aside. He is the past; my future lies elsewhere.
"Absolutely," Rosalie adds, her hand resting reassuringly on my shoulder. "We’ll make sure of it."
"Isabella," Felix interjects, his voice urgent. "This one, Captain Rafael Mendoza. He has a reputation for being fiercely loyal to those who earn his respect. His connections run deep in Mexico, and he commands a small, but well-trained private security force."
"Sounds promising," I say, studying Rafael's profile. There's something about his eyes that speaks to me – a spark of determination and unwavering loyalty. "Let's set up a meeting with him."
"Consider it done," Rosalie replies, already dialing a number on her phone.
As we finalize our plans, I feel the power within me grow stronger. No longer am I the naïve young woman who believed in fairy-tale romances.You are Isabella Torres, a force to be reckoned with. And tomorrow, all of Jalisco will know of your return and bow at your feet.
I am my father’s daughter, reborn from the ashes.
Chapter 42
Stefano
"Shit,Ineedthemoney." My fingertips tremble as I glance at the door to the Capo's room.
I turn the knob and push open the heavy oak door. My heart pounds, urging me to hurry. This is the first time I've been in here since he died, and I really wish it could have been avoided.
Everything in here reminds me of him, and thinking of him reminds me of the fact that with him gone, I now have no one else to look over me. This was, after all, the man who picked me off the streets. Gave me a home.
"Sorry Capo," I whisper, to the empty room. But I have no choice. We need to give advance payments for some shipments, and the keys to the safe are somewhere in this room. I just need to find them.
I rush to the desk, rifling through the drawers. Papers crinkle under my hands—useless documents and old bank statements. No keys.
A glint of gold catches my eye under the desk. I drop to my knees, grasping a heavy brass keyring. Bingo. As I stand, a sheet of parchment falls from the desk, drifting to the floor. I grab it out of habit to put it back. Accidentally, my eyes scan the page.
My breath hitches. This is no ordinary contract.
It’s a will. Diego Torres’ will.
How did the Capo get his hands on this and why? My mind races.
There must be more. I begin digging, through the drawers, under his bed, his desk. Nothing. Then, I remember his old tricks.
“Never keep something precious where people might find it. Keep them looking,” he told me once.
I head over to the small library in the corner of his room and begin pulling out book after book, ruffling through the pages. Over three dozen books later, papers begin to whisk toward the ground.
I bend to the floor, my heart racing, for I’m not sure I want to discover what I’m about to.
There lies a contract, partially hidden beneath a stack of papers. I slide the document from beneath the rest, my eyes scanning the words.
