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The contemptuous look he cast my way was a reflection of the disdain he held for my defiance.

"Ti pentirai di averlo fatto (You will regret that you did)," I couldn't help but say, my words sharp and laced with a determination that matched his own.

With those words hanging in the air, I turned on my heels and strode away, my head held high.

As I walked, the weight of our disagreement settled in my chest.

The family I had known and the principles I had cherished were overshadowed by his insidious hunger for power.

I wasn't about to let that happen without a fight.

I knew that this clash was just the beginning of a greater battle. The clash of old values and new ambitions, of tradition and recklessness.

As I navigated the path ahead, I was determined to ensure that my father's legacy, of the family's honor, remained intact.

A smirk played at the corners of my lips, hidden from Francisco's view. While he might think he could do whatever he pleased, pulling funding from the orphanages my father had supported, I had a trick up my sleeve.

Once I had put some distance between myself and the confrontation, I pulled out my phone and dialed Antonio's number. As the call connected, I wasted no time getting to the point.

"Antonio," I said, my tone firm, "I need you to make arrangements to provide funding for the orphanages."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Antonio's voice came through, a mixture of surprise and determination.

"Of course, Matteo. Do you want me to look into the specifics?

"Yes," I replied, "Ensure that the funding is enough to cover their needs for the foreseeable future."

"Consider it done," Antonio affirmed, his tone resolute.

I could feel a small sense of satisfaction building within me. It was my way of counteracting Francisco's callous decision, of ensuring that the legacy my father had built continued to make a positive impact.

My company's resources were at my disposal and could not be controlled by Francisco’s whims and desires.

As I ended the call, I couldn't help but smile. The irony of the situation was not lost on me.

I inadvertently asserted my power and influence by denying Francisco's request for funds. It was a subtle message that his actions meant I couldn't be swayed or manipulated.

Chapter 13

Sophia

Thedayofthegala had arrived. As I stood before the mirror, adjusting the final details of the exquisite deep blue gown that complemented my complexion, I couldn't deny the flutter of nerves that danced in the pit of my stomach.

It was surprising how much he had been involved in this event. Not only had he arranged for my attendance, but he had also taken care of the attire.

The dress I wore was a testament to his meticulous attention to detail, a silent gesture that spoke volumes.

As I smoothed the fabric, I couldn't help but acknowledge his attention to detail.

The gown hugged my figure elegantly, the fabric soft against my skin. I took a deep breath, attempting to calm my jitters, as I slipped into a pair of heels that added a few inches to my height.

Glancing at my reflection, I wondered if I looked like a woman ready to mingle with tech giants and business magnates.

Attending a high-profile gala wasn't something I was accustomed to. The thought of navigating through a sea of unfamiliar faces and conversing about technology and business trends was daunting.

To top it off, I would be doing it all in the company of Matteo. The man who had become both a source of frustration and an enigma that I couldn't quite unravel.

I had dreaded the idea of going anywhere with him, let alone an event of this magnitude.

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