Page 72 of His Two Hidden Masks

“James,” I said, nodding.

Roberto’s eyes widened. “You mean, Mr. Street.”

“Fuck off, Roberto,” I said, tired of him scolding me like a child.

James gave the smallest hint of a smile. “How are you, Isabella?”

“Fine,” I said, wondering how to end this useless, small-talk spiral. “Is there a problem, gentlemen? You seem engaged in a lively discussion, and by lively, I have to say, things looked tense.”

“We were talking about the contract,” Roberto said, “which isn’t anything you need to worry about, Bella.”

So dismissive, I thought. You want to play, asshole? Let’s play.

I smiled. “Actually, I spoke with my father this morning, Roberto. I am very invested in making sure this deal moves forward without issue. It’s important to my family.” I emphasized the word “my.” Voice steady, I held my ground.

A switch flipped inside of me. The only fight that mattered was reclaiming my seat at my family’s table.

I needed to shut down Bella Baci and re-launch on my terms. Dylan would leave town. Our future was limited at best.

I focused on James. “Is there something I can help you with, James? It seems you and Roberto are not aligned?”

“Madonna, Bella,” Roberto said.

“I’m not talking to you, Roberto.” I maintained eye contact with James.

“I appreciate you asking, Isabella,” James said. “I believe that Roberto and I have come to an understanding. There is nothing more to discuss.

“This deal will go through, and I look forward to partnering with your family to do the right thing for both of our portfolios.”

“Cut the bullshit,” I said. “You mentioned a new plan. What is the new plan and what was the old one?”

Roberto shook his head and looked at the ceiling. A vein throbbed in his neck.

James eyes widened ever so slightly, the only “tell” that my question may have surprised him. “There is, and has only ever been, one plan, Bella,” he said.

“In four days, Street Entertainment will inject much needed capital into your family’s company, and we will also provide the leadership needed to keep your family from losing all their assets.” His voice slowed just slightly on the last three words. He confirmed the stakes of the acquisition and my stomach dropped.

I knew it was true. I’d feared it all along. Without money from Street Entertainment, it wasn’t just my family’s fortune that disappeared, it was the business. People would lose their jobs, and families would suffer.

I thought of Paolo, Lissa, Andrea, Vincenzo, and all the other staff who relied on our hotels and restaurants for their livelihood. For a moment, I felt foolish for voting against the deal. I’d felt so righteous dissenting, but now I feared I’d made a mistake.

Words escaped me. I stood there stunned and silent.

“All right, I think we are done here,” James said. “Would you agree, Roberto?”

“Yes, we are done.” Roberto glared at me and exited. His leather shoes made a distinct and angry click as he walked. I would remember the sound of that man walking away, forever.

James Street had dismissed him, too. I wondered how Roberto would manage to twist this and blame me for this disrespect. I had no doubt that there was only one person who would pay a price for this high crime, and that person was me.

“How long have you known Roberto,” I asked, finding my voice again.

“Deals like this take time,” he said, ignoring my real question. Was he lying? Maybe, maybe not, but he certainly wasn’t telling me all the truth.

“I’ve never seen him so upset over business,” I said, my intuition sparked nudging me to keep probing.

“You two were engaged, is that right?”

“We were,” I said.

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