Page 102 of Angelo

There was no hesitation when she replied, "Yes."

Benedetto swallowed uncomfortably. "I have already apologized for—"

She didn't need more apologies from this man. What she needed were solutions that didn't involve Alessandro risking his neck for her good-for-nothing grandfather.

Elyse's emotions mounted to explosive heights as she cut him off, "You onceasked me for loyalty, but you don't know the meaning of the word."

"Back then, I did not know you as I do now," her grandfather tried to explain, "I was testing your character—"

Elyse was sick of listening to him talk. She cut him off, "Consider our alliance over as of today. I hope you rot in prison."

"Elyse—"

"Malina can show you the way out."

A pained expression passed over Benedetto's face. "There is no need to trouble her. I can show myself out."

Quietly, her grandfather left the study.

Elyse was still trembling with fury. Alessandro drew her to him. For several long minutes, he said nothing. He simply held her in his arms until the quivers in her body stilled again.

"I shouldn't have lost my temper just now," she lamented, feeling drained and defeated. "We need my grandfather. He's too important of an ally."

"I will reach out to Benedetto later today," Alessandro assured her, "to smooth things over."

"Do you think he'll listen to you?"

"I am sure he will not hold this misunderstanding against us. For once, he needs us as much as we need him."

Because of Boris.

"I suppose you're right," Elyse grumbled, "but I don't want you to put yourself in line of fire just to save my grandfather."

He released a sigh, "If you are completely against the plan I proposed, I will find another way to put out this fire."

"Please find another way," Elyse urged as her arms tightened around his waist, "I’ve already lost my father. I can't imagine losing you, too."

Alessandro kissed her lovingly. "Your father may be gone, but I am still here. We will get through this, Elyse, I promise. You and I have survived far worse,no?"

Over the next couple of days, there was no easy solution in sight. Alessandro managed to repair their relationship with Benedetto, but husband and wifequickly hit even rockier waters as they tried to navigate their way through the challenges that Boris, Bartolo, and Carmine had placed before them.

"I reached out to Boris and offered him money," Alessandro told Elyse, "but the man declined every euro. He seems to have a vendetta against Benedetto. After being blackmailed and strong-armed by your grandfather for so many years, I think this cat and mouse game has become personal for him. It is no longer about justice. It is about revenge."

Matters with the De Leóns weren't getting any better, either. Valentina had yet to make her move on Bartolo and Carmine. With each passing day, the delay was only allowing these troublesome cousins to rally more supporters for their accusations against Alessandro.

Elyse's temples began to ache with stress. "It seems we're at an impasse."

"I think we should reconsider my initial idea."

Her heart clenched. She growled warningly, "No, no, no, absolutely not!"

But her husband didn't back down. "There is a method to my madness. Please listen for a moment, Elyse, before shutting me down."

She puffed out her cheeks, getting ready to object, "I—"

He didn't give her a chance to fight back, interrupting swiftly, "Decades ago, when Boris was still a low-ranking officer, his partner and best friend tried to go after my father on several occasions. My father ended up killing his partner. Boris may not want my money, but it has become clear to me, especially after my last phone call with him, that he is a man deeply fueled by past grievances. He holds a grudge against your grandfather, but he also has good reason to hate my father, which is why I believe he will accept me in Benedetto's place. He will be able to avenge his partner's death through the arrest of Vincenzo's son."

Elyse fell open and clamped shut. She felt at a loss. Her man was so fucking stubborn. "Why are you determined to save my grandfather? He doesn't deserve your sacrifice."

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