Chapter 6 - THE SECRET ISABELLA WAS HIDING
The first inconsistency appeared in Isabella's medical records.
Matteo had been told she was nearly five months pregnant.
But the documents she provided showed conflicting dates.
He asked her to clarify.
She became defensive.
“Why are you questioning me?”
“Because the dates don't match.”
She crossed her arms.
“Pregnancy isn't an exact science.”
Matteo looked at her.
“Then let's speak with your doctor together.”
Isabella's face changed.
“No.”
He stared.
“Why?”
“Because I don't appreciate being treated like a criminal.”
Matteo said nothing.
Isabella began crying.
“You promised you'd take care of me.”
He looked away.
“I promised to take responsibility if the child was mine.”
Her expression hardened.
“And now?”
“Now I want the truth.”
---
Two weeks later, Isabella's attorney contacted Matteo.
She agreed to independent paternity testing when medically appropriate.
Matteo also discovered that Isabella had been involved with another man during the same period.
His name was Adrian Voss.
A businessman connected to one of Matteo's rivals.
Matteo stared at the report.
“Are you certain?”
Luca nodded.
“Multiple witnesses. Travel records. Hotel reservations.”
Matteo closed his eyes.
For months, Isabella had told him Natalie was cold.
Distant.
Obsessed with having children.
She had convinced him that his marriage was already over.
Now he understood that he'd accepted every accusation because it made his betrayal easier to justify.
He looked at Luca.
“Whatever the paternity result, I want Isabella treated fairly.”
Luca nodded.
“And Natalie?”
Matteo stared toward the window.
“Leave her alone unless she asks for me.”
Luca looked surprised.
May you like
Matteo swallowed.
“It's the first decent thing I can do.”
