Chapter 12 - THE TRUTH BENEATH THE ST. REGIS
The investigation uncovered the truth about the terrace confrontation.
Victor's men had planned to provoke Dante into violence.
The photographer was supposed to capture the incident.
The resulting scandal would have damaged Dante's legitimate businesses.
But my unexpected kiss changed the plan.
Instead of violence, the photograph showed Dante with an unknown woman.
Victor realized he could use me as leverage.
The entire nightmare began with one impulsive decision.
Mine.
I sat beside Dante in his study.
He looked exhausted.
I took his hand.
“I'm sorry.”
He frowned.
“For what?”
“For kissing you.”
His expression changed.
Then he shook his head.
“Clara.”
I looked up.
“You saved me from a situation that could have become violent.”
I swallowed.
“But then everything happened.”
He took my hand.
“That wasn't your fault.”
My eyes filled.
He continued.
“Victor chose to hurt you.”
Silence.
Then Dante whispered:
“And I should have protected you without making you feel owned.”
My heart tightened.
I looked at him.
Then smiled faintly.
“Good.”
He blinked.
“What?”
I squeezed his hand.
“Because I was going to tell you that.”
May you like
He laughed.
And for the first time in weeks, the room felt warm.
