Chapter 8 - The Choice
The next weeks became a storm of arrests, investigations, and headlines.
The Rossi organization fractured.
Some men fled.
Others surrendered.
Gio testified.
Antonio disappeared into protective custody.
And Isadora returned to La Corona.
Not as a waitress.
As the new legal director of the Rossi family's legitimate businesses.
The first thing she did was fire every employee involved in the old operation.
The second was to restore every property stolen from victims.
The third was to sell the mansion.
Gio disagreed.
“That's my childhood home.”
“Exactly.”
He stared at her.
“You're ruthless.”
“No.”
She smiled.
“I'm practical.”
He laughed.
It was the first time Isadora had heard him laugh without darkness behind it.
Then he became serious.
“I need to tell you something.”
“What?”
“I love you.”
She froze.
Gio continued.
“I know that isn't enough.”
“No.”
“I know I hurt you.”
“Yes.”
“I know my family destroyed yours.”
“Yes.”
“And I know you don't owe me forgiveness.”
She studied him.
“What do you want?”
“Nothing.”
That answer surprised her.
“I want you to choose me only if you can choose me without fear.”
Isadora looked toward the sea.
Then she took his hand.
Not because he was powerful.
Not because he could protect her.
May you like
But because for the first time, he was asking instead of commanding.
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