Chapter 8 - THE RECORDING THAT COULD DESTROY A FAMILY
Elena had kept the recording for six years.
Not because she wanted revenge.
Because she'd been afraid.
The file was stored on an old phone hidden among her mother's belongings.
She had never deleted it.
When Dante asked about it, Elena looked terrified.
“Why are you asking?”
He sat across from her in the greenhouse.
“Because Isabella told me what happened.”
Elena's face went pale.
“She came here?”
Dante nodded.
Elena looked down.
“I tried to help her.”
“I know.”
“She was bleeding.”
Her voice broke.
“I remember thinking she was going to die.”
Dante's expression softened.
“Elena.”
She looked up.
“You were nineteen.”
Tears filled her eyes.
“I should have told someone.”
“You tried.”
She shook her head.
“Not enough.”
Dante leaned forward.
“You don't have to carry this alone anymore.”
Elena stared.
Then whispered:
“Vanessa knows.”
Dante nodded.
“And she threatened me.”
His expression hardened.
“What did she say?”
Elena swallowed.
“She said if I ever spoke about Isabella, she'd make sure my mother never received treatment again.”
Dante went completely still.
For a moment, the dangerous man everyone feared returned.
Then Elena reached for his hand.
“Please.”
He looked at her.
“Don't become someone frightening because of me.”
The words struck him.
He closed his eyes.
Then nodded.
“I won't.”
May you like
But his voice was cold when he added:
“I will make sure she never threatens you again.”
