For You

3

Alyssa

The message from my brother, Alex, had set off alarm bells in my mind. Matteo Torres was probing, looking for weaknesses, and it seemed he had found a potential vulnerability in Alex's financial situation. I couldn't let him exploit it.

I paced my office, my mind racing with thoughts of how to protect Alex. He had always been the more impulsive one, prone to taking risks without fully considering the consequences. But he was family, and I would do whatever it took to keep him safe.

I picked up my phone and dialed Alex's number, hoping he would pick up.

"Hey, Aly," he answered on the second ring, his voice cheerful.

"Alex, we need to talk," I said, cutting straight to the point.

"Sure, what's up?" he asked, his tone shifting to concern.

"Meet me at my office," I said. "It's important."

---

When Alex arrived, I wasted no time getting to the heart of the matter. I explained what I had learned about Matteo Torres's interest in him and his financial troubles. Alex's face paled as I spoke, the weight of the situation sinking in.

"I knew I was taking a risk with those investments," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But I didn't think it would come back to bite me like this."

"We'll figure it out," I reassured him, though uncertainty gnawed at me. "But you need to be careful. Matteo Torres is not someone to underestimate."

Alex nodded, his expression determined. "I'll do whatever it takes to fix this, Aly. I promise."

I reached across the desk and squeezed his hand. "I know you will. Just be smart about it."

As Alex left, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over me. Matteo Torres was playing a dangerous game, and I was caught in the middle of it. But I refused to let him win. I had worked too hard, fought too long, to let him tear down everything I had built.

---

The next morning, I arrived at the office early, determined to stay one step ahead of Matteo. As I sat at my desk, reviewing reports and strategizing, my phone buzzed with a new message.

**Unknown: Your brother is in trouble, Ms. Kane. You might want to keep a closer eye on him. - M.T.**

I stared at the message, anger and frustration bubbling up inside me. Matteo Torres was playing dirty, using my family against me. But I wouldn't let him intimidate me. I wouldn't let him win.

I composed myself and replied with a simple message:

**Alyssa: Stay out of my family's business, Mr. Torres. This is between you and me. - A.K.**

As I hit send, I felt a sense of satisfaction. I wouldn't let Matteo get under my skin. I wouldn't let him win. No matter what it took.

But deep down, I knew the game was far from over. Matteo was a formidable opponent, and he was playing for keeps. I just had to stay one step ahead of him. And I would. No matter the cost.