The next morning, Isabella sat in her fathers study, a grand room lined with dark wood and filled with the scent of cigar smoke. Alessandro Rossi was a formidable man, his presence commanding respect and fear. He sat behind a large oak desk, his piercing eyes focused on Isabella.
"How was the gala?" he asked, his voice smooth but with an edge that Isabella knew well.
"It was as expected, Father," Isabella replied, choosing her words carefully. "Lots of people, lots of conversation."
Alessandro leaned back in his chair, studying his daughter. "I heard you danced with Dominic Moretti."
Isabella's heart skipped a beat. "It was just a dance, nothing more."
"Just a dance," Alessandro repeated, his tone unreadable. "You know our families have a complicated history. Be careful, Isabella."
"I understand, Father," she said, meeting his gaze steadily.
But Alessandro wasnt convinced. He saw something in Isabellas eyes, something he hadnt seen before—defiance. And that worried him.
Meanwhile, across the city, Dominic was having a similar conversation with his father, Vincenzo Moretti. The Moretti patriarch was a stern man with a cold demeanor, his life dedicated to building and protecting their empire.
"You danced with Isabella Rossi," Vincenzo said, his voice devoid of emotion.
"I did," Dominic replied, refusing to show any sign of weakness.
"She's dangerous," Vincenzo warned. "Her family is our enemy. Dont forget that."
"I havent forgotten," Dominic said, though he knew it wasnt entirely true. There was something about Isabella that made him want to forget everything else.
As Dominic left his father's office, he couldnt shake the feeling that his life was about to change in ways he couldnt yet understand
YOU ARE READING
Shadowed Hearts
RomansIn the lavish ballrooms of 1950s New York City, Isabella Rossi, daughter of notorious crime lord Alessandro Rossi, navigates a world of opulence and danger. Dressed in an emerald gown that reflects her daring spirit, she meets Dominic Moretti, heir...
