𝒫𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓃𝓃𝑒

Chapter 15

Alessio sat behind the massive mahogany desk in his office, the weight of his responsibilities heavy on his shoulders. The events of the past week had been exhausting—managing the family's affairs, dealing with the fallout from the hijacked dock, and ensuring Eleanor's safety. She had become a constant in his thoughts, her presence in the house shifting something within him that he wasn't ready to confront.

As he lit a cigarette, the faint smoke curling into the air, his mind wandered to Eleanor's recent request. She hadn't asked him directly yet, but he knew she was anxious about something. He had noticed the way she had played with her food at breakfast, her usual brightness dimmed by whatever was on her mind.

It wasn't hard to guess what it was. She was trying to find a way to maintain some semblance of a normal life, even within the confines of the Galanti world. And that included her new friend—Isabella.

Alessio wasn't one to take chances, especially not when it came to Eleanor. He needed to know everything about this girl before he could even consider allowing any meeting or friendship to continue.

He pressed a button on the intercom, connecting to Luca's office. "Luca, come to my office," he said, his tone leaving no room for delay.

A few minutes later, Luca entered, his expression serious as always. He could sense the tension in the air, and he knew Alessio well enough to understand that whatever was on his mind, it was important.

"What's going on, Alessio?" Luca asked, taking a seat opposite him.

Alessio took a drag from his cigarette before speaking. "I need you to find everything you can on a girl named Isabella. She's the one Eleanor's been spending time with at college."

Luca raised an eyebrow, surprised by the request but understanding its significance. "You want me to dig deep? Or just surface-level information?"

"Dig deep," Alessio replied, his voice cold and determined. "I want to know who she is, where she comes from, who her family is—everything. I won't take any risks when it comes to Eleanor."

Luca nodded, already making mental notes on how to proceed. "I'll get on it right away."

"Good," Alessio said, his gaze hardening. "And Luca, make sure this is done quietly. I don't want Eleanor getting wind of it."

Luca smirked slightly, understanding the unspoken concern in Alessio's words. "Of course. I'll handle it personally."

As Luca left the office, Alessio leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. He wasn't sure why he felt this overwhelming need to protect Eleanor. Maybe it was the promise his family had made to hers all those years ago, or maybe it was something deeper, something he wasn't ready to admit to himself.

But one thing was clear—he wasn't going to let anyone or anything threaten Eleanor. Not even her friends.

...

The morning air was crisp as Eleanor stepped out of the car that had dropped her off at a quaint café just a few blocks from the university. The little bell above the door chimed as she entered, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee and pastries greeted her warmly. It was the first time in what felt like ages that she was out without an entourage, and the taste of freedom was intoxicating.

Isabella was already seated by the window, waving enthusiastically when she saw Eleanor walk in. Her dark curls bounced as she leaned over the table, beckoning Eleanor to join her. "You made it!" Isabella exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Eleanor smiled as she slid into the chair opposite her friend. "I did. It wasn't easy, but I'm here."

"Girl, you've got to tell me how you managed that. I thought you said your... guardian was super strict."