A Thousand Ways To Say I Love You

CHAPTER XLVIII

Matteo had been reluctant to attend Carter’s birthday party, knowing it would be filled with media scrutiny and social rivalries. However, the growing suspicions swirling around Carter and the recent whispers of betrayal within his own circle forced his hand. He had to be there—not just to maintain appearances but to keep a close watch on Carter, whose every move seemed increasingly calculated and menacing.

In the dim light of his office earlier that day, Matteo had issued orders to his most trusted men, ensuring they understood the gravity of the situation. He leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed with concern.

“Listen closely,” he instructed, his voice low but firm. “I want you to keep a close eye on Carter. Find out who’s been feeding him information. I want to know every person he talks to, every meeting he has. No one slips through the cracks. This is not just about the business deal anymore; it’s personal”

"And yes, today we'll get a hint, one or the other will be bound to make mistakes, so we'll lay close and keep our eye open, got it"

His men nodded, understanding the urgency behind his orders. They knew Matteo’s reputation and what he was capable of when pushed. As they left, Matteo felt the familiar tension of being on high alert, a state he had become all too accustomed to in his line of work.

As the party commenced, Matteo arrived fashionably, his presence instantly drawing attention. The room was alive with laughter and chatter, but Matteo felt a different energy—the tension in the air was palpable. He scanned the crowd, looking for Carter, and soon spotted him surrounded by guests, effortlessly charming them while simultaneously casting glances in Matteo’s direction.

Determined not to show weakness, Matteo plastered on a charming smile and mingled, but his mind was elsewhere. Each time he caught sight of Carter, he felt a surge of anger. Carter was playing a dangerous game, and Matteo intended to find out just how far he was willing to go.

As the night wore on, Matteo’s men moved through the party discreetly, gathering information while ensuring their boss remained undisturbed. He couldn’t afford to let Carter know he was on to him, so he kept his conversations light, masking his true intentions.

“Matteo!” a well-dressed guest called out, approaching him with a glass of champagne. “What do you think of the event? Carter really outdid himself this time.”

Matteo maintained his composure. “It’s quite the gathering, indeed. He always knows how to put on a show,” he replied, his eyes suddenly landed on Isabella, Why is she here? He thinks to himself

As Carter approached Isabella, Matteo’s blood boiled. He could see the way Carter leaned in, speaking to her with an intimacy that made Matteo’s fists clench. Was Carter trying to sway her against him? Was he using her as leverage in their ongoing rivalry?

“Just keep watching him,” Matteo muttered under his breath, his men taking positions around the room, watching for any signs of trouble or deception.

Carter laughed at something Isabella said, his demeanor effortlessly charming. But Matteo saw through the facade; he knew Carter was a master manipulator, and Isabella was completely unaware of the games being played behind the scenes.

Finally, when Carter raised a toast, Matteo seized the moment to step forward. “To friendship and business,” Carter declared, raising his glass toward the crowd. Matteo joined him, his eyes locked on Carter’s, a silent challenge passing between them.

“May the best man win,” Matteo added, his voice smooth but edged with meaning.

The air around them thickened as the party guests raised their glasses, unaware of the brewing storm. Matteo’s heart raced, knowing this was just the beginning. He was not only protecting his business; he was fighting for Isabella’s trust and safety as well.

As Isabella and Andria arrived at Carter’s lavish birthday party, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. The lights sparkled, and the sound of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air. Isabella glanced around, still uncertain about coming, especially after hearing that Matteo might attend. But with Andria by her side, she felt more at ease, determined to enjoy the evening despite her inner turmoil.

As they made their way into the main event, Carter noticed them and approached with a charming, gentle smile. His tailored suit and confident posture made him stand out amongst the crowd. “Ladies,” he greeted warmly, extending his hand to both of them. “You made it! I’m honored.”

“Of course we did,” Andria said cheerfully, stepping forward to give Carter a light hug. “Happy birthday! I couldn’t miss the chance to tease the birthday boy after all these years.”

Carter laughed, shaking his head as he took the jest in stride. “You’re as lively as ever, Andria. It’s been too long.”

Isabella smiled, trying to shake off the discomfort that had settled in the pit of her stomach. “Happy birthday, Carter,” she said, her voice soft yet sincere.

“Thank you, Isabella. I’m glad you’re here,” Carter responded, his eyes lingering on her a little longer than necessary before turning back to Andria.

As the three of them stood together, Andria began recounting their old memories from medical school. “I still can’t believe I switched from medicine to law,” she said, laughing. “Who would’ve thought, right?”

Carter chuckled. “You were always determined, even if that determination took you in a completely different direction.”

“Exactly!” Andria exclaimed, her energy infectious. “But seriously, those were some good times. We were always in over our heads with exams and late-night study sessions. Remember when you both were always the top of the class? Meanwhile, I was just trying to get through the basics.”

The trio laughed, the mood light and comfortable. For a moment, it felt like old times again, with none of the tension or drama that had come with adulthood. Andria, always the life of the party, kept the conversation flowing effortlessly, keeping both Carter and Isabella entertained.

However, beneath Isabella’s smile, her mind wandered back to Matteo. Where was he? Why hadn’t he contacted her after everything they’d shared? She couldn’t help but feel a mix of confusion and frustration, even as she laughed along with Carter and Andria.

Carter, noticing the subtle shift in Isabella’s mood, took a step closer to her. “I’m really glad you could make it tonight, Isabella,” he said in a softer tone, his eyes warm and inviting. “I’ve missed our talks.”

Isabella forced a smile, her unease returning. “It’s nice to see you again, Carter. You’ve certainly come a long way.”

“So have you,” Carter said, his gaze lingering on her. “We all have, I guess. But some things never change.”

As the conversation continued, Isabella felt Andria’s hand on her arm, sensing her friend’s quiet support. Andria had noticed the subtle tension between Carter and Isabella, and while she kept things light, she was keeping an eye on the situation.

As they laughed about old times, Isabella couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Little did she know, Matteo had already arrived at the party, and his eyes were on them—watching every interaction between her and Carter with growing suspicion.

As the evening unfolded, Matteo’s determination hardened. He would uncover the traitor in his midst and ensure Carter paid for underestimating him. The night might have been a celebration for Carter, but for Matteo, it was the opening move in a game of chess that had only just begun.