The morning of Dante's arrival, Aiden stood before a different kind of challenge: the official launch of Schols Ventures, his venture capital firm. The timing was deliberately chosen—he wanted Isabella's family to see that she was connected to someone with real power and resources.
The launch event was held in a renovated warehouse in Seattle's tech district. Aiden had transformed the space into a modern showcase—clean lines, strategic lighting, and displays highlighting the company's investment philosophy: funding innovation while maintaining ethical standards.
Marcus worked the crowd with surprising skill, having evolved from roommate to Aiden's chief of operations. Victoria Hayes was there, both as mentor and as his first major partnership with the incubator. Sophia had created an AI-driven analytics platform specifically for Schols Ventures, lending technological sophistication to the operation.
Media presence was significant. After the Jessica incident, Aiden had become a local celebrity—the young investor who defended himself with facts and grace. Now journalists wanted to document his next moves.
"Mr. Schols, what makes Schols Ventures different from established firms?" a reporter asked.
Aiden, comfortable in a charcoal suit that cost more than his entire wardrobe six months ago, smiled confidently.
"Traditional VC firms focus primarily on returns. We focus on returns and impact. Every company we invest in must demonstrate not just market viability but social responsibility. We're proving that ethical business and profitable business aren't mutually exclusive."
His enhanced intelligence allowed him to field questions with precision, offering insights that impressed even seasoned financial journalists. The system's business analytics abilities let him cite trends and data with perfect accuracy.
Victoria approached during a networking break. "You're a natural at this," she said, admiration clear in her voice.
"I have good teachers."
"Still deflecting compliments, I see." She touched his arm lightly, the gesture somewhere between professional and personal. "Aiden, I've been thinking about our conversation in my office."
"Victoria—"
"Let me finish. I'm not going to complicate what you're building with Isabella and Sophia. But I want you to know that watching you grow has been..." she paused, choosing words carefully, "remarkable. If circumstances were different, if timing were different..."
"I know," Aiden said softly. "And I'm grateful for everything you've taught me."
She smiled, a hint of wistfulness in her expression. "The divorce finalized yesterday. I'm officially single, officially starting over. It's terrifying and exhilarating."
"You'll build something amazing. You always do."
"Maybe. But whatever I build, I want you as a partner—professionally, certainly. As for personally..." She squeezed his arm gently. "Let's see where life takes us."
The event continued with Aiden announcing his first major investments: Sophia's AI research project would receive full funding and join the incubator. A green energy startup with revolutionary battery technology would get Series A financing. And a healthcare tech company developing affordable diagnostic tools would become the firm's flagship medical investment.
As cameras flashed and hands were shaken, Aiden felt the surreal nature of his transformation. Six months ago, he couldn't afford a decent meal. Now he was deploying millions in capital, shaping industries, creating opportunities.
The system interface pulsed briefly:
Achievement Unlocked: Successful Business Launch
Reputation: Regional Recognition Achieved
New Ability Available: Enhanced Negotiation (Master Level)
But the notification Aiden was really waiting for came via text from Maya: Subject arriving at SeaTac. ETA to city: 45 minutes.
Dante Romano had landed.
Aiden excused himself from the event, signaling to Marcus to handle closing remarks. As he left the warehouse, Sophia caught up with him.
"I'm coming with you," she said firmly.
"This could get complicated."
"Exactly why I'm coming. Isabella is..." Sophia paused, clearly struggling with her own feelings about the situation. "She's important to you. Which makes her important to me. I'm still figuring out how this works, but I know you shouldn't face this alone."
Aiden felt a surge of gratitude and love for this brilliant, brave woman who was willing to step outside every comfort zone to support him—and by extension, Isabella.
They drove to Isabella's apartment, where Maya was already positioned, her ex-military training evident in how she'd surveyed the space for strategic advantages and potential threats.
Isabella sat on her couch, wearing elegant business attire like armor. She looked up as they entered, surprise and relief flooding her features.
"You came," she said to Sophia.
"We're in this together," Sophia replied, and Aiden heard the decision in her voice—she was choosing this unconventional path, choosing to expand her definition of relationship and loyalty.
"He'll be here soon," Isabella said, checking her phone. "Dante doesn't waste time."
"Neither do we," Aiden said, taking her hand. "Remember, you're not powerless. You have choices, resources, and people who love you."
Thirty minutes later, a knock sounded—firm, authoritative, demanding.
Isabella took a deep breath, stood tall, and opened the door.
Dante Romano was imposing—six feet tall, impeccably dressed in what was clearly custom Italian tailoring, with sharp features and eyes that assessed everything with cold calculation. He was clearly expecting to find his sister alone and compliant.
Instead, he found her flanked by three people who looked like they had no intention of being intimidated.
"Bella," he said in Italian, barely glancing at the others. "We need to talk. Privately."
"No, Dante," Isabella replied in English, her voice steady. "Anything you have to say, you can say in front of them."
Dante's gaze finally focused on Aiden, evaluation and dismissal flickering across his face.
"And who," he said in heavily accented English, "are you?"
Aiden stepped forward, extending his hand with the perfect blend of respect and assertion.
"Aiden Schols. I'm someone who cares deeply about your sister's happiness and autonomy. Please, come in. Let's talk about how we move forward."
Dante's eyes narrowed, recognizing that this would not be the simple retrieval mission he'd anticipated.
The battle for Isabella's freedom had begun.