In the Main Hall on the right wing of the mansion, Lorenzo stood alone with his phone in hand. His mind was travelling tens steps ahead than usual with his dark eyes.
Marco.
The name echoed in his head like a warning and a promise. The approaching footsteps snapped him out of his thoughts, but he didn't turn.
"Isabella," he called
She stopped silent behind him. He could feel the tension, fear and hesitation.
"You're going to tell me everything," he said calmly. It was a command and not a request. Isabella swallowed.
"This is not the right time…" she began
"It is exactly the time." He retorted, turning slowly.
"You ran because of something you saw," he said. "Something big enough to make you disappear for five years."
Isabella's chest tightened.
"And now," he continued, "my son gets taken the same night you come back." as he took a step closer.
"What did you see, Isabella?" he asked, stopping in front of her.
She knew there was no escape as her heart pounded against her ribs.
And the truth?
The truth would change everything. She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated, then she finally said;
"I saw who killed your father." squeezing her eyes shut.
The silence was deafening as the world seemed to stop. Lorenzo stood motionless asking the only question left.
"Who?"
Isabella looked him dead in the eyes.
"…Marco." she whispered.
*****
In a dark, hidden room lined with surveillance screens, Marco watched the live feed of Lorenzo's mansion. He monitored the movements, reaction and every crack forming beneath the surface.
Then he zoomed in on Matteo, a slow, satisfied smile creeping across his face.
He picked up his phone and dialed.
"Let's swing phase two into motion, bring me the mother… alive." he said calmly as he ended the call.
Marco leaned back, eyes gleaming with something far more dangerous than anger. This was never about the child, it was about something
Isabella knew.
And now, he was coming for her next.