A week had passed since the harrowing events that had almost cost Dominic his life, and life for Isabella had returned to its harsh reality. The bruises on Dominic's face had faded, but the tension between them had not. They were back in the dimly lit meeting room of the Marino estate, the walls lined with dark wood panels and the long table in the center illuminated by a single chandelier overhead. The weight of their task pressed heavily on Isabella’s shoulders as she sat at the table, across from Dominic, who seemed more focused than ever.
Isabella’s mind raced with the details of their mission, her fingers idly tracing the edge of the leather-bound folder in front of her. She glanced at Dominic, noting the steely resolve in his eyes, the way his jaw clenched slightly as he waited for
