Isabella stared at him, her mind racing. “Elena?” she whispered, her voice shaking slightly. “You kept me away from my father because of her?”
Enrico nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. “I knew she would use him against you, Isabella. I couldn’t let that happen. I couldn’t risk her getting to you through him. I know it’s hard to understand, but everything I did was to keep you safe.”
Isabella was stunned. All this time, she believed Enrico was manipulating her, controlling her by keeping her in the dark about her father. But now, hearing the truth from his lips, she realized that his actions, though misguided, had come from a place of protection. He wasn’t trying to control her, he was trying to shield her.
For a moment, she couldn’t speak. She just remained still, staring at him. Fina
