Chapter 7: The Woman He Could No Longer Protect

The photograph lying on the Moretti family's table marked the beginning of their final move.

If they couldn't destroy Don Carlo's empire, they would destroy the only woman he had ever truly loved.

Meanwhile, Isabella was preparing for her first overseas business trip.

The company had signed a major shipping contract in Singapore, and she would personally oversee the negotiations.

Her father smiled proudly.

"Your mother and I always knew you were capable of running this business."

"I only wish you had believed it sooner."

Isabella smiled softly.

"I'm starting to believe it now."

Across the city, Marco rushed into Carlo's office.

"Boss, we've intercepted another message from the Morettis."

"What does it say?"

"They know Madam is leaving the country tomorrow."

Carlo stood immediately.

"Prepare the cars."

"We're moving tonight."

"Boss... Madam specifically asked us to stay away from her."

"I know."

"But I'd rather have her hate me than lose her forever."

That evening, Isabella finished her last meeting before the trip.

As she walked toward the underground parking garage, the lights suddenly went out.

The emergency alarms remained silent.

She instantly realized something was wrong.

Footsteps echoed through the darkness.

"There she is."

Three masked men slowly surrounded her.

"Take her alive."

Without hesitation, Isabella pulled a small pistol from her handbag.

"Stay back."

One of the attackers laughed.

"You're surrounded."

"Then come closer and find out what happens."

The first man charged.

A gunshot echoed through the garage.

He collapsed instantly after being shot in the leg.

The second attacker fired back.

The bullet narrowly missed Isabella and shattered a nearby car window.

Before the third man could pull the trigger, another shot rang out.

He dropped to the ground.

"Marco?"

"Get down, Madam!"

Romano soldiers flooded the parking garage.

Within seconds, a fierce gunfight erupted.

Carlo rushed inside moments later.

"Bella!"

"I'm here!"

He found her taking cover behind a concrete pillar.

Relief washed across his face.

"Are you hurt?"

"No."

"You shouldn't have come."

"And let them kill you? Never."

Suddenly, another assassin appeared behind Carlo.

"Behind you!" Isabella shouted.

Without thinking, she threw herself toward him.

The gun fired.

Pain exploded across Isabella's shoulder.

"Bella!"

Carlo caught her before she hit the ground.

Blood quickly soaked through her white blouse.

"Stay with me!"

"I'm... fine," she whispered weakly.

"You're bleeding!"

"It's only my shoulder."

"You'll live."

Even injured, she managed to smile.

Within minutes, the attackers were eliminated.

An ambulance rushed Isabella to the hospital.

Carlo never left her side.

Hours later, the surgeon finally walked out.

"The operation was successful."

"She'll make a full recovery."

Carlo finally released the breath he'd been holding.

For the first time in years, his hands were shaking.

Marco quietly sat beside him.

"Boss... I've never seen you like this."

"Neither have I," Carlo admitted.

"When they shot her... I realized something."

"What's that?"

"I kept telling myself I wanted another chance."

"But tonight I understood that I don't deserve one."

"I only want her to survive... even if she never forgives me."

The following morning, Isabella slowly opened her eyes.

She immediately noticed Carlo sleeping in the chair beside her hospital bed.

His expensive suit was wrinkled.

Dark circles surrounded his eyes.

He looked like he hadn't slept at all.

When he felt her move, he woke instantly.

"You're awake."

"How long have you been here?"

"Since last night."

"You should go home."

"This is where I want to be."

Isabella looked at him quietly.

"Carlo..."

"You don't have to keep punishing yourself."

"I'm not staying because I feel guilty."

"I'm staying because I still love you."

"But I've finally learned something."

"Love isn't about asking someone to stay."

"Sometimes... loving them means letting them choose their own happiness."

A tear slowly rolled down Isabella's cheek.

For the first time, she believed every word he said.

But believing him...

And trusting him again...

Were still two very different things.