Page 100 of Brutal Revenge

Before I can hunt for a single answer to the questions clawing at my mind, the convoy slows.

We’ve arrived.

The Adami compound looms ahead, cold and imposing. Almost the entire family gathers on the front stairs, seemingly posing for a portrait. It’s strange. When I arrived months ago, there was no fanfare or acknowledgment of my journey. I took a taxi from the airport and handed my credentials to the security guard at the gate.

I was just another package delivered to their door.

My confusion about the change-up disappears when it dawns on me that today’s arrival is different.

Isabella is fluffing her hair in the front foyer window. Once her curls fall in perfect waves, she checks her makeup and adjusts her dress as if she’s preparing for a date, not a handover.

They’re not welcoming me home.

They’re farewelling Isabella with the hope that her advanced sexual maturity will form a tight alliance with the Carusos.

When the driver opens my door, Antonio steps forward. His hand slides possessively around my waist the moment I exit the SUV, and I force myself not to show even a flicker of the disgust crawling up my spine.

Following the direction of his gaze, I discover the reason for his unusual show of possessiveness. He’s staring at the bike following the convoy. Matteo is still there, watching.

Antonio’s grip tightens. His fingers dig into my waist hard enough to bruise, and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep myself from reacting.

I’m just a trade-in,I remind myself on repeat when Isabella gallops down the front stairs, eager to leave.None of it was real.

Matteo doesn’t dismount his bike when he spots Isabella’sapproach. He doesn’t offer her a helmet, nor does he acknowledge her presence.

He just stares—at me.

It takes everything in me not to run to him and demand answers, and others are aware of this too.

Antonio’s breath brushes my ear when he whispers words he knows will root my feet to the ground. “If you want to know what happened to Hattie, smile and wave goodbye.”

After mustering an innocent expression, I peer up at him. “What do you mean? Hattie committed suicide.”

He gives me a look—a cruel, knowing look—that speaks volumes.

The dumb act won’t work on him anymore.

His grip tightens again, firm enough to catch my breath.

I should be scared. I should be terrified.

I’m not.

I’m desperate for answers, so I do exactly what he wants.

While pretending everything is fine, I smile and wave.

Seconds later, Matteo takes off like a bat out of hell. His bike skids down the driveway, leaving Isabella in the dust. Her mouth drops open when the convoy of SUVs follows him instead of staying behind to collect her and her belongings.

Unease flows through my veins as she turns to glare at me with narrowed eyes and curled lips.

Shrugging, I step out of Antonio’s grip. “Maybe he didn’t think it was safe to take you on his bike,” I mutter, my voice sweet as poison.

Her face twists, and for the first time since this nightmare began, the faintest spark of satisfaction awakens my heart.

Chapter 31

Matteo