"So we have a deal?" Harrison asked.
"Yeah, that works." I nodded. "The lawyers will send the contract tomorrow."
"Excellent!" Harrison stood, extending his hand. "It's an honor working with the Morozovs."
I shook his hand.
After seeing Harrison out, I returned to the window for one last look before leaving.
Suddenly, commotion erupted below. I frowned, looking down, and froze solid.
Lorenzo Conti. That persistent bastard was walking toward Noelle with a massive bouquet of red roses.
How the hell was he here? How did he know Noelle was here?
My eyes swept the hall—Isabella was gone. Where the fuck had she gone?
Lorenzo reached the table, slamming down the flowers. I watched him grab Noelle's wrist, both of them struggling as nearby customers turned to stare. He was saying something frantically, gripping harder, almost pulling her into his arms.
And Noelle—she clearly wasn't kicking the bastard where it counted.
Burning rage shot straight to my head. She'd lied to me again. Never stopped lying!
Having tea? Clearing her head? All bullshit! Her real purpose was meeting Lorenzo Conti! Even Isabella was being used—pretending it was a casual hangout when it was really a secret rendezvous with her old lover!
All my restraint these past days, my attempts to start fresh—it was all a fucking joke!
"Fuck!"
I slammed my fist into the window frame, the blinds shaking violently.
I spun around and stormed out of the room.
I descended the stairs one step at a time, fury climbing with each step. Waiters in the hallway scrambled out of my way, terror written across their faces.
I knew exactly how terrifying I looked right now.
Bloodlust pounded through my veins.
I hit the last few steps and entered the hall. The chattering stopped dead. Everyone turned to stare. I walked straight toward that booth, each step heavy, my shoes striking marble with dull thuds.
The crowd parted automatically. I could see Lorenzo still gripping Noelle's wrist, his other arm tight around her waist, trying to pull her away. Her cheeks were flushed, her struggles seeming weak—more like she was melting into her lover's embrace.
My vision turned blood red.
"Let go of her."
My voice wasn't loud, but it cut clearly through the entire hall.
Lorenzo went rigid, slowly turning his head. When he saw it was me, all color drained from his face.
"Kholod..." His voice shook, but he still held Noelle tight. "What are you doing here..."
"What am I doing?" I stepped closer. "Looks like the last lesson didn't sink in deep enough."
"I just wanted to talk to Noelle..."
"Talk?" I stopped in front of him, looking down. "By holding her like that?"
