"Kholod,
I'm truly sorry. I know no amount of apologies can compensate for my mistake. If possible, please give the letter to Noelle. I'll always be her friend. Whatever happens, I hope she can find happiness.
—Isabella"
I stared at the note for a long time.
"Boss?" Dmitri interrupted my thoughts. "About the reinvestigation..."
"Continue the search." I placed the note on the table. "Don't overlook any leads."
"But Lorenzo's testimony..."
"Testimony can be fabricated," I said. "But some things can't be faked. Go check that emergency call recording. That's where we'll find the truth."
"Understood."
After he left, I stood and walked to the window. Night had fallen over the manor, shrouding everything in darkness except for the light still glowing in the master bedroom. Noelle should be awake by now.
I wanted to see her, yet couldn't bear to face the hatred and despair that might be in her eyes.
I lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Kholod
I flipped through the investigation file in front of me, feeling like a dull knife was carving into my chest over and over.
It was Isabella who contacted Lorenzo, and Noelle had no clue. I'd let my emotions blind me, hadn't even checked her call logs.
"Fuck." I slammed the file shut.
"Boss?" Dmitri waited for orders.
"Send Lorenzo Conti back to the Bellucci family." My voice stayed eerily calm. "One last warning to Sofia. Next time, we won't even bother returning a body."
"Got it." He nodded and slipped out, closing the door softly.
I'd fucking wronged her. I lit a cigar and downed a big gulp of vodka, but it wasn't strong enough to burn away the guilt gnawing at me.
I'd let anger override reason again.
Late at night.
I stood outside the master bedroom door, hand hovering over the knob, frozen.
A faint light seeped through the crack—she always left the bedside lamp on before sleep.
I took a deep breath and turned the knob gently.
The door opened silently. I squeezed in sideways, moving like a thief.
On the bed, Noelle lay on her side, blanket only up to her waist. I stood there, watching her like some creep, borrowing the dim light. Her lashes were long, casting shadows on her cheeks. Her breathing was steady and soft. Her lips pursed slightly, like she was arguing with someone in her dreams.
Lost in the sight, I didn't notice her body twitch suddenly.
Her brow furrowed, and a tiny whimper escaped her lips.
