For reasons I refused to examine, it only made me angrier.
The mayor cleared his throat, nervous under the tension, trying uselessly to break the silence.
“Well… now that we’re all here,” he began, “we can start. The goal of this meeting is to find a peaceful solution regarding the Dreamland project. I believe everyone wants a quick and friendly resolution, correct?”
I ignored him. My eyes stayed on Valentina, tracking every subtle shift in her expression while she maintained that stubborn composure.
“Let’s get to the point,” I said coldly, cutting him off. “I have no interest in wasting time with empty speeches. I want to hearexactly what absurd demands this association thinks it has the right to make.”
Valentina’s eyes narrowed a fraction—offended—but her voice stayed calm, steady.
“They aren’t absurd demands, Mr. Ferrara,” she said. “They’re measures that ensure the city’s historic and cultural preservation, as well as the economic security of families who’ve lived and worked here for generations.”
I gave a low, humorless laugh and folded my arms across my chest.
“I didn’t realize you’d developed such a passion for historic preservation, Valentina. How touching.” My tone dripped with sarcasm. “If I didn’t know the kind of woman you are, I might even believe this sudden concern for social justice.”
Her jaw tightened. Irritation flared across her face—and she tried, unsuccessfully, to hide it.
“What you think of me is irrelevant, Enrico,” she said, voice controlled. “We’re not here to discuss personal matters—even if you struggle to understand that.”
I leaned forward slightly, lowering my voice into something that was almost a threat.
“You’ve always been talented at twisting things to your advantage,” I said quietly. “Especially when you’re convincing people your intentions are genuine.” My gaze locked on hers—ice hard. “But you and I both know you’re nowhere near the ethical, moral savior you’re pretending to be now.”
Valentina’s eyes darkened. I noticed the faint tremor in her hands on the tabletop—but she didn’t break eye contact for a second.
“Ferrara’s project is a real threat to the families in this town, Enrico,” she said. “I know it’s difficult for you to see beyond your own interests, but not everyone is like you.”
The insult behind her words landed sharp, and fury rose hot in my chest. I kept my voice low, only superficially controlled.
“Oh, yes. The families. How noble of you.” I smiled faintly, cruel. “What is this—your New Year’s resolution? You finally think about the impact of your choices before you make them?”
She inhaled, as if forcing herself not to explode in front of the mayor.
But she would.
Or my name wasn’t Enrico Ferrara.
My smile turned colder.
“Reckless decisions have always been your specialty, not mine.”
The mayor cleared his throat again, confused by the subtext but visibly uncomfortable. Valentina lifted her chin, meeting my stare with forced steadiness.
“And your specialty is confusing people,” she shot back. “Convincing them you care—even though your interest only reaches as far as it benefits you.”
“My only interest,” she continued evenly, “is making sure no one suffers irreversible damage because of your impulsive decisions. You have a reputation for acting without considering the consequences.”
My smile faded slowly. My eyes darkened.
“On the contrary,” I said, voice sharpening. “My decisions are always based on solid evidence. If you and your little alliescan’t accept that, perhaps you struggle to recognize your own mistakes.”
“My mistakes?” She laughed, sharp and bitter, folding her arms. “Forgive me, but you may need to revisit your definition of ‘solid evidence.’ Because we both know you’re an expert in jumping to conclusions—especially when you’re determined to win, no matter the cost.”
My jaw tightened—barely.
“You truly believe you have the right to question how I make decisions?”
