the city lights. The evening had been a success in every way, yet he found his thoughts

y tool in his arsenal-his confidence, his stories of wealth and power, the intimate setting of his luxurious home

himself, sipping the wine. "She d

mired Isabella's strength, her dedication to her art, and her unwavering focus. But it was more tha

ther glass, his phone buzzed. It was Luc

We are at the new club downtown," Luc

, but he knew he could use a distraction. "S

is penthouse, his team of bodyguards fell into step around him. The elevator ride down

. He couldn't shake the feeling of surprise and admiration. As they arrived at

. Luca spotted him and waved from a VIP section. Alessandro m

ted him with a hearty slap on the back.

ook the offered glass. "

, how did the exhibition go? And more impo

. Isabella was amazing, as expected. But..." He hesitated, the memory of Isabe

n surprise. "Turned you d

d to women falling over themselves to be with me, but Isabella...she is

must really be something s

fting to her. "She is passionate, genuine, and completel

. "Here's to being surprised, then. Maybe i

a bit lighter. "You might be

n ex-girlfriend, weaved through the crowd with a confident stride. She was stunning, with long, dark

xclaimed, wrapping her arms ar

a twinge of discomfort. "Sofia, it is

gleaming with mischief. "I have missed you. W

, but tonight was different. His mind was on Isabella,

" he said, gently disentangling himself

by a look of surprise. "Really? Since when d

te. "Things have changed, Sofia. I am se

ned her composure. "I see. Well, good luck with that.

w. "Wow, turning down Sofia? This Isabell

er been denied by a woman before, but Isabella... she is different. She's no

s to new experiences, my friend. It

n her face. "Alessandro, can I speak to you in private for a

owed Sofia to a quieter corner of the club. His bodyguards maint

essandro asked, trying

s going on with you, Alessandro? Since when do y

s isn't about you. I'm focusing on someone else rig

think she's better than me? She's jus

Isabella is nothing like that. She is genuine a

rprise and anger. "You're se

is frustration. "Yes, I am. Now, if you'll e

n. Sofia's words had only strengthened his resolve. Isabella was di

uca gave him a questioning

int in his eyes. "Yes. I just

s like Isabella has

. "And I'm not going to let an

e lively atmosphere and the attention from various women, his mind kept drifting back to Isabella. She had

on in his eyes. Isabella had awakened something in him, a desire to pursue more than just a fleet