"We are going to Tuscany," Matteo said, watching her reaction. "To find your mother. She might have answers."
"She might," Isabella replied, leaning forward slightly. "But Vittorio definitely has answers. And he's here. Now."
Matteo rubbed his temples. "Isabella, if something happens to you"
"Nothing will happen," she interrupted quickly. "I will be careful."
"You don't know him like I do," Matteo said, his tone sharp. "He's not just dangerous. He's smart and manipulative."
"Then help me be smarter," Isabella replied, refusing to look away.
Matteo studied her, like he was seeing something new. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Teach me," she said. "Not just fighting. Everything. How to read people. How to lie convincingly. How to survive in your world."
"That's not a world I want you to be part of," Matteo said, his voice low.
"I'm already part of it," Isabella answered, her tone steady. "I have been since birth. The only difference is now I want to understand it."
