Matteo leaned close to Isabella as they walked toward the back. "The meeting will take an hour," he said. "Maybe two. You will wait in my office."
"Your office?" Isabella asked, looking up at him. Her pulse was already picking up, a mix of curiosity and nerves.
"It's safe there," Matteo replied, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "No one goes in without my permission." His eyes stayed on her a moment longer before he turned toward the elevator.
When the doors slid open, Isabella stepped inside. The metal walls reflected her own tense face back at her, and she felt her pulse quicken.
They emerged in a quieter space that overlooked the dance floor below. The music was still there, a dull thud under their feet, but it wasn't deafening anymore. Matteo guided her to a chair against the wall.
"Sit here," he said, nodding at the seat. "Don't move." His voice was calm but final, like he'd already decided she wouldn't argue.
