His Merciless Redemption novel Chapter 127

Chapter 127

Isabella’s POV

The next morning, breakfast felt like a performance I wasn’t prepared for.

The long table was full, too full, and the air buzzed with quiet conversation that never quite included me. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, catching on polished wood and porcelin, making everything look deceptively warm.

Caterina sat at the head of the table, carefully sipping her tea unger Vittoria’s watchful eye.

“Just one sugar,” Vittoria said gently, reaching across to stop Caterina’s hand. “The doctor was very clear.”

Caterina sighed but smiled. “I know, I know.”

Dominic nodded approvingly. “She’s right, Mama.”

Across from them, Alessia sat wrapped in a soft cardigan, both hands cradling her cup. Dominic had brought her home from the hospital early this morning after the doctors had assured her that everything was fine.

Vittoria, Salvatore and Alessia had all taken to having meals together with us and I’d had to join despite not wanting to because I didn’t really want to leave Mateo alone with them. He was a friendly kid, sure, but Dominic’s uncle and aunt were still pretty unfamiliar to him. Besides, I figured it would be a nice experience for him to have full fledged family meals like this.

I watched silently as Salvatore leaned towards Alessia, concern etched into his face.

“How are you feeling this morning, cara?” he asked.

“Better,” Alessia replied softly. “A little tired, but that’s normal, ist it?”

“Of course it is,” Vittoria said immediately. “You mustn’t overdo anything. Dominic, did you tell her about the specialist I mentioned?”

“Yes,” Dominic said, glancing at Alessia. “We’ll schedule it.”

We.

I noticed the ease with which he said that despite not wanting to.

Not wanting to dwell on it any more, I focused on buttering my toast.

“You really shouldn’t be working so much,” Salvatore added. “Stress isn’t good for the baby.”

Alessia smiled shyly. “I’ll try to rest.”

Dominic’s hand briefly touched her shoulder. “I’ll make sure she does.”

Something tight coiled in my chest at the gesture. Of course, he would, wouldn’t he?

Mateo chatted happily beside me, blissfully unaware. “Nonna, can we go to the park later?”

Caterina looked at me instinctively, then back at Mateo. “If your namma says yes.”

“I have work,” I said calmly. “But maybe later this week.”

Dominic glanced at me then, like he wanted to say something.

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I didn’t look back.

Vittoria turned to Alessia again. “You’ll be staying at home today, yes?”

“Yes,” Alessia said. “Isa was kind enough to offer to come with me to my next appointment”

I raised my head to look at her. I knew I had said that, And I was going to. But she didn’t need to announce it like that in front of everyone.

The table stilled for half a second.

“That’s very thoughtful,” Vittoria said, her gaze sliding to me, sharp, assessing. Measuring.

I met her eyes evenly. “It’s no trouble.”

Dominic looked between us, surprised but silent.

I finished my tea, noticing that Mateo was done with his breakfast as well. Then, I stood up. “We should get going”

“Already?” Mateo asked.

“Yes,” I said. “We need to get going or we’ll be late.”

Mateo nodded before getting up as well and following me upstats.

Once I’d dropped Mateo off at school, I reached my office. Everyone greeted me enthusiastically, congratulating me for the wonderful event last night. I accepted it all with a smile, shook hands when necessary, beaming with pride on the inside all along.

But I knew there was still a long way to go.

So, I settled into my chair and went about my day mechanically emails, calls, meetings, but for some reason my mind kept drifting back to the table. The way attention curved towards Alessia like gravity. The way Dominic didn’t even realize how instinctively he’d fallen into orbit.

It doesn’t matter, I reminded myself.

I didn’t know if they knew that the baby was his or not. But that didn’t change anything. In their eyes, Alessia had always been the right choice for him, Safe. Suitable. Uncomplicated.

By afternoon, I was back home to have lunch with Mateo.

That was when my phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

I frowned, then answered. “Hello?”

A pause. Breathing on the other end.

“Isabella Bianchi,” a woman said quietly.

“Yes. Who is this?”

“You were at Santa Croce Hospital the day Caterina Russo was admitted.”

My pulse jumped at her words. Who was she? And how did she now? “Yes,” I replied evenly.

“You noticed things,” she continued. “About Alessia.”

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Chapter 127

My grip tightened on the phone. “What kind of things?”

Another pause. “Not over the phone.”

“Then what do you want?”

“To talk,” she said. “But not for free.”

My jaw clenched. “If you have something to say, say it.”

55 vouchers

“I know you’re suspicious,” the woman said calmly. “I know you’ve been looking. But I won’t risk my job, or worse, without protection.”

“How much?” I asked without hesitation.

She named a number.

I didn’t flinch even though it was a huge sum of money. “Fine.”

“Cash only,” she added. “And you come alone.”

“No,” I said sharply. “That’s not happening.”

A beat. “Bring one person. That’s it.”

“Where?”

She gave me an address, an old industrial stretch on the edge of the city. My stomach sank.

“You’ll come,” she said. “If you really want the truth.”

The call ended.

I stared at the screen for a long moment before locking my phone.

I didn’t hesitate.

Luca answered on the second ring.

“I need your help. I need you to come somewhere with me,” I said.

“Where are we going?”

“Somewhere I don’t want to go alone.”

He exhaled slowly. “Isa-”

“I know,” I cut in. “But I need to do this. I’m at the Villa. You know the address.”

Silence. Then, “I’ll be there in ten.”

When we pulled away in his car, the city blurring past the windows, Luca glanced at me. “You’re not telling me much.”

“I will,” I said. “When I’m sure.”

My heart pounded, not with fear, but with resolve.

Whatever was waiting for me at that address, I was done guessing

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Chapter 127

I was done doubting myself.

Today, I would get answers.

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G

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