His Ruthless Redemption (Isabella and Dominic) novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124

Isabella’s POV

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The preview hall looked exactly the way I had imagined it when the event took place two days later.

Soft golden light washed over marble plinths and suspended installations, catching on glass, metal, and paint in a way that made every piece feel alive. The music was subtle, strings layered with something modern, just enough to lift the atmosphere without demanding attention. Conversations hummed in low, excited tones. Laughter drifted. Cameras flashed occasionally, discreet but present.

It was elegant. Confident.

So was I.

I stood near the central installation, answering questions, directing attention, explaining choices. Luca handled logistics nearby, headset in place, running things with the quiet efficiency I trusted. Chiara moved through the room like she belonged everywhere at once, checking in with sponsors, greeting press, giving me quick approving nods whenever our eyes met.

This was my world.

“Isabella, this is extraordinary.”

I turned to see a curator from Milan gesturing towards one of the larger pieces. “The cohesion is remarkable. You’ve managed to honor Florence without being trapped by it.”

“Thank you,” I said easily. “That balance was important to me.”

And it was. Every decision tonight, every piece, every placement, had been deliberate. Thought through. Earned.

Dominic arrived not long after.

I felt it before I saw him like I always did. There was the subtle shift in energy, the way conversations bent just slightly around his presence. He wore black, tailored and precise, his expression guarded but attentive. When his gaze found me, something unmistakable crossed his face.

Pride.

Not possession. Not control.

Recognition.

He crossed the room and stopped beside me, close enough that I caught the familiar scent of his cologne, wood and spice, both familiar and grounding.

“You did this. This is amazing,” he said quietly, his voice low with something like awe.

“Yes,” I replied, meeting his eyes without hesitation.

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Chapter 124

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He turned to the small group gathered near us. “She’s brilliant,” he said openly. “This entire vision was hers.”

The praise landed warmly, but this time, it didn’t knock the breath out of me.

Because I already knew it was true. I had put in a lot of work into this project. This was my domain, my world. This was where I was the most confident. Most myself.

I inclined my head politely. “It was a collaborative effort.”

Inside, I smiled, watching quietly as Dominic was pulled away by a few other people. He was the other part of this program, just as important tonight as I was, if not more.

Vittoria and Salvatore approached soon after.

Honestly, I hadn’t wanted them here. I’d wanted Caterina here. I wanted her to see all that I’d done. Because I knew she was one of the few people who would be genuinely happy for me.

I knew I was going to be busy and wasn’t going to be able to give her the care and attention she deserved. Given her diet restrictions, I didn’t want her coming here and eating food that wasn’t in accordance with her meal plan when no one was watching. Besides, I didn’t want her exerting herself too much and falling ill again.

So she sent Vittoria and Salvatore to ‘support me‘ instead, her words, not mine. And of course, Alessia had tagged along as well.

Vittoria’s gaze swept over the installation before settling on me. This time, there was no dismissal, only assessment, recalibrating quietly.

“Well,” she said. “This is quite something.”

“It is,” Salvatore added. “Ambitious.”

I met their eyes calmly. “That was the intention.”

A beat passed. Vittoria’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You’ve clearly found your footing.”

I didn’t miss the implication. This is what you’re better suited for, not Dominic’s world, she was saying indirectly. But I didn’t let it affect me.

“I’ve been standing on it for years,” I replied evenly.

Something flickered across Salvatore’s face, surprise, perhaps. Vittoria recovered first.

“Of course,” she said. “You’ve done well.”

The compliment was thin, careful, almost insincere.

I accepted it anyway. Not because it mattered, but because I didn’t need it to.

Alessia joined them moments later, her hand resting lightly on her stomach, her smile soft and composed.

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12:57 Sat, Jun 6

Chapter 124

“It’s beautiful,” she said. “You’ve clearly worked very hard.”

“I have.” I said simply, my tone was not defensive, or sharp, but very matter of fact.

She held my gaze for a second longer than necessary, then looked away.

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The night continued around us with more conversations, more praise, more introductions. At some point, Dominic returned to my side.

“Would you like to dance?” he asked quietly, nodding towards the open space where the music had grown just a shade more prominent.

For a heartbeat, I considered it.

Then. Alessia swayed, just slightly.

Her hand flew to the wall. “Dominic,” she whispered, loud enough to carry. “I don’t feel well.”

The room’s attention snapped to her instantly.

I watched Dominic’s posture change instantly, concern overriding everything else.

“Alessia?” He was already reaching for her.

“I think I’m dizzy,” she murmured.

“I’ll take her to the hospital,” Dominic said quickly.

And just like that, he was gone.

The sting was immediate.

Sharp. Unavoidable.

But it didn’t hollow me out.

Vittoria sighed softly beside me. “He’s very attentive.”

Salvatore nodded. “Family comes first.”

Family. That’s what Dominic had call me and Mateo. We were his family.

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