His Ruthless Redemption (Isabella and Dominic) 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 porcelain, making everything look deceptively warm.

Caterina sat at the head of the table, carefully sipping her tea under 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

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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, isn’t 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 mamma says yes.”

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

Chapter 127

Coming glanced at ane then, like he wanted to say something

I didn’t look Park

Vitoria turned to Alessia ag

You be staying at home today, yes?

“Alessia said. “Isa was kind enough to offer to come with me to my new appointment

1 raved my head to look at her I knew I had said that. And I was going to But the didn’t need to announce front of everyone

The table stilled for half a second.

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

I met her eves evenly. It’s no trouble.”

Domini 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 upstairs.

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 anstinctively 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, Alesung had alw been the right choice for hum. 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 amin, a woman said quietly

Yes. W how this

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11:48 am Ppp

Chapter 122

You were at Sandys–Croce Hospital the day Caterina Russo was admitted.”

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

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

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.”

“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.”

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