Chapter 17
Beatrice stood up from her desk, her navy suit looking like sharp armor against the rising tension.
“You knew,” she repeated, her voice cracking with suppressed emotion.
“You knew when you walked across that ballroom and took my hand?”
“I knew the moment I reviewed your hiring file three months ago,” Dante admitted calmly.
“Why didn't you say anything?” she demanded, walking around the desk to face him directly.
“Because my father’s actions ten years ago were not mine,” Dante said, his voice deep and steady.
“My father was a ruthless man who destroyed many lives, including your family’s business.”
“And you used his stolen money to build your empire!” she yelled, losing her composure for the first time.
“I dismantled his illegal operations the moment I took over!” Dante countered, stepping toward her.
“I returned what I could to victims through anonymous trusts.”
“Did you return anything to my mother? To Maggie? To me?” Beatrice confronted him, tears burning her eyes.
“No,” Dante admitted quietly. “Because by the time I took full control, your father had already passed away.”
“And you thought framing Julian Hart and giving me a share of the firm would make us even?”
“I didn't frame Julian!” Dante said fiercely, grabbing her upper arms gently.
“Julian stole from me, and he threatened your sister! That had nothing to do with 2018!”
Beatrice pulled away from his grip, shaking her head in utter disbelief.
“I don't know what’s real anymore, Dante.”
“You rescued me from humiliation, but you’re standing on the ashes of my father’s life.”
“Beatrice, listen to me—”
“No!” she cut him off, backing away toward the window. “I need you to leave my office.”
Dante looked at her for a long, agonizing moment, his expression filled with rare, raw pain.
“I won't force you to trust me, Beatrice,” Dante said softly, stepping back toward the door.
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“But remember one thing: I never lied to you about who I am.”
He turned and walked out of the office, leaving her entirely alone in the massive room.
