Chapter 3 - The Unsolved Murder
Later that night, after Leo had finally fallen asleep, Matteo summoned Cameron to his private study.
He poured two glasses of amber whiskey, handing one to her before sitting in the leather chair across from the fireplace.
“You said your wife died in a car accident,” Cameron started, gripping the heavy crystal glass to steady her shaking hands.
Matteo stared into the dancing flames, his dark eyes reflecting the chaotic light.
“That is what the police report said, and that is what the media printed,” he replied, his voice devoid of emotion.
“But the truth is much darker.”
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, charred piece of twisted metal, tossing it onto the table between them.
“This is a piece of the brake line from Sofia’s car,” he explained, his tone dropping to a dangerous whisper.
“It was intentionally severed by a professional.”
Cameron gasped, pressing a hand to her mouth as the horrific reality of the situation washed over her.
“She was murdered?”
“Yes,” Matteo confirmed, his jaw clenching so hard a muscle twitched beneath his skin.
“Someone in my inner circle wanted to destroy me, and they knew killing my wife was the fastest way to break my empire.”
Cameron felt a cold chill run down her spine as she looked at the man who commanded both wealth and fear.
“Why are you telling me this now?” she asked cautiously.
Matteo finally tore his gaze away from the fire and locked his eyes onto hers.
“Because whoever ordered the hit believes they succeeded.”
He stood up, pacing slowly around the room like a caged predator planning a hunt.
“Next week, the Duca family is hosting its annual charity gala, and every one of my rivals and family members will be there.”
He stopped right in front of her, his gaze dropping to her lips before meeting her eyes again.
“I want you to wear her dress, wear her jewelry, and walk into that ballroom on my arm.”
Cameron’s heart stopped as the insane, dangerous plan clicked into place in her mind.
“You want to use my face to terrify the killer into making a mistake,” she realized, her voice trembling.
“It is incredibly dangerous,” Matteo admitted, reaching out to gently trace the beauty mark below her ear.
“But if you do this, I swear on my life that I will protect you and Leo forever.”
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Cameron looked at his hand, feeling a terrifying, electric spark at his touch, and knew she was already too deep to say no.
“Tell me what to do,” she whispered.
