Chapter 7 The First Test

The night was quiet, the city's hum muffled by the thick curtains drawn around the room. Isabella sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers tightly clutching the silk sheets beneath her. Her mind was racing, but her body remained still-rigid, almost frozen in place. She couldn't shake the weight of Alexander's words from her mind.

Betrayal. He had made it clear: betray him, and you will suffer.

It wasn't just about betrayal within the mafia. It was about betrayal in every corner of life. This world that she had been thrust into wasn't about forgiveness. It was about power. Manipulation. And survival.

A knock on the door startled her from her thoughts. She quickly stood, smoothing her dress as she rushed to the door. When she opened it, one of Alexander's men stood in the hallway, his expression unreadable.

"Come with me," the man said, his tone businesslike.

Isabella hesitated for a moment, but then the reality of her situation hit her. She couldn't refuse. Not anymore. She nodded and followed him down the hallway, her heart pounding in her chest. She had no idea where she was being taken, but she had learned one thing already: it was better not to question orders.

They stopped outside a large, ornate door. The man knocked twice before pushing it open. Inside, Alexander sat behind a large desk, the glow of a single lamp illuminating his sharp features. His eyes locked onto hers immediately, cold and calculating.

"Isabella," he greeted her without emotion, his voice smooth. "I trust you're settling in."

"Yes, sir," she replied, trying to maintain composure, though her nerves were betraying her.

"Good. You'll need to be strong for what's coming next." His eyes flicked toward the man standing in the doorway, who stepped aside, allowing a second man to enter the room. This man looked far more menacing-his posture rigid, his eyes calculating, as if he was always assessing everyone around him.

"This is Marco," Alexander said, motioning toward the man. "He'll be your guide tonight."

Isabella's stomach churned. She had no idea what that meant, but the fear was starting to settle deep within her.

Marco's eyes swept over her quickly before he spoke. "We have a problem," he said, his voice low and devoid of warmth. "One of your... associates from back in New York has caused a stir. He's been talking to the wrong people, saying things he shouldn't. It's become an issue."

Isabella's mind raced. She didn't have any 'associates'-or at least, she hadn't thought she did. Who could possibly be causing trouble?

"Who is it?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Alexander's lips curled into a slight smile. "His name is Adam. He used to be a part of your inner circle, but clearly, he's forgotten his place."

The mention of Adam sent a wave of unease through Isabella. She remembered him vaguely-an old friend from her past. But why was he mixed up in this now? Why was he suddenly a threat? She didn't know, but Alexander's cold gaze told her all she needed to know: Adam had to be dealt with.

"You're going to take care of him," Alexander said, his tone unyielding.

Isabella froze. "Me?"

"Did I stutter?" Alexander's voice was sharper now, like a whip cracking. "You've spent enough time playing the innocent victim. Now it's time to step up. I don't care how you do it, but Adam needs to be silenced."

The air in the room felt thick with tension. Her head was spinning. How was she supposed to deal with someone like Adam? She was terrified-she hadn't been in this kind of situation before. But she knew, deep down, that there was no choice but to comply. If she didn't, she might end up like Raymond, the traitor they had discussed earlier-discarded without a second thought.

Marco stepped closer, his eyes dark and unreadable. "You don't have to do it yourself. We have the tools to handle this," he said, almost as if reading her mind. "But I'm here to show you that this is the reality now. You are part of this world. If you want to survive, you will need to understand that there are no second chances."

Isabella swallowed hard. The reality was sinking in like a heavy stone in her chest. She wasn't in control here. She wasn't the one calling the shots.

Alexander studied her for a moment, as if waiting for a response. When none came, he finally spoke again, his voice low and commanding.

"Do it however you see fit, but do it quickly," he said. "I'm giving you this chance. Don't waste it."

With that, he rose from behind his desk and walked toward the door. Marco gave Isabella one last look, his expression still as unreadable as before, and followed Alexander out.

Isabella stood there for a long moment, the weight of their words pressing down on her. What was she supposed to do? She had never been the type to take life into her own hands. But now, Alexander's cold expectation was staring her in the face. She had no choice.

---

Later that night

Isabella sat alone in her room, her fingers trembling as she gripped the glass of wine in her hand. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts-fear, confusion, and something darker that she couldn't quite identify. She had no idea how to handle the situation, but she knew one thing: Adam was a problem. He needed to be silenced.

She didn't know if she could go through with it, but she had already seen what Alexander was capable of, what he expected. She couldn't risk crossing him.

The sound of footsteps in the hallway brought her back to reality. She set the glass down on the table and walked to the door, her heart racing. She opened it slowly, unsure of what she was about to face.

Standing before her was Marco, his face hard, his eyes full of warning.

"It's time," he said simply.

Isabella nodded, her breath catching in her throat. Tonight, she would make a decision that would change everything. She just hoped she could live with it.