Chapter 6 - The Choice Matteo Had Never Made
Two months later, Isabella received an envelope at work.
Inside was a contract.
Rossi Development wanted her firm to lead the restoration of the historic Bellmore Hotel.
It was the biggest project Isabella had ever seen.
She read the proposed fee.
Then immediately called Matteo.
“Tell me you didn't do this.”
Silence.
“Hello to you too.”
“The Bellmore contract.”
Matteo paused.
“My company needs a restoration consultant.”
“There are fifty firms in Chicago.”
“You're the best.”
“Matteo.”
“You are.”
“You promised.”
“I didn't give you anything.”
“You gave my company a contract worth more than our annual revenue.”
“Because you're qualified.”
“Would they have hired us if I weren't dating you?”
Matteo didn't answer quickly enough.
Isabella closed her eyes.
“That’s what I thought.”
“Isabella—”
“No.”
She hung up.
Twenty minutes later, Matteo entered her office.
She stared at him.
“How did you get here that fast?”
“I was nearby.”
“You were six miles away.”
“I drove efficiently.”
“Sit.”
Matteo sat.
Isabella dropped the contract on the desk.
“I can't accept this.”
“You earned it.”
“Then prove it.”
“How?”
“Remove yourself from the decision.”
“I already did.”
“Really?”
Matteo hesitated.
Isabella pointed toward the door.
“Goodbye.”
“Wait.”
He stood.
“You want honesty?”
“Always.”
“I mentioned your firm.”
“There it is.”
“Then I left the decision to the board.”
“And they know we're dating.”
“Yes.”
“So how could I ever know whether I earned it?”
Matteo stared at her.
For once, he understood immediately.
This wasn't about money.
It was about the one thing Isabella valued most.
Her independence.
“What do you want me to do?”
“Withdraw the offer.”
“You could lose the project.”
“Then I lose it.”
“You've worked years for an opportunity like this.”
“Yes.”
“And you'll walk away?”
“Yes.”
Matteo almost smiled.
“Of course you will.”
“That isn't funny.”
“No.”
He looked at her.
“It's exactly why I fell in love with you.”
Silence.
Everything stopped.
Isabella stared.
Matteo seemed equally surprised by his own words.
“You what?”
He could have retreated.
He didn't.
“I love you.”
Isabella said nothing.
Matteo continued.
“I love that you argue with me.”
“That sounds unhealthy.”
“I love that you don't care who my family knows.”
“Matteo—”
“I love that you make me split restaurant checks.”
Despite herself, Isabella laughed.
“And I hate that every time I try to make your life easier, you remind me that easier isn't always better.”
He stepped closer.
“But I still made this decision for you.”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
She looked at him.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
Matteo picked up the contract.
“I'll withdraw it.”
“And?”
“And I will have nothing to do with selecting the replacement consultant.”
Isabella nodded.
“Thank you.”
He started toward the door.
“Matteo.”
He turned.
She hadn't answered the other thing.
He waited.
Isabella walked toward him.
“You've changed.”
“Is that good?”
“Mostly.”
“Mostly?”
“You're still arrogant.”
“I'm working on it.”
“You're still controlling.”
“Working on that too.”
“You still send ridiculously expensive flowers.”
“You like those.”
“I do.”
Matteo smiled.
Then Isabella touched his hand.
“I love you too.”
For perhaps the first time in his adult life, Matteo Rossi looked completely stunned.
Isabella smiled.
“Don't make me repeat it.”
“I was considering asking.”
“Don't.”
He laughed.
Then kissed her.
Slowly.
No audience.
No photographers.
No Rossi family.
Just Matteo and Isabella.
When they separated, Isabella pointed at the contract.
“Still withdrawing it.”
“I know.”
“And don't buy my company.”
Matteo looked offended.
“I wasn't going to.”
“You thought about it.”
“For approximately thirty seconds.”
“Matteo.”
“Twenty.”
She shook her head.
He smiled.
But six months later, Matteo would face an even more difficult challenge.
May you like
Asking Isabella Carter a question money couldn't answer.
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