章 32: Bitter Reminders.

Evelina let out a sharp laugh, devoid of humor. She shook her head, her hands clenching and unclenching as if to contain the fire burning inside her.

"Simpler?" she repeated, her voice trembling with anger. "You think life is simpler without emotions? Without connections? Maybe that's why you're so good at building walls around yourself, Leone. It's easier to push people away than to let anyone in."

Leone's face remained stoic, but his grip on the desk tightened ever so slightly, a crack in his composed demeanor. "I'm not here to debate philosophy with you, Evelina," he said curtly. "I'm asking for discretion. That's all."

"No," Evelina snapped, her voice rising. "You're demanding obedience, control, and for what? To protect your precious image? To keep up appearances in this sham of a marriage?" She leaned forward, her hands resting on the desk as she stared him down. "Let me tell you something, Leone. If you want a puppet, you married the wrong woman."