A pause. Then: "Are you certain? You were quite clear about the cancellation...."
"I'm certain. How quickly can you acquire it?"
"The supplier confirmed he can have it to me within 48 hours. I can deliver it to you Saturday morning. Before the event."
Saturday morning.
The day of the gala.
Isabella closed her eyes, took a breath.
"Do it," she said. "And Catarina? This stays between us. No one else knows.
Not Enzo. Not anyone."
"Of course. Professional discretion is guaranteed." A pause. "The cost has increased due to the expedited timeline. 200K total."
"Fine. I'll transfer the funds within the hour."
"Understood. I'll be in touch Saturday morning with delivery details."
The line went dead.
Isabella set down her phone, her hands shaking now.
She'd done it.
Reactivated the order.
Committed to the plan.
Chosen her obsession over Enzo. Over her own wellbeing. Over everything.
She moved to the windows, looked out at the city.
