MY FAMILY SOLD ME SO I BUILT AN EMPIRE

ed through the grand halls of the Moretti mansion. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the marble floors, and expensive champagne flowed freely among guests who had come to celebrate the daughter of o

ery well. I'll marry her." Her knees weakened. "You have my word?" Vittorio asked. "You have until Monday to prepare her. The wedding will take place within the month." "And the debt?" "Settled." Isabella backed away from the door, tears burning her eyes. Twenty-two years. Twenty-two years of believing her father loved her. She remembered the expensive gifts, the birthday celebrations, and the times he had kissed her forehead and promised that she would always be safe. Had any of it been real? She turned to leave, but her heel struck a small decorative table. The sound echoed through the corridor. The study door opened. Vittorio appeared first. His face drained of colour when he saw her. "Isabella." She stared at him. "Tell me I heard wrong." He opened his mouth, but no words came. Behind him stood Dante De Luca. He was taller than she had expected, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his expression was almost frighteningly calm. His eyes settled on the birthday cake in her hands before moving to her face. "You were listening," he observed. Isabella ignored him. "Father?" Vittorio stepped toward her. "Let me explain." "Explain what? That you're selling me to a man I've never met?" "It's not like that." "Then what is it like?" Her voice cracked. "You told me I was your daughter. You told me you loved me." "I do love you." "Then how could you do this?" Vittorio looked away. That small movement hurt more than any answer could have. Dante stepped out of the study. "Your father and I have reached an agreement." "I don't care about your agreement." His eyebrows lifted slightly. "Careful, Isabella." "Or what? You'll add me to your list of debts?" For the first time, something