Aiden arrived at the Meridian Hotel exactly at noon, but he didn't come alone. Maya shadowed him, invisible but present. And Jade, his new hacker ally, was tapped into the hotel's security system from a van outside.
The penthouse suite was ostentatious—gold fixtures, marble everything. Dante Romano sat in a leather chair like a throne, his bodyguards flanking him.
"I said alone."
"You said come alone. I came. What my security does isn't your concern." Aiden sat across from him uninvited. "Let's talk."
Dante poured espresso from a silver service. "You're either brave or foolish. I haven't decided which."
"Isabella isn't going back to Italy."
"She doesn't have a choice. She's a Romano. Her duty—"
"She's an adult with her own life." Aiden leaned forward. "And she's important to me. Whatever arrangements your family made, they're done."
Dante's eyes narrowed. "You care for her? How touching. Tell me, Mr. Schols, what do you know of my sister? Her history, her obligations?"
"I know she's brilliant. Compassionate. She saves lives."
"She's also promised. Contracts were signed. Money exchanged. In my world, these things matter."
"Then I'll buy her out of it." The words came before Aiden fully thought them through. "Name the price."
Dante actually smiled, predatory. "It's not about money, though I'm sure your millions seem impressive to you. This is about family honor. Something money cannot purchase."
"Everything has a price."
"Perhaps in your vulgar American capitalism." Dante set down his cup. "But since you insist—five million euros. That's what the Santoro family paid for the marriage contract. Return it with interest, and I'll consider your petition."
"Done."
Dante's surprise was evident. "You're serious?"
"I'll transfer it today. But Isabella stays here, free and clear. No more harassment."
"You truly care for her this much?" Something shifted in Dante's expression—calculation giving way to curiosity. "Or is this merely pride? The rich boy who must win?"
"It's love," Aiden said simply. "Something you clearly don't understand."
They stared at each other, Old World meeting New. Finally, Dante stood.
"Very well. Transfer the funds and provide proof. I'll inform the Santoros the arrangement is void." He walked to the window. "But know this, Mr. Schols—if you hurt my sister, if you break her heart, no amount of money will protect you from the consequences. Family may be different in your culture, but for us, it's everything."
"Understood."
"One more thing." Dante turned. "She mentioned you're... involved with other women as well?"
Aiden met his gaze steadily. "Yes."
"And she accepts this?"
"We're figuring it out together."
To Aiden's surprise, Dante laughed—genuine amusement. "Perhaps you're more Italian than you appear. Very well. I wish you luck. You'll need it."
The meeting ended with a tense handshake. As Aiden left, Maya fell into step beside him.
"That went better than expected."
"The day's not over," Aiden muttered. But hope flickered in his chest. Maybe this could actually work.
His phone buzzed. Sophia had finally texted: "We need to talk. Coffee tomorrow?"
One crisis at a time, he thought. One crisis at a time.