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At the door, one of the housekeepers - Teresa, opened up, her brows slightly raised at the sight of him.

“Ah, Mr. Romano, we’ve been expecting you,” she said politely, stepping aside to let him in.

Giovanni nodded, his usual charm flickering back into place. “Good evening, Signora. Pleasure as always.”

Just then, Vittoria appeared at the end of the hall, her arms crossed, eyes sharp. “Giovanni,” she greeted coolly. “Come in—we have much to discuss.”

They moved to the sitting room, where a low fire crackled in the hearth. Vittoria wasted no time. “You’ve reviewed the numbers I sent?” she asked, pouring herself a glass of wine without offering him one.

Giovanni settled onto the edge of an armchair, setting his briefcase down with a confident smile. “I have, and I can tell you right now—there’s something off. That couple? They’re definitely hiding things. I’d bet my life they’ve been skimming off the top for months, maybe longer.”

Vittoria’s gaze sharpened. “Good. I will leave everything to you tomorrow morning. Make sure you collect evidences as well. But as for now, I want you to handle another matter for me.”

Giovanni raised an eyebrow. “Of course. What is it?”

She leaned forward slightly. “All those investments and financial products you had me pour money into over the past two years. I want everything liquidated. Every cent returned. Immediately.”

Giovanni’s breath hitched, this was totally unexpected, but he quickly masked his panic with a tight smile. “Oh... well, you know these things take time. The markets are volatile—”

“Don’t,” Vittoria cut in, her voice like steel. “You told me these were secure. I want my money back. Fast.”

Giovanni’s heart pounded in his chest, but he nodded, feigning calm. “Naturally. I’ll begin the process right away.”

Inside, his mind was spiraling. The truth was, none of those investments existed. He wasn’t an accountant. He wasn’t an investor. He was a fraud—a man who had built a web of lies around Vittoria’s trust, and now, cornered, he could feel the walls closing in.