Page 69 of Prince of Vice

"Worlds often collide, my dear." His smile is enigmatic, his eyes twinkling like stars in the night sky. "What matters is how we navigate the chaos that follows."

His words weave themselves into the tapestry of my soul, filling me with a strange sense of hope and wonder. "Thank you, Charlie," I murmur, feeling his wisdom settle around my shoulders like a protective cloak.

"Goodnight, Isabella," he says softly, his voice fading as I turn away, cradling my water glass in my hands.

The hushed sounds of the house envelop me as I pad silently down the hallway, the floorboards cool beneath my bare feet. The flickering shadows cast by the moonlight dance across the walls, painting ethereal patterns that merge and separate, a visual symphony that mirrors the swirling emotions within my heart.

As I slip back into the bedroom, the sight of Primo sleeping peacefully takes my breath away. The sharp angles of his face are softened by slumber, and for once, the darkness that usually clings to him seems to have receded, replaced by an almost vulnerable tranquility.

I ease myself back into bed, taking care not to disturb him as I nestle against the sheets. As I lay there, my thoughts drift to Charlie's words and the secret truth I've only just begun to acknowledge.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Isabella

The morning sun casts golden hues over the courthouse steps, its grand structure looming before me. I feel a frisson of nerves as Primo and I push through the clamoring crowd of reporters, their voices merging into an indecipherable cacophony. My heart thuds against my chest, expectation heavy on my shoulders.

"Mr. Maldonado, do you have anything to say before your trial begins?" one reporter manages to shout above the rest.

I step forward, my voice steady despite the trembling in my hands. "We are confident in our case and have no further comments at this time."

Primo maintains a completely cool outward appearance, but we manage to lock eyes and I can see the warmth and appreciation for me in their depths.

As we ascend the courthouse steps, I find myself scrutinizing the building with a newfound reverence. The familiar stone edifice feels different now; it's no longer just a workplace, but a battleground where my wits and dedication will be tested. I know I've spent countless hours preparing for this moment, but self-doubt still lingers inside me, a serpent whispering that perhaps I'm not ready.

Primo seems to sense my unease, and his hand finds my shoulder, its warmth seeping through the fabric of my blouse. His touch anchors me, reminding me that I am not alone in this fight. We share a look of mutual determination, and with renewed confidence, I square my shoulders and stride into the fray.

The courtroom doors swing open, revealing the hushed anticipation within. My eyes scan the gallery and briefly lock onto Greg's piercing gaze. His eyes widen in surprise as he takes in my presence, and I wonder why he's so taken aback. It's only natural for me to be here on the first day of the trial – unless he had a hand in orchestrating my recent kidnapping attempt.

"Isabella," he says, a forced smile tugging at his lips, "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Really? It's the first day of trial," I retort, curiosity and suspicion mingling in my chest. "Why wouldn't I be here?"

Before Greg can respond, Primo steps between us, his face a stony mask of barely contained fury. He leans in close, his voice low and dangerous. "If you ever try to harm her again, I'll happily plead guilty to crimes against humanity after what I'd do to you." The menace in his words sends a shiver down my spine, but there's also an odd sense of comfort in knowing how fiercely he would protect me.

Greg pales visibly, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. It's clear that Primo has struck a nerve, only further cementing my suspicions about his involvement in the kidnapping plot. As we take our seats at the defense table, I feel that we're not only facing the prosecution, but also fighting an unseen war against those who would seek to undermine us from within.

"Primo, you shouldn't have done that," I whisper urgently as he settles back into his seat beside me. "I don't want you implicated for those three men."

He meets my gaze with a steady one of his own, the fierceness in his eyes softening just a fraction. "Isabella, I'm not worried about that. If they come after me, it implicates Greg for kidnapping, too. This is the game of criminal activity – mutually assured destruction." He offers a brief, humorless smile before turning his attention to the front of the courtroom.

My heart still races from our encounter with Greg, but Primo's words offer some solace. I take a deep breath, laying out all my materials as the chatter around us dies down and the room falls silent.

"Order in the court!" the bailiff calls out, and everyone rises as Judge Dolan takes his place behind the bench. As we sit back down, the jury instructions are given, and the air in the courtroom grows tense.

The prosecution stands, taking center stage. My grip tightens around the edges of my notes, but I force myself to listen to their opening arguments. They paint a picture of Primo as a man with murderous intent, someone cruel and ruthless who wouldn't hesitate to kill his own business partner. It's a twisted caricature of the man I've come to know, but I can see the doubt creeping into the jurors' eyes.

As the prosecution concludes, I rise, leaving my carefully crafted speech on the table. Instead, I look each juror in the eye, speaking from the depths of my heart. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, over the course of preparing for this trial, I've had the privilege of getting to know the man that is Primo Maldonado. He is fiercely loyal and protective, a far cry from the monster the prosecution would have you believe."

I pause, letting my words sink in before continuing. "The person who kills someone close to them is not the same person who risks everything to protect those he cares about. The evidence will show that Primo was set up by someone lacking his moral compass, someone desperate to see him fall. Someone who had personal motive to get him out of the way, no matter the cost. I ask that you look past the show the prosecution is trying to put on, and truly examine the man beneath the suit."

As I take my seat once more, I can feel the energy shift in the courtroom. My words have struck a chord with the jury, and I can only hope it's enough to turn the tide in our favor. The battle has just begun, but with each passing moment, I am more determined than ever to see justice prevail.

* * *

The gavel strikes and the first day of trial concludes. The courtroom empties, leaving only its cold, sterile atmosphere behind. Primo is escorted away, his eyes lingering on me for a moment before he disappears from sight.

I make my way to my my hotel room, one right next to the courthouse since my apartment is too far of a drive. My body is heavy with exhaustion. My hand trembles as I unlock the door, and the moment it swings open, I'm greeted by an unexpected sight. Teddy Maldonado sits in the dimly lit room, his lean form sprawled across a plush armchair.