Chapter 15 Following Clues

After the server took their orders and left, Antonio’s gaze lingered on Rose. Unconsciously, she had become a source of solace, pushing thoughts of Vega out of his mind. He even considered abandoning the search for his former love altogether. “I was serious about what I said in the dressing room,” Antonio said, his tone low and deliberate. “Do you think I was joking?” “I don’t know,” Rose replied, her voice soft but uncertain. “Then could you at least consider that I wasn’t?” His voice was unusually sincere, and the intensity in his eyes seemed to plead for an answer. Antonio knew it was selfish to harbor feelings for both Rose and Vega. The conflict within him was a storm he had never faced before. “What do you mean by that?” Rose asked, feigning confusion, though she understood his words perfectly. “Will you be with me?” Her hesitation was palpable. Antonio had disrupted the carefully guarded balance of her emotions, leaving her confused and vulnerable. “I… I don’t know,” she finally said. Antonio smiled gently, though her response stung. “That’s alright. I understand.” As the food was served, he shifted his focus to their meal. Despite the unresolved tension, Antonio felt a sense of clarity. Perhaps what he once felt for Vega was only a memory of love—a bond that had faded over time. From this moment on, Vega would be just someone he had once loved. After dinner, Antonio parted ways with Rose, arranging for another of his men to escort her back to the mansion. Meanwhile, he headed to the casino to ensure everything was running smoothly. The atmosphere at the casino was electric, the sound of music and laughter blending with the rhythmic clinking of coins and shuffling of cards. Players were so engrossed in their games that time seemed irrelevant. Antonio walked through the crowd, accompanied by four bodyguards. “Where’s Rossi? Does anyone know?” Antonio asked abruptly. The bodyguards exchanged glances and shook their heads. Antonio sighed and continued his inspection, eventually retreating to his private lounge. Inside, two women flanked him, vying for his attention with sultry whispers and suggestive touches. The distraction only irritated him further. “What’s wrong tonight? You seem so tense,” one of them cooed, her lips brushing his ear. “Let me help you relax.” Antonio raised his hand, motioning for both women to leave. They exchanged displeased looks but complied, knowing better than to push him when he was in a foul mood. Left alone, Antonio sipped his wine and sighed. His mind churned with unresolved thoughts, and inevitably, Rose occupied a significant part of them. The door opened, and Rossi stepped in, his expression as unreadable as ever. “Everything’s normal tonight,” Rossi reported. “Where have you been all day?” Antonio asked, his tone sharp. “I had something to take care of,’ Rossi replied. “I’ve also made some progress in the search for Vega.” Antonio’s posture stiffened. “What did you find?” “As I mentioned before, she never left the city or the country. Her old residence hasn’t been sold, and there’s no record of her relocating officially. However, she has been moving between rented accommodations. The latest lead places her in the northern suburbs,” Rossi explained. “How certain are you?” “I sent someone to investigate. Two years ago, Vega was confirmed to have stayed in the area, renting a room there. Locals say she was only seen briefly before disappearing again.” Antonio nodded thoughtfully. He knew Vega had no family, and before they parted ways, she had worked as a model for his company. He had severed her contracts, not wanting her to continue in the industry. “And now?” “She hasn’t been spotted recently, but I believe if we investigate the area further, we might find clues about where she went,” Rossi said. Antonio leaned back in his chair, mulling over the information. “Alright. You may leave. I need some time alone,” Antonio said finally. “Yes, sir,” Rossi replied, bowing slightly before exiting. The room fell silent once again, and Antonio’s thoughts churned. Years ago, the mere mention of Vega’s name would have filled him with hope. But now, things have changed. His feelings had changed. Crash! The wine glass in Antonio’s hand shattered as he hurled it against the floor. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply. Am I really this selfish? He wondered. Vega is nothing more than someone I once loved. I have the right to love someone else, don’t I? But would Rose accept him if she knew the truth? And if they pursued a relationship, how far would it go before emotions spiraled out of control? From the beginning, his intention had been simple: to get to know her. Yet now, Rose had become the irresistible force, drawing him into a trap he had set for himself. The Next Morning Antonio returned to the mansion at dawn, having spent the night away. His disheveled appearance mirrored the exhaustion he felt during the early days of Vega’s disappearance. In his luxurious bedroom, Antonio collapsed onto the bed, closing his eyes. The quiet allowed him to reflect on his feelings, but after an hour, he woke abruptly, glancing around the room with tired eyes. Rising, Antonio removed his rumpled suit and stepped into the shower. After a brisk ten minutes, he emerged in a fresh white suit and black tie, his appearance immaculate once again. His steps carried him toward the opposite wing of the mansion. As he approached, he noticed Martha cleaning a piece of furniture. “Is Rose in her room?” Antonio asked. “No, sir,” Martha replied, her expression slightly nervous. “Where is she, then? Surely not in the back garden?” Antonio’s tone hardened. The garden doubled as his shooting range—a private space he used for stress relief. It wasn’t just a field; it also featured a small flower garden. Martha paled visibly. “I told you no one was allowed back there. Didn’t you warn Rose?” Antonio’s voice dropped to a chilling calm, the kind that made everyone around him uneasily. “I… I did, sir. But—” Martha stammered. “But what?” Antonio demanded, his patience fraying. If Rose had wandered into his private space, it would not end well. Antonio’s jaw tightened as he turned to head toward the garden. For the first time in years, something—or rather, someone—had shaken the ironclad control he prided himself on. “Forgive me, sir. I didn’t warn her that—” Martha began nervously, but Antonio didn’t wait for her to finish. He walked away briskly, leaving the housekeeper puzzled. Normally, when rules were broken, her employer would punish the offender without hesitation.