A woman’s voice crackled through the receiver. “The plan’s working. He took the bait.”
Vito’s lips curled into a small, knowing smile. “Good. Stay on him. We’ll move to the next phase soon.”
There was a pause before she spoke again. “And Celia?”
“She’s in,” Vito replied, his voice unwavering. “She’ll do what needs to be done.”
The call ended, and Vito returned to the room, that same predatory smile tugging at his lips.
Something about the conversation gnawed at me. I made my way over to him, heels clicking sharply on the marble.
“Who were you talking to?” I asked, my voice was more confident than I expected.
Vito looked at me with a smirk, amusement dancing in his eyes as he slipped his phone into his pocket. “What’s this? Jealous already?” he teased, his tone light, almost mocking.
I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes. “I’m serious. I heard you talking about me. And something about a plan.”
He chuckled, low and rich, but the sound only made my nerves tighten. “Relax, Celia. It was just my sister. She worries too much, that’s all.”
I frowned, unconvinced. “Your sister? Then why did I hear you mention my name? And what plan were you talking about?”
His expression shifted, amusement turning into something sharper, though his smirk never wavered. “You’ve got good ears,” he said, stepping closer.
I didn’t back down. “Stop deflecting, Vito. If I’m going to be part of this, I need to know what’s really going on, Vito.”
“You know I trust you so please don’t make me doubt,” I added.
Vito’s smirk widened as he leaned against the marble wall, crossing his arms. “Celia, do I look like Marco to you?” he teased, his voice amused.
“I don’t lie, scheme, or plot behind the people I care about. That’s his game, not mine.”
I narrowed my eyes, frustration bubbling over. “Then stop acting like him. Just tell me the truth.”
He laughed, the sound rich and disarming. “The truth? You’re acting like a jealous wife, and we’re not even married.”
Heat rose to my cheeks, but I refused to back down. “I’m serious, Vito. I heard you mention my name and a plan. What are you hiding?”
His grin softened, a flicker of sincerity breaking through his teasing demeanor. “Relax, Celia. It was just my sister. She worries too much about me, that’s all.”
I crossed my arms, not letting him off so easily. “Your sister? Then why did you say my name? And what plan were you talking about?”