Dante solemnly declared to Bella Mia, "I've made it clear, dear. Money isn't my goal; it's always been about binding you to me forever. The ultimate revenge, after all, would be forcing you into marriage with me – someone you despise and can't bear to be near. Your father's company and his dedication are on the line now. Can you really risk losing it all?"
Gabriella, seething with anger, shot back, "I'll never consent to marry you, Dante Matthews. My hatred for you runs deep, and I'd rather die than be with you." Dante's smirk betrayed arrogance as he threatened, "We'll see about that. If you don't comply, your father's legacy might crumble. I intend to destroy you, Gabriella Harrison."
She couldn't comprehend his motives, so she asked, "Why do you want to marry me? Do you still have feelings for me?"
Dante's heartache from their past resurfaced, "Love? That word holds no meaning for me anymore. Your abandonment at our wedding, when I was penniless, fueled my hatred. This union will be a marriage of hatred and retaliation. You have three hours to decide, or face the loss of everything," he warned before leaving, leaving Gabriella with a weight on her heart and a web of secrets yet to unravel.
