flash
"What did you say to him?" he hissed again, his fingers digging into Tessa’s shoulder with enough force to bruise. "Tessa, look at me! If you insulted Matteo Moretti, we are all dead. The police won't even pick up our teeth from the alley. What did you say?" / Chapter 10 / 10

Chapter 10 - The Final TranslationThree weeks later, the front-page headline of The Philadelphia Inquirer read:

MAJOR FINANCIAL FRAUD RING UNMASKED: VANGUARD SYNDICATE EXECUTIVES ARRESTED IN DAWN RAID.

In the penthouse office at Moretti Global Logistics, the rain tapped softly against the reinforced glass windows.

Tessa Bell sat at a newly expanded mahogany desk, wearing a bespoke tailored suit that fit her perfectly. Her desk was clear of old ledgers, replaced by modern financial terminals and sleek legal documents.

The door opened, and Matteo walked in carrying two cups of steaming espresso.

He set one down in front of her.

"The board approved your appointment as Chief Corporate Archivist and Lead Intelligence Strategist," Matteo said, leaning against the edge of the glass partition and looking out over the skyline. "Salary is six figures. Full medical coverage. And you never have to worry about the electrical bill again."

Tessa picked up her espresso cup, taking a slow sip.

"A very generous offer, Mr. Moretti," she said, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Matteo turned his head, his dark eyes locking onto hers with an intense, unwavering warmth.

"Drop the formal title, Tessa," he said softly, walking closer until he stood right beside her chair. He reached out, gently tracing the edge of her coffee cup with his scarred knuckle. "At least when we're off the clock."

Tessa looked up, meeting his gaze without a shred of hesitation.

"Alright, Matteo," she whispered, her voice steady and clear. "What's our next lesson?"

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