Chapter 7
Isabella’s marriage home was technically jointly occupied.
That did not mean Massimo could storm inside and search it.
So he did something he disliked.
He waited.
Isabella arranged through attorneys to collect personal belongings.
Grant was not present.
Vanessa was.
Two neutral representatives supervised.
Massimo remained outside.
Isabella returned three hours later with clothing, Noah’s things, several boxes, and no portfolio.
“It’s gone.”
“Could you have moved it?”
“No.”
She looked exhausted.
“My mother’s jewelry box is gone too.”
Massimo’s expression changed.
The box had belonged to Isabella’s mother, Teresa, who died when Isabella was sixteen.
Grant knew what it meant.
So did Vanessa.
The disappearance felt personal.
Not financial.
Then one of the neutral representatives mentioned an argument inside the house.
Vanessa insisted several desk drawers contained Grant’s business property.
Isabella disagreed.
Nothing was opened after lawyers instructed everyone to stop.
Massimo asked:
“Which desk?”
Isabella answered:
“My design desk.”
That evening Grant finally called Massimo directly.
“You’re destroying my family.”
Massimo responded quietly.
“You did that before I arrived.”
Grant laughed.
“You think you know your daughter?”
“I know enough.”
“No.”
Grant’s voice changed.
“You know the version who runs back to Daddy when things become difficult.”
Massimo nearly disconnected.
Then Grant said:
“Ask her why she wanted Noah’s name changed.”
Massimo stopped.
“Changed legally?”
Grant laughed again.
“Now she didn't tell you that either?”
The call ended.
Massimo went downstairs.
Isabella was helping Noah with dinner.
He waited until the boy left.
“Did you try to change his legal surname?”
Isabella became still.
Massimo had his answer.
“When?”
“Two years ago.”
“Why?”
May you like
She looked at him.
“Because I wanted him to be Noah Hale.”
