The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 275: Get out

Chapter 275: Get out

Matteo stared long and hard at the scene before him, wondering what had led to all of it in the first place. It was only a few hours ago that Stella had seen him with another lady who turned out to be his ex-girlfriend. She had left the office angry and frustrated, which was highly expected.

However, he was not certain about her whereabouts, which was disconcerting. But he could not bring himself to call her after she had gone.

Now, several hours after what had occurred between them, standing before her with the intention to make things right, he was greeted with a most disconcerting sight of she and his brother, Remo, getting all cuddly and familiar with each other.

The first thought that crossed his mind was the possibility of something happening between them—and from the Remo that he knew, he was most certain that something had happened between them.

His face contorted to one of visible rage and fury, boiling to a concentrated magma of death intent.

"Matteo! Brother!" Remo called out playfully, replacing his gun and extending his arms for an embrace. "We weren’t expecting you."

"What the hell are you doing here?!" Matteo growled, his voice strained as he tried to suppress the boiling heat rising within him.

"Oh, just paying a visit to a friend, of course. What about you, brother?" Remo asked in a playful tone, closing the distance between them and placing a hand on Matteo’s shoulder.

"I came to check on my secretary, as she called in sick," Matteo responded sharply, his gaze fixed on Remo’s, scrutinizing his expression for any subtle hints of teasing that might reveal a deeper connection between him and Stella.

"Oh, I never knew Mr. Quinn had such a romantic side," Remo teased, playfully smacking his palm against his cheek before turning to face Stella, who was still trying to process the scene before her. "He’s quite the charmer, isn’t he, Stella?"

Stella’s gaze locked with Matteo’s, a mixture of guilt and unease filling her eyes. She could sense the hurt reflected in his gaze, but struggled to fully comprehend its meaning.

"Or," Remo interjected, diverting their attention once more as he faced Matteo again, "is there something more going on between you two?"

Their eyes locked in a silent battle of wits, a tangible tension filling the air. Stella felt suffocated by the weight of it, her anxiety mounting as she bit her nails. Matteo’s gaze shifted from Remo’s to hers, and in that moment, she witnessed a deep shade of hurt wash over his eyes, swiftly followed by resignation.

"No," he replied coolly, his words piercing her heart like shards of glass. "There is nothing going on between us." With those devastating words, he placed the basket of flowers by the door, the chocolates resting atop the bouquet, and without casting a final glance at her, he exited her home.

"Whew! He’s definitely jealous," Remo remarked, strolling toward the package beside the door and snatching the chocolate. "It’s the first time I’ve seen him like that," he continued, tearing off the wrapper and preparing to indulge. However, she swiftly snatched the chocolate from his grasp, returning it to the box and slamming it shut. Turning to face him, she planted one hand on her hip while pointing toward the door with the other.

"Get out."

"What? What’s wrong?" Remo asked cautiously, his steps towards her becoming more measured. Stella’s glare intensified as she raised her palm, blocking him from taking any further strides.

"Don’t come any closer. I want you out. Leave my house," she ordered, her unwavering gaze challenging him to defy her command. Reluctantly, he obeyed, turning his back to her and making his way towards the door. Just before stepping out, he glanced back over his shoulder.

"You don’t need to worry about Matteo. When he calms down, he’ll come back to you," he assured, his words lingering in the air. With that, he exited, forcefully slamming the door behind him, leaving Stella alone with her tumultuous thoughts.

***

Remo settled into his car, parked conveniently outside Stella’s apartment building. Casting one last glance at the structure, he carefully studied its details with perceptive eyes. A chuckle escaped him as a thought crossed his mind. If you’re so infatuated with her, she should be living with you... he mused, amusement flickering in his eyes. Turning his attention to the chauffeur, he issued a command. "Quinn’s mansion."

A wave of déjà vu washed over him as he approached the grand entrance of the mansion. Chilling memories resurfaced, weaving a tapestry of rage, remorse, and innate sadness within him. The emotions, deeply buried yet always present, were triggered by the sight of the familiar surroundings.

Stepping out of the car, hands tucked in his pockets, he ascended the stairs towards the door. One of his bodyguards knocked on the door with force. By the time it began to open, Remo had already reached the top of the steps, locking eyes with his brother, Matteo, whose cold gaze mirrored his own unresolved emotions.

"Hello, brother," Remo greeted playfully, offering a nod in Matteo’s direction. "It’s been quite a while, don’t you think?"

Matteo stared him down, the silent confrontation stretching into what felt like an eternity. Finally, without uttering a word, he turned away, leaving the door slightly ajar, a silent invitation for Remo to enter. With a wide grin, Remo pranced inside, his eyes fixated on his sulking brother as he made his way towards the study.

Taking a seat in a sofa positioned directly across Matteo’s desk, Remo waited expectantly. Matteo ignored his presence, focused on claiming his own seat. Remo couldn’t resist a playful complaint, his voice tinged with a hint of whining. "Aw, come on, you’re not going to talk to me because of what happened earlier?"

Matteo glanced up briefly, studying Remo with a hint of detachment, before rising from his seat and striding towards the mini bar nestled in the corner of his study. He retrieved two glasses from the cupboard, pouring himself a generous portion of liquor, and leaving the decanter and the empty glass behind.