The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 284: Conflicted emotions

Chapter 284: Conflicted emotions

"Yes, sir," she responded, attempting to cloak her nerves in a nervous laugh as she collected the last of her belongings. Unfortunately, a slight tremor in her hands, barely noticeable to anyone else, betrayed her emotions. And, as she suspected, Matteo’s keen perception didn’t let it slip past him.

"Are you feeling unwell?" His touch enveloped her hand, his warm palms cradling hers against his cheek as he closed his eyes in a fleeting gesture. It was a tender and unexpected move that elicited a soft flutter in Stella’s chest.

"No," she managed to answer, gently withdrawing her hand from his grasp and focusing on organizing her bags. She couldn’t afford to waver now, not when a plan was beginning to take shape in her mind.

"Just tired, I’d like to go back home as soon as possible." She replied with a slightly higher tone, a silent effort to ease the tension between them that was fast becoming palpable.

She knew that her gesture had caused him to think, and that was not good because of what she had resolved to do. It would not help if he picked up on something not being right.

"Alright, I’m also heading out for the day. Let me give you a ride," his request was not as one would think. It was a finalized thought. She could not deny the offer. She looked at him with solemn eyes, regarding him for a few seconds, before she gave her reply.

"Okay."

The journey to Stella’s home remained cloaked in an unusual silence, particularly on Matteo’s end. He had made a few attempts at initiating conversation since the ride had begun, yet each of his efforts had been met with a distracted response from Stella.

It wasn’t that she couldn’t engage in dialogue. Her mind was just preoccupied with strategizing how to shield Matteo from the incriminating content that had been brought upon her.

As the car glided through the city streets, Stella’s thoughts churned. The demand for ten million dollars was literally impossible for her to meet. How could she possibly conjure up such a massive sum? But as she delved deeper into her musings, another realization dawned upon her.

The audaciousness of the demand was staggering, especially considering the supposed sender’s presumed knowledge of her financial standing.

If they truly knew her as the financially destitute woman, barely scraping by with the kindness of her best friend and her brother, they might not have dared to propose such an exorbitant ransom. What perplexed her even more was her initial lack of resistance or outright refusal—no mention of her inability to produce the funds.

Had her silence led the sender to believe she was complying? Could it still be possible to convey her inability to meet their demand? With an abrupt and determined motion, she unzipped her bag, rummaging through its contents in search of her phone. Matteo, ever watchful from the corner of his eye, eventually voiced his query.

"What’s the matter? Did you forget something?" Matteo’s voice broke through her thoughts, tinged with curiosity. Yet, her mind had been so consumed that his words barely registered. Eventually, her fingers found her phone in her bag, and without a second thought, she dialed the unknown number.

"Hell—" Her words cut short as an automated recording echoed from the other end, informing her that the number was unreachable. Disappointment swept across her face, extinguishing the spark of hope that had momentarily flickered. She sighed and returned the phone to her bag, sinking back into her seat with a defeated air.

"Stella?" Matteo’s voice was gentle, a soft inquiry cutting through the silence.

"Hm?" She responded, her attention only partially recaptured.

"Who were you trying to reach?" His question was measured, lacking the typical curiosity that might have accompanied it. The absence of prying felt unexpectedly comforting to Stella, allowing her a moment of respite from potential explanations she wasn’t prepared to provide.

"Oh, earlier today, someone contacted me. Claimed to be an old college friend, wanted to catch up," she replied, her words crafted with casualness.

"Did she mention why?" Matteo’s follow-up question held a quiet understanding, devoid of pressure. Stella appreciated his tact, sensing that pressing for details could worsen her already troubled state.

"Nope, just said we should hang out. Thought it might be something interesting."

Following her response, the car slipped back into a contemplative silence. Stella’s mind churned once more, grappling with the puzzle of the demand. The pieces of the puzzle began to form a clearer picture. The realization struck her suddenly, like a bolt of lightning—the demand was tied to Matteo.

As the pieces of the puzzle snapped into place, Stella’s eyes widened in sheer terror. The realization hit her like a freight train. Her frequent appearances with Matteo had likely painted her as his girlfriend in the eyes of the public. And given Matteo’s towering wealth and influence, it wasn’t far-fetched for someone to assume she had access to substantial funds.

The unsavory solution to her predicament revealed itself, stark and unpleasant. She had made a gut-wrenching decision – she would tap into the company’s reserves. With her position as Matteo’s personal secretary, she held the keys to the financial kingdom, a task made all the more painful by the realization that she was knowingly hurting the man she cared for.

Matteo’s voice broke through her inner unease. "We’re here," he announced, snapping her back to reality.

"Oh," Stella responded, her tone veiled, all her emotional strength spent on her agonizing choice.

"Thank you," she added mechanically, her steps carrying her out of the car. But before she could make her escape, her wrist was caught in Matteo’s firm grip, halting her exit. She turned to meet his steely but inquisitive gaze fixed on her.

"What’s wrong?" His voice held an undercurrent of concern that matched his searching expression.

"Nothing," Stella replied, her voice distant, her defenses firmly in place. "Why do you ask?" she added, her words a calculated attempt to deflect his scrutiny.

His gaze, unwavering and almost piercing, seemed to dig into her very soul, her racing heart threatening to betray her turbulent emotions. Fortunately, her inner turmoil remained hidden. Slowly, Matteo released his grip on her wrist.

"It’s nothing. Sleep well," he replied, his words carrying a mixture of reassurance and lingering uncertainty.

"You too," Stella responded, her voice subdued as she stepped out of the car, leaving behind a whirlwind of conflicted emotions.