Chapter 8 - WHAT ISABELLA HAD BEEN DOING
The party incident triggered a broader review.
Not because Dante wanted revenge.
Because Isabella had invoked his name with staff and vendors repeatedly.
The event company produced emails.
One florist wrote:
Ms. Conti said future Moretti events depend on tonight’s performance. Please confirm whether this is contractual.
Nobody had answered.
A musician reported waiving overtime after Isabella said:
“Dante hates nickel-and-diming.”
Dante had never said that.
A stylist provided complimentary work because Isabella implied a hospitality contract might follow.
No contract existed.
A photographer reduced his invoice after she said:
“Don’t embarrass Dante over money.”
Small amounts.
No huge fraud.
But a pattern.
Then Dante confronted her.
“You use my name to make people afraid of losing business.”
Isabella crossed her arms.
“People are afraid of your name whether I use it or not.”
He stopped.
True.
She continued:
“You benefit from that every day.”
Also true.
Dante had allowed vendors to over-accommodate him because challenging the myth was inconvenient.
Now Isabella had weaponized the same atmosphere socially.
He could not condemn her without examining himself.
May you like
That made the confrontation harder.
Better.
