ella

is gaze still clung to my skin as I returned to the Russo Estate. I had surviv

's drawing room. The space was a suffocating display of gilded mirrors and velv

While it's good to show gratitude, running to the Morettis so frequently makes our family look desperate. It lacks dignity." She set her cup down, her

line. I kept my posture perfectly

prefer our private conversations." I let my gaze drift around her gaudy room before meeting her eyes. "Besides, living in my moth

ering, paired with my untouchable connection to the Morettis, left her speechles

's nest. My father, Luca, was absent on "busine

rmella, slicing her steak with unnecessary force. "I

in disdain. "She got lucky catching a bullet,

us innocence. "Don't be upset, Auntie. Izzy just doesn't understand the rules yet. Perhaps we need t

, her eyes gleaming with a dark promise.

ty came the ver

amily Soldier, his face a mask of lethal indifference, bypassed the estate's guards and

marched into my suite, flanked by Carmella, seve

n couture labels peeking from the bags. "Gina, inventory these items and take them to

ard, reaching for

," I said. My voice wasn't loud, but i

dare you speak to my staff that way! I am the lady

onore Moretti." I locked eyes with Beatrice, letting the full weight of my words sink in. "If the New York underworld hears that the Russo family is so gree

ntence. Beatrice paled, her authority crumbling under the absolute, terrifying rules of the Mafia. She looked

ep your trinkets." She turned on her heel and stormed out, the

, but I knew the war

eatrice paced like a caged animal. Carmella sat on

n crystals? It's a masterpiece. I was supposed to be the star of th

er eyes hardened into pure, venomous spite. S

ered, a cruel smile twisting her lips. "You will wear that 'Sta

ive it to me," Ca

oice dropping to a deadly murmur. "I wil