ella

e desperately searched for a way to strike back. She picked up a

aid, her voice dripping with exaggerated pity. "I heard in Sicily,

ale green pistachio macaron, and took a slow, elegant

ave forgotten that my late mother favored Ladurée in Paris. True aristocracy doesn't flaunt its taste, Angelina;

t crimson, her mouth opening and

ss. "Isabella, darling," she began, her tone sickeningly sweet. "Angelina is just a chil

th with a look of utter blankness. I turned to the Matriarc

smile s

r jaw tight. "This is

loria. Remember, in the Russo family, respect is paramount. Next time, introduce yourself f

respect," she sneered, her voice rising shrilly, "I heard someone slept until noon today, forcin

um went de

oria. Are you so fascinated by my husband's privat

the Don of the Russo family of being a coward who must lie to his mother? If such treasonous words reac

. "Eleonora, the tea I had sent to you this after

eak liar. She remained rigidly silent. Gloria's triumphant smirk vanished, r

warning glare at Angelina and Gloria, but h

k eyes hard. "Isabella, as the woman of this house, you

in my veins. I stood up, the heavy silk of

the room, pausing briefly on Sophia, offering her a subtle nod of acknowledgment. "Sophia treats me with courtesy, and we h

nctioned by *The Commissione*, and blessed by Antonio Falcone of New York himself. If you have grievances with my presence, take them to Damien, or

The sharp, ringing *clink* echoed like a gunsho