ella

id out his favorite suit, a deep charcoal gray that made him look like a

I have an early appointment tomorr

my Mercedes, a stark reversal of our usu

commented, tapping his fingers

ly and kept my spee

oney and older power. His father, the retired Don, still held immense inf

usiness acquisition. It was all a well-rehearsed play. They talked about loyalty, about the suprem

nchor," he said to the table, the words echoing the lie

low and serious. I was ushered into the parlor with his mother. It was a b

magazine. "Something to

ngle image. The dismissal was clear. I was the wife

n the hall, my heels silent on the thick Persian rug. The st

they were discuss

his voice a low growl. "A pregnant mistress

ration. "I've moved her into the penthouse downtown

ate, believing it was for visiting business a

voice cut in. I hadn't realized she

nty. "She's been a little emotional late

his betrayal, it didn't even hurt anymore. It was j

k into the shadows of the hallway. Gio came

Shut them up. Permanently if you have to. No one talks about my business." His voice was pure ice. The Don was giving a

as he re-entered the study. I pick

my purse. A blocked

a crisp, profess

ve a single

oice clear and conf

firm your first-class ticket for flight 714

said. "Everythi

the doorway, watching me, a fro