He laughs. "I'm not interested, if that's what you're thinking. I don't think I'm the right age category for her, Father. But there's so much she's hiding. She's extremely intelligent, isn't she?"
I study Lorenzo carefully, trying to gauge his true intentions. "Yes, she is," I admit. "More than I initially gave her credit for. But that doesn't explain your constant scrutiny."
Lorenzo leans back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "I'm trying to figure her out," he says finally. "There's more to her than meets the eye. The way she handled Zhang Longwei at the gala, speaking fluent Mandarin... it's impressive. And potentially useful."
I feel a surge of pride at his words, followed quickly by possessiveness. "Vittoria is my wife," I say, my voice low as I give him a warning. "She’s not a tool for you to use in your schemes."
Lorenzo holds up his hands in a placating gesture. "Of course, Father. I'm merely pointing out she could be a valuable asset to our family. If properly guided."
His words echo my own thoughts when I first met Vittoria, but now they leave a sour taste. "She's not just an asset," I find myself saying. "She's family now."
Lorenzo's eyebrows raise slightly. "I see," he says, a hint of surprise in his voice. "You care for her."
It's not a question, but I feel compelled to respond anyway. "She's my wife," I say gruffly. "Of course I care for her wellbeing."
A knowing smile plays at Lorenzo's lips. "Of course," he echoes. "Well, you can rest assured, Father. I have no designs on your wife. I'm simply... observing."
I nod, not entirely satisfied with his answer but willing to let it go for now. "See that it stays that way," I warn. "And tell your siblings to start treating Vittoria with respect. She's not going anywhere."
Lorenzo stands, straightening his suit. "I'll pass along the message," he says. "Though I can't promise they'll listen. Especially Valentina."
I sigh, rubbing my temples. Valentina has been the most openly hostile toward Vittoria. "I'll deal with Valentina myself," I say. "Just make sure the others fall in line."
Before Lorenzo can leave, my phone rings. Glancing down, I see it's Fabio, one of Vittoria's guards.
Fuck. This can't be good.
"Sir," Fabio says, voice hesitant. "There's been an incident."
My blood turns to ice. "What kind of incident?" I demand, voice sharp despite feeling cold inside.
There's a pause, and I can hear tension when he finally speaks. "It's Mrs. Mariano, sir. She's been attacked."
The world tilts on its axis. "Where?" I growl, already moving toward the door.
"At the restaurant where she was meeting her mother," Fabio replies. "In the women's restroom. We... we didn't realize anything was wrong until it was too late."
Rage courses through me, at the attacker and at my men's incompetence. "How bad is it?" I ask, dreading the answer.
Another pause. "She's unconscious, sir. Visible bruises on her neck and her arm appears injured. We've called for medical assistance."
"I'm on my way," I snap, ending the call. I turn to Lorenzo, who's watching with concern. "Vittoria's been attacked. Handle things here while I deal with this."
Lorenzo nods, expression grim. "Of course, Father. Do you want me to send additional security?"
"Yes," I say, already heading out. "And start investigating. I want to know who did this and why."
The drive to the restaurant is a blur. Who would dare attack my wife? And in such a public place? The implications are staggering.
When I arrive, the scene is chaos. Police cars and an ambulance crowd the parking lot, lights flashing. I push through the crowd, glaring at officers who try to stop me.
I find Vittoria on a stretcher, paramedics hovering over her. The sight of her, pale and unconscious, angry red marks on her throat, sends fresh fury through me.
"Mr. Mariano," one of the paramedics addresses me. "We're preparing to transport your wife to the hospital. Her injuries are serious but not life-threatening."
I nod, struggling to maintain composure. "I'm riding with her," I say, my tone leaving no room for argument.
As we speed toward the hospital, I hold Vittoria's hand, careful not to disturb the IV. She looks so small, so vulnerable. Such a contrast to the strong, defiant woman I've come to know.
