"La Corona survives because we choose family over feuds," he continues, his eyes finding mine. "Because we remember that divided, we fall. United, we stand unbreakable."
He looks down at his hand, at the ring that represents the head of the family.
For a moment, he hesitates and my heart breaks for him. But then he slides the ring from his finger.
"With this ring, I entrust you with our legacy," he says, placing it in my palm. "Lead with wisdom. Protect what matters. Remember who we are."
I slip the ring on, for a moment feeling unworthy. “I’ll protect the family with my life, lead the business with strength and wisdom.”
“I know you will.” My father puts his hand on my shoulder and kisses me on one cheek and then the other. “Don Monti.”
My stomach does a complete loop at my father calling me Don Monti.
“Let us celebrate my son,” my father says. At that moment, servants enter with champagne.
Congratulations flow around me. Marco shakes my hand. “I’ve learned all I know from your father, as I know you have. You’ll be a fine Don, Luca.”
“Thank you.”
“Don Monti.” Each of the soldiers takes a turn shaking my hand and showing their allegiance to me.
It hits me again. Don Monti. The title is officially mine now.
Dom approaches me. His handshake is firm, but his smile doesn't reach his eyes. “Congratulations, Don Monti. Your father has left impressive shoes to fill."
I match his gaze. "I intend to honor his legacy."
But I see reservation in his expression.
This is the reality of my inheritance.
Not just power and respect, but suspicion and politics.
“Can I speak to you in private?”
I follow Dom's subtle gesture to step aside from the celebration. His face shifts from the public mask of respect to something harder, more calculating.
"I'll be direct," Dom says. "Your investigation into Umberto's death needs to end. Now."
The bluntness catches me off guard, but more than that is the realization that Elena must have told him what I was up to.
It feels like a betrayal even as I understand Elena’s reliance upon and loyalty to Dom.
He protected her when I couldn't.
"I know you have no concern for my reputation, but I find it interesting how little the Vitale family cares about the murder of one of their own."
"You're digging up graves that should stay buried." Dom's voice remains level, but there's steel beneath it. "The peace between our families is fragile, Luca. My father was no saint, but the men loyal to him still hold significant power in my organization."
I find his comment fascinating, and it makes me think my father was right in that Aldo was behind Umberto’s murder. “I’d think they’d want the truth too, unless you’re suggesting Aldo?—”
“I’m not suggesting anything except that you’re on a fool’s mission.”
"I have a right to know who set me up," I counter. "Seven years of my life were stolen. Right now, I’m taking over my family whilemembers of La Corona look at me with suspicion. How can I be an effective member with lies hanging over me?"
Dom steps closer. "You're risking everyone's future for your pride. La Corona has enemies enough without us turning on each other over ancient history."
"Ancient?" I nearly laugh. "Your cousin still looks at me like I'm responsible for her father's death."
