The shouting escalates, multiple conversations happening at once as alliances form and dissolve around the table.
Matteo argues with anyone who questions his authority over Bianca.
Several dons are backing his claim while others side with Dominic’s position that the family dynamics are too compromised.
And through it all, Dominic sits there with that smug fucking smile, clearly delighted by the chaos he’s orchestrated.
I’ve disliked the man for years, but watching him manipulate this situation while Bianca stands there being discussed like a piece of property makes my blood boil.
“I’ll do it.”
My voice cuts through the argument, and suddenly the room falls silent again.
Every eye turns to me, and I can feel the weight of their assessment.
“I volunteer to be Bianca’s partner for the trials.”
“The Ricci family has proven their loyalty,” Matteo says carefully, giving me a sharp look of understanding rather than opposition. “But the partnership dynamic?—”
“I’m not claiming authority,” I interrupt. “I’m offering partnership. There’s a difference.”
“A significant one,” Don Vitelli observes, eyes studying me with new interest. “The Ricci family has maintained alliance with the DeLucas for years. Your reputation is…substantial.”
“This is ridiculous,” another don protests. “He’s clearly compromised. Everyone knows about his feelings for the girl?—”
“What feelings?” Bianca’s voice is sharp.
The room goes quiet again, and I can feel everyone watching for my response.
This is the moment where I either confirm their suspicions or deflect, where I either make this situation infinitely more complicated or find a way to navigate through it.
“The feeling that she deserves a fair chance to prove herself,” I say carefully. “Without family politics clouding the judgment of her abilities.”
It’s not a lie, exactly, but it’s not the whole truth either.
Still, it seems to satisfy most of the room, except Bianca.
I can feel her gaze boring into the side of my head, but I ignore her.
“He has a point,” Marconi says slowly, rubbing his chin. “Ricci has no familial stake in the outcome. His reputation for competence is unquestioned. And he has experience with…difficult situations.”
“This is insane,” Matteo mutters, but his tone suggests grudging acceptance rather than genuine protest.
He knows that if it’s not me, it’ll be someone else.
Someone who might not have Bianca’s best interests at heart.
“The partnership would be temporary,” Vitelli clarifies. “Limited to the duration of the trials. Ricci would ensure she follows protocol while providing tactical support.”
“And if she fails?” Dominic asks with obvious hope.
“Then she fails,” I say simply. “But she’ll fail on her own merits, not because she was sabotaged or set up for failure.”
The debate continues for another ten minutes, but I can feel the tide turning in my favor.
The logic is sound—I’m experienced, unbiased enough to satisfy most concerns, and strong enough to handle whatever challenges the trials might bring.
Finally, Vitelli calls for a vote.
