"Then you know their alliance with us is..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Complicated."
"I know they've made multiple attempts to undermine Donati interests. I know those attempts failed. And I know they currently operate at your mercy rather than as equal partners." I leaned forward slightly. "I also know that an organization with that much internal instability makes for an unreliable ally. Too many members willing to act against family interests for personal gain."
The silence stretched. I'd laid my cards on the table. Either they'd appreciate the honesty or take offense at my assessment of their existing arrangements.
"You're not wrong," Sofia said quietly. "The Malatesta family has significant internal fractures. They work hard to maintain peace with us because they know the alternative."
"Which is why bringing in a stable, reliable partner might actually benefit everyone," I continued. "Including them. It would reinforce the existing power structure rather than destabilize it."
Grayson tapped his fingers against the arm of his chair. "You've thought this through."
"It's what I do."
Leo stood, and I rose with him instinctively. Sofia and Grayson followed suit.
"We'll need to discuss this amongst ourselves," Leo said. "But I appreciate your directness, Mr. Hale. It's… refreshing."
"Call me Eric."
"Eric." He extended his hand. I shook it, noting the controlled strength in his grip. "Where are you staying while you're in town?"
The question could have been casual. Probably wasn't.
"The Riverside Inn." I met his eyes steadily. "Room 347. I have security there, but I'm not hiding."
Offering up my location was a calculated risk. But alliances required trust, and trust required vulnerability.
Sofia smiled then, genuine this time. "I like him."
"We'll be in touch," Grayson said, shaking my hand as well. "Give us a few days to talk it over."
"Take the time you need."
Sofia's handshake was brief but firm. "It was a pleasure, Eric."
"Likewise, Mrs. Savoca-Donati."
"Sofia is fine."
I nodded, recognizing the olive branch for what it was.
The meeting concluded with professional courtesy, and I made my way out of the building with my security detail falling into step around me. Jon, my primary guard, had the car running by the time I reached the street.
I slipped into the backseat, grateful for the privacy the tinted windows provided.
The meeting had gone better than expected. The Donatis were smart, calculating, and cautious. Exactly what you wanted in potential allies. They didn't make rash decisions, and they clearly valued stability over expansion for expansion's sake.
My father would be pleased.
But as Jon navigated through Ironstone's evening traffic, my thoughts drifted away from business strategy and back to green eyes and dark red hair.
Ivy.
I pulled out my phone, staring at the screen for a moment before dialing.
My father answered on the second ring. "Eric."
"The meeting went well."
