But with them passing away from a plane crash over a decade ago, I now have my cousin Matteo to look to for guidance with that, and Iknowhe wouldn’t make me marry someone I didn’t want to. I have zero plans of marrying anyone in this world, and he backs me up on that decision.
Getting into fashion has always been a dream of mine, and now that I’ve built my empire, it’s my main focus in life. I don’t need a man right now, and I sure as hell don’t need someone like Tomasso Caruso who wants to control me.
“Money, power, and control are all that matter to men like you, and I’m here to offer you a significant amount of money on behalf of Gregory and Colton Taylor,” I say.
Tomasso raises a brow but remains silent, so I continue.
I pull my phone out of my pocket and bring up my financial adviser’s phone number.
“Name your price. Whatever the number is, I’ll call my financial adviser now to get it wired to your account immediately.”
Tomasso is silent for a moment, then lets out a laugh. “You think your money means anything to me?”
“Of course I do. It’s all men like you care about.”
He leans forward in his seat and places his forearms on his desk. “I’d be lying if I said your offer wasn’t tempting, Liana…” He narrows his gaze on me, studying me, and when he sits back in his chair, he says, “But I’m going to have to politely decline.”
“And why’s that?” I ask, trying to mask my irritation.
“Let’s just say there’s a higher power in play here, and you’ve been marked.”
My brow furrows. “What isthatsupposed to mean?”
“Oh, come on, Liana. You’re clearly an intelligent young lady. What do you think I could be referring to… Or should I saywho?”
I rack my brain, trying to figure out what he means, but nothing comes to mind.Higher power?As in his don, Andreas Bonetti? What the hell would he have against me?
“What you’re saying doesn’t make any sense. I’ve been marked by Andreas Bonetti?”
“Close, but not quite.”
“Enlighten me, then, Tomasso,” I say, frustration yielding my voice.
“I don’t think I will.” His cocky tone makes me want to smack the smirk right off his face. This has been a huge waste of time. Why did I think I’d be able to come and pay off Gregory Taylor’s debts? I should’ve known negotiating with a capo would get me absolutely nowhere.
Pushing myself up to a stand, I shove my phone back in my pocket and say, “This has clearly been a waste of time, so I’ll see myself out. But let me leave you with one piece of advice—don’t do this to your daughter, because turning her against you will only disappoint you in the end. If you want any relationship with her, you’ll stop trying to control her and let her be happy.”
His jaw clicks, so I know I’ve struck a nerve, which puts a condescending smile on my face as I turn around and walk toward the door.
I place my hand on the handle but am halted when Tomasso’s voice fills the air. “Good luck, Liana DiMaggio. I have a feeling you’re going to need it for what’s to come.”
The underlying threat in his tone makes me want to ask more questions, but he won’t give me anything, so I continue to push through the door.
I have no idea what Andreas Bonetti could want with me, but I have a feeling I’m not going to like it.
5
MASSIMO
I’ve been waiting in my office by my phone, willing it to light up with Tomasso’s name so I can learn what Liana wanted to speak with him about.
Would it be too impatient of me to call him now? It’s been about thirty fucking minutes since the meeting was set to start. What could they possibly talk about for this long?
I pick up my phone to call him, then my screen lights up with his name. Answering it, I say, “Tomasso.”
“Massimo, she just left.”
“And?” My impatience surely rings through.
