"He's thriving," I tell him. "Strong. Should be home soon."
"Good. Family is everything." His eyes are sharp. Assessing. "Your mother understood that. I trust you will too."
He won't come right out and say it, but I know he's trying to see where I stand with our alliance.
"These things are more important than ever." He glances behind me, at the Russians. "Especially, as the sharks begin to circle."
"I do." I give him what he needs, and he nods, stepping aside to allow the next family to approach.
It's Alexei.
"She was a formidable woman," he says. "Ruthless. Strategic. She kept the peace through fear and respect." He pauses. "Can you do the same?"
This is a challenge.
"Yes."
"We'll see." He glances at Sera. "Congratulations on your son. I hear he's a fighter."
"He is." Her expression is blank.
"Good. He'll need to be." Alexei moves away.
The balance has shifted. The alliances are fragile. Everything Bianca built could collapse if I'm not careful.
But I'm not Bianca.
I'm something else.
She made sure of that.
The crowd begins to disperse, and Sera winces as she moves slightly. I take her in my arms.
"Luc is going to take you home."
She shakes her head. "I want to go see Angelo." I know she does, and it breaks my heart. He should be home with us, not stuck to machines, but Sera needs rest, and I tell her as much.
I expect her to argue with me, but I can see the pain and exhaustion today has brought her, and instead, we compromise. I will go see our son, and she will return home. I kiss her softly preparing to wrap up.
I turn to leave, my sister steps into my path.
"Adrian." Her voice is tight. "We need to talk."
"Not here."
"Yes, here." She glances around. "You're Don now," she says, as though I need a reminder. "You can break my engagement."
I pull her aside, away from prying ears.
"Gemma, don't?—"
"Adrian—"
I knew this was coming. Antonio did as well, which is why he approached me. I was hoping Gemma would keep her head on straight, would see why her marriage was more important than ever.
"You know what the answer is, Gem," I tell her, running a hand through my hair. "I can't?—"
Her face crumples. "Why? Bianca arranged this. Bianca forced this. But she's gone now. You don't have to follow her plans. We don't have to."
