“I’ll be there in thirty,” replies Joseph Milano, our family lawyer, hanging up the phone without another word. I pick up the envelopeJoseph dropped off to me months ago—a time where life was so much simpler.
I still have a couple months left until the estate is transferred to me, and I’ve obeyed her other rules; no one has been fired or kicked off the premises even though I was so close yesterday with Luciano—I can’t risk that being my downfall. But surely there’s a loophole. How do I become in charge now? I need to avenge my mother as the Donna, not as someone’s side piece.
Lost in thought, a sharp knock taps on the door. “Miss Charlotte,” Joseph calls out.
“Come in.” I wave him in, not bothering to stand to greet him.
“How can I be of service?” he asks, sitting down across from me. I fling my mother’s will at him, cutting straight to the point.
“This.” I point at the paper. “Is there a loophole?"
“There is always a loophole, Miss Charlotte.”
“I’ve read over this multiple times and I can’t find any,” I say.
“Yes, but did you pay attention to the page numbers?” he quizzes, leaving me confused. Who checks the page numbers? Gabriele would, actually.
“There’s a page missing?” I question him as he reaches into his jacket and pulls out a small envelope.
“This was only to be given to you when you were ready.” He passes it to me.
“Why would my mother leave it out?” I ask.
“You and your mother are very alike. She knew what she was doing.”
I open the envelope, and out fall two pages. I open the first page to find another letter from my mother.
My sweet Charlotte,
I hope my boys have made you part of the family. I know the adjustment would have been hard. Learning your family is the Cosa Nostra is not an easy fate.
However, if you have reached out to Joseph about my will, that means that I am truly dead this time.
I feared this day might come, so you will have attached the final page of my will. The only option you have to own everything sooner.
When you are reading it, please remember I have done this for a reason. You may not agree with it, but trust my process, Charlotte, and you will be rewarded in more than just wealth and power, but also a love that I never got to live.
The day you were born was the best day of my life. I have cherished the memories of you as a baby every day and hope one day you can experience it.
I am proud of you, Charlotte. Continue our legacy and know that I will be waiting to meet you in the afterlife.
Love,
Caterina
My stomach turns reading her letter. I have a bad feeling about this. I look up at Joseph, but he’s expressionless, not giving anything away.
I turn the page and read on…
Early transfer of estate.
Full ownership of Carlisi estate and Cosa Nostra, bank accounts, businesses, etc will be transferred to Charlotte O’Reilly within one week of her marriage to Luciano Moretti.
Charlotte O’Reilly and Luciano Moretti must stay married for a minimum of 2 years before divorce is accepted. If they divorce before 2 years, everything will be transferred to Santonio Carlisi.
What the fuck? My head was already hurting from the hangover, but this sends it into overdrive. Furious at my mother’s suggestion, I look up at Joseph, who’s now grinning at me, waiting for my move.
“Who is Santonio Carlisi?” I ask.
