"And if those checks go wrong?" Carlo's tone sharpened. "If they discover who you are?"
"They won't. He has no idea I exist. No one does. My cover is solid. That’s why you sent me."
He nodded. “And if they do?"
"Then I'm out. And we move to plan B."
Silvio straightened in his chair. Anticipation glowing in his eyes.
I refused to look at him.
"I trust her." Filomena spoke with the authority of years and blood. "Carlo, she'll get the job. But we should have a contingency plan. Send Silvio with her. As backup."
What? No.
The word screamed in my head but I bit it back.
"No!" It came out anyway. "I mean—at least wait to see if I'm hired first."
Silvio remained silent. Smart. Letting his mother fight his battle.
Carlo studied me. "If you don't get hired, we'll be forced to act quickly. Silvio goes with you. Stays ready."
"But—"
"It's decided." Carlo's voice held finality. "Silvio, take the plane back with Julia."
"I'll be where I need to be," Silvio confirmed.
I wanted to argue. Wanted to scream that this was my assignment, my father to investigate, my mission. A deep-seated anger began to boil up inside of me. All these years that I’d waited in the side-lines. Done my father’s bidding. Been the good girl. Taken the back seat. For what? So Carlo could keep me in my place? How much longer could I hold it in? Keep my mouth shut? Keep the boys happy?
I met Filomena’s gaze. Saw the same hunger in her eyes. It made no sense. Why had she suggested Silvio go with me? She should be on my side.
Some of the hurt must have come through because she patted my hand. "Julia will do great. She has nerves of steel."
Carlo glanced my way. "I trust you,sorella. I'm not sending Sil because I lack faith."
"Then why?” I tried to hold it back, but couldn’t. “I won't let you down. You know that."
“Yes. I know. But it never hurts to have back-up. Someone in your corner. This is your first job. You’re my sister. I want to make sure you’re okay."
I felt the weight of his words. His eyes softened. He took his responsibility seriously, and this was his way of showing me he cared. I gave him a quick nod.
He nodded back. "Julia will continue her assignment. Find proof of his guilt or innocence. Then we'll decide his fate."
Decide his fate.
That's what this was. I couldn’t lose sight of my mission to gather evidence for Carlo to judge. To sentence. If I found proof that Quentin killed Papa, Carlo would order his execution.
My chest tightened. This wasn’t a game. It was dead serious. But at least I had power over one thing. Evidence. If I found it, fine. But if not, I wouldn’t allow Carlo to kill an innocent man.
I glanced at Silvio. His presence made sense on the surface—backup in case things went wrong. But something in his eagerness bothered me. The way he leaned forward when Carlo mentioned "acting quickly." Like he wanted me to fail. Like he was hoping I wouldn't find proof of Vanetti's innocence so Carlo would order the execution without question.
I pushed the thought away. Silvio was family. He wanted justice for Big Sal as much as any of us. Right? Still, I wasn’t going to let him push me around.
Carlo continued discussing New York business—things that didn't involve me. I tried to pay attention but failed.
My mind kept drifting back to Vitality Ventures. To a conference room and storm-gray eyes. To hands that had held mine a fraction too long. To a voice that made my name sound like something precious.
