Viktor continued, voice almost kind: "You didn't ask for this life. No one would blame you for walking away. I can offer you protection. Money. A new life. All you have to do is walk away tonight."
"Why would you do that?"
Viktor smiled. "Because it completes Cesare's destruction. His wife abandoning him publicly? He'd never recover. And he’s clearly… fascinated by you."
"You want to use me to finish him."
"I want to give you a way out. What I do with Cesare after is simply... business."
Part of me—the terrified part—wanted to take the offer. Run. Escape this nightmare. After all, this was never a world I wanted to be a part of.
But another part—stronger, fiercer—remembered Cesare choosing me over his empire. Remembered him sayingtogether.
"No." The word came out stronger than I expected.
Viktor's expression didn't change. "No?"
"I'm not leaving him. I'm not betraying him. Not for you. Not for anyone."
"Even if it costs you everything?"
"Even then." I was shaking but my voice stayed steady. "Cesare is my husband. My choice. And I stand with him."
For a long moment, Viktor just stared.
Then he laughed—genuine, surprised. "Interesting. You actually mean it."
"Yes."
"Love? Or stupidity?"
"Maybe both. But it's my choice."
Viktor shook his head. "Pity. I would have preferred you alive and free rather than dead and loyal."
The threat was clear.
"If you're going to kill me, do it now," I said. "Otherwise, get out of my way."
Viktor studied me, then stepped aside. "Very well. Go back to your husband. Die with him if that's what you want." He opened the door. "But know this: I offered you mercy once. I won't offer again."
I walked back into the main room on shaking legs.
The argument was still raging—Cesare standing in the center like a pillar, Piero beside him.
Cesare saw me immediately. Relief flooded his face. I walked straight to him, through the hostile crowd, and took his hand.
The room noticed. Quieted slightly.
"I'm sorry," I said quietly, just for him. "I shouldn't have run."
"You came back." His voice was rough. "That's what matters."
Don Caruso's voice cut through: "Mrs. Monti. Perhaps you can clarify what happened. Did your father know about the substitution?"
All eyes on me.
This was my moment. My choice.
