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“You created a monster. Don’t get scared now.”
“I’m never afraid but I want to leave a legacy that you can maintain. Not one where you have a million enemies, because as much as you like to think you can go at it alone—you always need someone in your corner.”
“I hear you.”
“Do you?”
“I do.”
“I want you to start carrying yourself like a boss.”
I frowned. “Why would I do that?”
“Because once you marry Penelope, I’m stepping aside and you will take my position as don.”
I peered at him. “Why?”
“It’s your time. My time for ruling has come to an end.”
“Is there something you’re not telling me?”
He smirked. “It sounds that way, doesn’t it?”
I watched him stroll back to the window and look out.
“The truth is, I’ve watched you for a very long time. I know you hated this life, and I’ve tried to do all I can to make it as pleasant for you as possible despite the things I forced on you. Just understand I did them for good reason. You’re ready to rule, you have an heir on the way, and I’m ready to retire.”
He turned to face me. “It’s up to you when you want to marry her but if you ask me, it should be done as soon as possible.”
“To seal the deal with Riccardo?”
“Yes.”
“I want to snap his neck.”
He shook his head. “You can’t go around snapping necks all the time.”
“Why not?”
“Allies, remember?”
“We have solid soldiers. No one can take us on and you know this.”
“Yes, but that is because we’ve built a solid foundation. We have very few enemies because of it.”
I inhaled. “We don’t need Riccardo.”
“And yet, you’re marrying his granddaughter.”
“We have the Falsettis, Moroccos, Parellas, and six other families who allied with us. We don’t need the Niccolòs.”
He stared at me and sniffed. “If you’re going to cut ties with two families, you need to strengthen our alliances with two others. Remember my words.”
I nodded. “I will.”
I turned and walked toward the exit. “Have a good night, Father.”
9
