Footsteps behind me make me jump. My eyes narrow on Riccardo as he sweeps past me with a glare. His lip curls. “Took you long enough.”
“I’m here now.” I keep my voice steady. “Let’s get this over with.”
We stand there, facing off like two animals circling each other before they pounce and go in for the kill.
More footsteps register in the back of my mind. And to be honest, I don’t feel like I can look away from this asshole because I don’t trust him not to shoot me dead on the spot. He’s that big of an idiot to make a move like that.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Adriana,” Vincenzo says, shuffling into the room. Only then do I turn toward him. My brow furrows. His face is drawn and weathered, and he looks so old right now, the lines on his face carved deeper than they were the last time I saw him. He flashes a small, tired smile at me, then squeezes my arm. “I know this is difficult.”
“Difficult seems to be the theme of my week.” I sink into one of the chairs. “What exactly is the plan for this meeting?”
Riccardo drops into the chair across from me, manspreading like he doesn’t have a care in the world. “Your removal.”
“Excuse me?” I balk at that, my eyes flying open wide as I look between him and Vincenzo.
“You heard me.” He leans forward, his dark eyes glittering with malice. “Your father is awake now, but he needs time to recover. The arrangement that put you in charge was always temporary, and you’ve proven you can’t handle the Russian threat in a way that makes us look strong and powerful to our enemies. You are singlehandedly crushing this organization. It’s time for someone else to step in.”
I sit back and fold my arms over my chest. “And you think that’syou?”
“I know it’s me. I’ve given my entire life to this organization. While you were playing corporate princess, pretending you were too good for us, I was here. Doing the work, learning the game, and earning my place. You’ve never done anything to earn this position.”
“The fuck I haven’t. And you weren’t ‘earning your place.’ You were causing problems,” I seethe. “Starting fights we couldn’t win. Making enemies we didn’t need. Every capo in this organization has a story about cleaning up one of your messes.”
A deep red flush spills into his cheeks. “That’s a lie?—”
“Bullshit. And we both know it.” My heart hammers hard, my pulse throbbing against my throat. But I keep my voice free from the rage boiling my blood. “If my father wanted you tolead, he would have said so. He didn’t. That should tell you everything.”
“Your father made a mistake. It’smygoddamn birthright. He couldn’t see that I was the one who should have been groomed for this, not his daughter who wanted nothing to do with us.”
“Or maybe he saw exactly who you are.” I hold his gaze. “A liability posing as an asset. Someone who claims to be loyal while deceiving and undermining the family every chance he gets.” I lean forward and slam my hands on the table. “I’m starting to wonder if that’s been your plan all along… to make us look weak and divided so we’d be an easy target for our enemies.”
Shock seeps into his expression.
That motherfucker.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he snarls.
“Oh, really? The Russians have been watching us for months. And the only way their attacks would have been successful is if someone from the inside was feeding them information. The gala, Moretti’s, Castellano. And every time we start to rebuild, something happens to shake everyone’s confidence. And you’re always at the center of it, running your mouth, making sure everyone knows we’re vulnerable. You’re feeding the flames… just like you’re feeding the Russians exactly what they need to break us. Isn’t that true?”
“That’s insane?—”
“Is it?” I look at Vincenzo with a lifted eyebrow. “What do you think?”
Vincenzo has been quiet, watching us exchange accusations charged by hate and disgust. Now he moves closer, positioning himself between us at the table.
“I think,” he says, drumming his fingertips on the steep tabletop, “that Adriana makes a compelling point.”
Riccardo’s expression shifts from anger to uncertainty. “Vincenzo, you can’t seriously?—”
“You’ve been a problem for this family for years, Riccardo.Just like your father was.” Vincenzo’s voice is calm. Soothing, even. “I warned Francesco about both of you. Over and over again. But he never listened. His love for his brother blinded him to the truth.”
An icy sensation slips down my spine. His tone is off. He sounds so… detached. And disappointed.
“What are you saying?” Riccardo’s voice ticks up in pitch.
“I’m saying you’re right about one thing.” Vincenzo’s hand drops below the table. “Adriana isn’t fit to lead this family.”
What thefuck?Did I just hear that right?
