Page 19 of Queen’s Gambit

“Wow, what are we celebrating?”

This was a Michelin three-star restaurant, and we only came here for big occasions.

Papa wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

“You’ll soon take over, and every day that I look at you, I see the man I knew you’d become. Smart, brave, and determined. It is time that we celebrated your accomplishments.”

I smiled as we walked inside and were guided to a full table in a private room. But it fell the moment I spotted Mr. and Mrs. Mencioni, Mario, and Patricia. This was no ordinary celebration.

My cousin Francisco, who worked as the COO at my father’s company, stood up and hugged me.

Just as I suspected, once I’d greeted everyone, I was pointed to the empty seat beside Patricia. Other than saying hello, I didn’t speak another word and kept the conversation going with Francisco, where he sat on my other side.

Appetizers were served, and our main course came and went. I thought that maybe I would get out of this without facing the elephant in the room, but no such luck. My father dinged his glass as I sipped my after-dinner espresso. Instantly, my heart began to pound out of my chest.

Don’t do it. Don’t do it.

“As you all know, Edmundo will not only inherit my businesses, but he is my successor as Don of this region. I couldn’t be prouder of the savvy deals he’s already making to bring our investments to the next level.”

Everyone clapped, and Francisco grabbed my shoulder. We raised our glasses in a toast to me and then sipped wine that was made from our grapes. Pride burned in my chest. I’d worked harder than anyone I knew, and it was paying off.

“That brings me to my next announcement. I’m sure this one won’t come as a surprise.”

Any joy I felt moments ago vanished as I waited for him to say it.

“Mr. Mencioni and I have come to an agreement that will be beneficial for both of our families.”

My heart hammered in my chest as Mr. Mencioni reached into his suit jacket. He placed a folded piece of paper down on the table and slid it across to me with a pen.

“All it needs is your signature. Then our families will be united by an unbreakable bond.”

Patricia smiled at me as I opened the contract and read over everything I had dreaded. Shaking my head, I folded it back up and returned it, unsigned, to Mr. Mencioni. His smile vanished along with Patricia’s and Papa’s. The only one at the table who didn’t look shocked and was as unhappy as I felt was Mama. Her face told me that she’d tried to talk him out of this, but he didn’t listen.

Everyone stared at me as I wiped my mouth and tossed the napkin down on the table. I glared at my Papa.

“I bring in millions, and this is how you repay me? Take me out to dinner and blindside me with a marriage contract?”

I looked around at all the stunned faces.

“I’m sorry to have wasted your time, Mr. Mencioni. I mean no disrespect but you were ill-informed, and I’m betrothed to another.”

Papa gasped along with everyone else at the table as my mama pinched the bridge of her nose.

“What? Who,” Papa asked as he burst from his seat. “I demand to know.”

Walking up to my papa, I stared him in the eyes. It took an awful lot to ignite my rage, but he’d managed to do it tonight.

“If you’d like to discuss it, then we will do it in the privacy of our home, not here.”

He grabbed my arm, and I looked at his hand. Leaning close to his ear, I whispered.

“I love you, Papa, and I respect you, but do not force my hand. If you do, then you’ll find out just how serious I am about becoming Don…the old-fashioned way,” I growled.

“Did you just threaten me, son?”

“Just letting you know that backing me into a corner may be the wrong move.”

“This conversation is not over,” he said, but let go of my arm.