Page 104 of Controlled

Almost immediately, Alexander acted as if he was ready to throw in the towel with his client.

“My father was killed by Nico Romano. It was a tragic loss.” He almost looked forlorn.

“That’s what you wanted the world to believe, but sadly, it’s not true. You killed your father because of greed. You managed to lure Gregor into your twisted fold, which surprises me given he’d been friends and business associates with Armand for years. You’ve ruined the South American trade at this point because you became determined to own everything in the Romanos’ territory, even working with Antonio Salvatore as if the two of you were really going to be allowed to take over several powerful crime syndicates. Tsk. Tsk. You bit off much more than you could chew.”

Giovanni grinned. “That’s certainly not something you can prove, Creed. Besides, it no longer matters. I’m the rightful owner of the Marcello Empire.”

“That’s not correct, Gio, but I think I’ll let someone more knowledgeable explain that to you.” I moved toward the door, opening it and winking at the most beautiful woman in the world. “Knock ‘em dead, sweetheart.”

Bella held her head high as she walked in, the high heels she’d demanded wearing making her long and lean. I was more than impressed. I was having a damn good time just watching her.

She took a few seconds, studying the men in the room before turning to face Giovanni. As discussed, she said nothing at first, allowing him to struggle with the news.

Then she smiled as only she could do. “Hello, brother. It’s so amazing to meet you. What a shame we won’t be able to spend any time together since I’ll be running my father’s empire from here on out while you’re spending the rest of your life behind bars for his murder, the two attempts on my life, ordering the hit on several of Creed’s men, and a sundry list of other atrocities.”

I could see the tension on her face, but I gave her all the credit in the world, especially as some of New York’s finest entered the room, immediately heading toward Giovanni.

It had been about retaliation all along, except nothing I’d officially dealt with. His hatred for his father having an affair with Carmine had festered over the years, especially after discovering he had a sister. And the fact his father’s will had listed Bella as a majority shareholder of his funds, which his stockbroker had turned into close to a billion while he’d served his time. From what I could tell, Armand had done everything in his power to provide for both Carmine and Bella but couldn’t afford to provide funds for fear of it being traced.

I’d learned a long time ago that dark secrets held in a family were as dangerous as they were ugly, but in this case, the light seemed to return to Bella’s eyes.

As Giovanni was arrested, she turned toward me, miming words I’d never thought anyone would say to me.

I love you.

And in those few moments as her brother threw out accusations, I realized how much love I felt for her as well.

Was it unconventional? Hell, yes. Somehow, I doubted either one of us could tolerate it any differently.

CHAPTER 31

Bella

In the four days that had passed since returning from New York, I’d grown used to the fact I was rich. Would most consider it blood money? Perhaps, but I had full intentions of using it for good. Creed’s attorney was already in the process of establishing a well-organized scholarship fund for students unable to afford to go to college. And as soon as the money was freed from the controls placed over the funds by my father, I’d make a hefty donation to the Joffrey Ballet.

Marcia would be thrilled.

Was I happy?

That wasn’t an appropriate word to use. I was thankful my father’s killer would be brought to justice, more relaxed than I thought I’d be. But today was already difficult, more so than I could ever have imagined.

“You’re sure you want to do this?” Creed asked.

He hadn’t wanted to leave my side since the morning that had changed my life. Truth be told, I hadn’t wanted him to either. The ruthless man had managed to show me a side of himself I’d never thought could exist.

Including being relaxed around the pool, even getting into the water.

He’d shown me the plans for the arts center already designed by one of the top architects in the country. In another surprise, he’d had me meet with the creative team heading up designing the various studios and art galleries, the man and woman listening to and implementing several of my suggestions.

By all rights, I should be on top of the world.

And I would be.

But not today.

Today was all about Jonas and his funeral.

“I need to do this.” I’d purposely hidden in the back of the church with Creed by my side while Sebastian had used the pulpit to continue pontificating about organized crime. At his son’s funeral. At least I’d realized the man was as vile as I’d always believed someone like Creed to be.

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