Page 102 of Beautiful Vows

“I am, are you?”

“No.”

I chuckle. I’m not surprised. My wife is a fucking legend.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself as I exit the car and turn back to her. “Let’s do this,” I say, pressing my hand on Lia’s head as she exits behind me.

Once again, we’re standing outside Antonio’s house.

As we approach the front door, it swings open, and my father stands there. His face is a mask of calm, but I can see the tension in his eyes. I get it. The last time we tried to do this, Lucia nearly killed me.

I can’t help but wonder how they dealt with her body.

I have to think about that. How will I deal with bodies? Especially Syndicate family members who try to harm mine.

We took Ricardo out to the depths of the ocean, not expecting him to wash up on the shore.

Maybe I need to buy a pig farm.

“Follow me.”

We reach Antonio’s study. The air in the room is thick with cigar smoke. An early celebration?

“Welcome,” Antonio says, ushering us inside.

At the back of the room, I spot Fredrico, eyes darting to Lia, waiting.

She smiles as she walks to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. “Thank you for being here, and I want to start again, Dad. I should never have outed you. I’m really sorry about that.”

He shakes his head. “Never apologize to me. Do what you feel is right here.” He taps where her heart is. “I was trying to guide you. And I admit, I never wanted this for you. But now you’ve chosen it, as the Rossi head, I’ll give you my blessing to provide the balance of Syndicate power with Antonio and Dominic.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t—“ he starts, “When I told you I never wanted this life. I meant it. My position as head of the Rossi family is for this purpose only. After this, I’m going to disappear from here and your life for some time.”

“Why?” she gasps.

He shakes his head. “It’s time for me to move on.”

She slowly nods her head, understanding, sniffing she says, “I’ll give you enough money to retire somewhere nice.”

“I don’t need your money, Lia.”

Surprise coats her face.

“I inherited my father’s fortune. I’ll pass most of it to Milly. She’ll need it more than me.”

“His family thinks you’re dead,” she says, not understanding.

“I could only do this today by admitting my existence.”

“Oh, Dad, you shouldn’t have done that.” Her voice scratches in her throat. She stares at the floor in silence.

She now knows Milly Bailey has no choice but to become her birthright, Amelie Rossi, and head her family. Two females in the Syndicate—oh, how times have changed.

“Please sit. We have much to discuss.” Antonio’s voice cuts through the silence.

As we take our seats, I catch Lia’s eye. She gives me a subtle nod, and I’m reminded why I fell in love with her. Even in this den of wolves, she’s the most dangerous predator in the room.

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