Page 110 of Frayed Bonds

“I understand Mr. Vitale,” he switches to English as Gus takes his seat. “Apologies for the interruption.” He graces me with eye contact as if he’s only just noticed I'm sitting here.

Augustus sits down and seconds later a waiter is taking our order.

“Okay, start talking,” I frown at him.

He pulls the beanie off his head and runs a hand over the hair, in a similar way to how Ambrose runs his hand over his beard. “So, I’m sure you've heard of Vitality Insurance?” he confirms.

I nod, honestly wishing I didn't know about them. They've caused so many problems for me in the last six months. If I never hear the name again it'll be too good to be true.

“Well, we own it, surprise surprise.” He rolls his eyes and my eyes widen.

“What? So you all are the reason I've been in so much shit in the first place?”

“Well, technically Enzo is.’’ He frowns. “We’re investors, he oversees all of the operations.”

My blood is boiling before he even reaches the end of the conversation. “And when Ambrose found out that he was the insurer that fucked you and your father over, he shut the entire place down.”

Shock ripples through me. “What? How can he shut the entire place down? Aren’t there people who will still need the insurance? Or need their jobs?”

“Yes, it isn’t a permanent shutdown – more like a restructuring process for us to send in new people to clean up all the shit Enzo caused.” He leans back and pulls out a box of cigarettes offering me one. I haven’t smoked since the night Ambrose stole my pack at the restaurant. I shake my head, the craving has almost completely disappeared.

“So, what are they doing to fix all of this? The hospital staff said they'd heard of numerous cases when patients were on the same plan?”

“They have to pay everyone the money owed, as if the Vitale name could take any more hits–then this happens.” He frowns, exhaling a cloud of smoke.

“So after all that work, we’re starting from scratch to rebuild ourselves?” I ask and a small smile plays on his lips.

“That’s a lot of ‘we's’ and ‘ours’ spoken like a true Vitale. My papá would be proud,” he says and I flinch at the mention of his dad. “He would've loved you for Ambrose, we all do.”

“Well not all of you,” I frown looking down at my hands.

“Antonio's judgement is clouded by his feelings but he’ll come around and see it for himself. You're good for Ambrose, for all of us.”

Chapter forty-six

Valerie

Standing in front of my full-length mirror, I stare at myself in the exquisite dress Kaia designed for me, even though it’s a perfect fit I feel more self-conscious than I have in my entire life. It accentuates everything I never put on a show, everything I try to hide.

The corset of the dress holds my posture firmly in place, while the underwire and padded cups put my already full breasts on display, the thigh-high slit showing off my legs as well. It looks amazing but I can’t help but wonder if it’s really meant for me and if I’m doing it justice at all.

A knock breaks through my thoughts, Karyn stands in my doorway with a smirk on her face as I turn around nervously. “Thought you'd like to know Ambrose got here fifteen minutes ago and he’s currently in the kitchen making Papá coffee,” she says and my face drops.

“What? He’s early.” I rush to my bed and grab everything I may need for the evening.

“He did tell me not to tell you because it would stress you out but it’s so cute you have to see it for yourself.”

I pause looking down at two lipstick options opting for a complimenting fuschia colour. “Do I look okay?” I twirl around for her to see the entire dress.

“You look a lot better than okay, stunning actually,” she smiles.

We make our way down the stairs quietly, and as soon as I'm in the kitchen doorway a smile takes over my face. Ambrose places a cup of coffee in front of my father. A laugh slips past my lips and both of their eyes flash up.

“Cazzo,” Ambrose breathes out. “Mi scusi.” I’m sorry. He apologises to my father.

“You look beautiful Fiore Mio,” my father smiles and I walk over giving them both a little spin.

“Thank you, Papá,” I lean down to kiss his cheek.

---