Page 134 of Diavolo

"Not only that," Elyse murmured, "you'll need to convince Cara that her brother doesn't have her best interests at heart. Bring her to our side."

Mariposa's eyes grew wide. "You want me to persuade Cara to betray her clan?Sei pazza!" You're crazy!

"Domenico was ready to let Cara die at Carmen's party," Elyse reminded her, "if you care for your friend at all, then do this for me. We can protect her from her brother."

"But what if Domenico finds out? What if we get Cara killed in the process?"

"Domenico already wants to sacrifice Cara. She has nothing to lose."

Mariposa fell quiet for a moment as though she was weighing a list of pros and cons in her head.

"Fine," the younger woman said at last, "I understand what you want from me, but I fail to see what I stand to gain from this scheme?"

"Again, I say, name your price."

Mariposa taunted, "What doyouthink I want?"

"You don't need money," Elyse observed.

"No."

"I think what you need is—respect."

Mariposa balked slightly. "What?"

Elyse didn't miss a beat nor did stutter as she continued, "You once mentioned that you are your father's daughter. Not his son."

Mariposa's interest appeared to be piqued. "Go on."

"You resent your father for treating you differently."

A small, bitter smile formed on Mariposa's face. "You are not wrong, I suppose."

"Which means I'm right," Elyse countered, "I know firsthand how difficult it can be to be a woman in a man's world. I was the only female surgeon in my department for most of my career. It's not an easy feeling to be constantly overlooked and undervalued."

Dark eyes met green ones. A sense of female solidarity passed between them. Their shared resentment bonded them. Mariposa grumbled sullenly, "I am a better shot than my brothers. I amsmarter, too, but my father does not see it because I have tits instead of balls."

Around this same time, Elyse noticed, from the corner of her eye, that Monte and Luca had pulled out their phones. Judging from the furrow on their faces, they seemed to be discussing something important. It didn't seem to be too urgent, though. Otherwise, they would've said something by now. She decided to follow up with them later and turned her attention back to Mariposa.

Elyse nodded sympathetically at the girl before offering, "I can help you take on a more significant role in your family. Don't you want to take part in your father's business dealings?"

"I do."

"Then prove your worth to both of our clans and complete this task for me. I'll give you all the credit, and I won't hesitate to let your father know about your talents."

Mariposa scowled. "You are being too idealistic. My father is very traditional.Annoyingly old school. He will not listen to you."

"You might be right," Elyse muttered, "but I'm sure he'll listen to Alessandro. I can promise that my husband will speak on your behalf."

"Really?"

"Really."

Mariposa looked hesitant. "I do not know if this will work."

"If your father still refuses to give you what you want, I'll find a post worthy of your talents in the Vitale clan."

"You would do that for me?"

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