Page 33 of King Of Order

For so long, my father had used intimidation to force my hand.

Now, weak and ailing, he’d realized how pivotal I’d been, working in the shadows, doing my thing with quiet focus.

‘I should’ve seen you for who you are,’ he continued, his hand trembling as he reached for mine. ‘You’re the strong one, Chiara. The one who ought to take over. The business should go to you.’

My breath caught in my chest. ‘Papa, I don’t know—‘

‘You’re the only one with the brains and guts to handle it,’ he said, his tone firm despite his condition. ‘Not my two loser sons.’

‘Claudio has been the one running things. He won’t like it if you hand the business to me.’

‘Enough,’ my father said, his voice weak but final. ‘I’ve made my decision. The lawyers have my wishes in writing. It’s watertight and done.’

I tilted my head, dread going through me. ‘He’ll come after me.’

‘So be it,’ Olivio snarled, his lips twisted in a cruel twist. ‘Get your gun handling skills sharpened or hire some help. You’re smart enough to know what to do.’

There it was.

More proof that to Olivio, all I’d ever be was fodder, fed to the lions to be pulled apart.

For a moment, my deep-set wrath and loathing for this man rose like bile, coating my tongue.

How easy would it be right now to grab a pillow, stuff it over his face, and suffocate him?

If it weren’t for the hospital’s security cameras aimed at his bed, I’da contemplated it.

His eyes narrowed on me, sensing my disquiet. ‘Tell me you won’t let my legacy go to ruin. That the Tirone name will live on,’ he growled.

‘Va bene, papa,’ I sighed, conceding. Too tired to fight a dying man.

He scrabbled for my hand, and I gave it to him.

‘Do you forgive me for my madness when you were younger?’ he whispered.

I studied him for a beat. ‘The past is in the past.’

Therapy helped, but although I’d reconciled myself with his brutality, I’d never forgiven, and neither would I ever forget.

However, now was not the time to address my hatred for him.

So, instead, I smiled.

He widened his cracked lips in a jagged response. ‘Sei una brava figlia.’

A good daughter, indeed.

With that, he drifted off to sleep.

I sat by his side as he napped fitfully.

Staring at him, I attempted to make sense of the freakin’ predicament he was putting me in. I soon came to the realization he’d not long to live, and I’d need to plan for whatever hell was coming my way.

I made a few calls and left messages.

My phone rang, and I glanced at the ID—Claudio.

I hesitated, bracing for what I guessed this conversation would entail. But ignoring him would only make things worse.

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