Page 438 of Savage Bosses

"Because of this, I don't think you should show up at the Farrina Brunch."

"But I've worked so hard on this. If I don't show up, wouldn't that be what they want?"

"But, dear..."

"I have to show up."

Mrs. Cattaneo sighed. "Okay. But you'll ride home with me. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"And you'll stick close to Sybil and the others. No wandering off alone. Promise me?" Mrs. Cattaneo insisted.

"I promise," Tati vowed before ending the call once the conversation was over.

She couldn't believe the Farrinas would take it as far as they were taking it. She really should be scared. For some reason, she wasn't. She'd never feared death. What she feared more than her own death was losing those she was close to.

Because of Melinda, she'd already lost Bryce. She couldn't allow the bitch to go crazy and hurt him further. Part of Tati wanted to run again. Not for her safety but because she feared things getting worse.

She feared Bryce getting hurt because she wanted revenge. She wouldn't run. And she wouldn't let things get worse. Tati sighed. She wanted revenge. She had to have it. But what could she do to protect everyone she loved?

Bryceson

Bryceson sat across from his father and Mr. Farrina in the dimly lit study, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife. He'd only shown up because the don believed his father and Farrina were planning something.

Bryce was there to see if they'd let anything slip. But so far, all they'd discussed was a marriage that would never happen. His jaw clenched as he listened to their words, each one more infuriating than the last.

"Think of the power, the influence our families could have together," Mr. Farrina urged, leaning forward in his chair. "You announcing your engagement to Melinda at the brunch would solidify our alliance."

Alliance?Bryce scoffed, unable to contain his disgust.

"I never intended to marry Melinda. I have no feelings for her. I'll never have feelings for her. To me, she's only my best friend's sister. And I won't be used like some pawn in whatever game you and my father are playing."

"Watch your tone, son," his father warned, eyes narrowing. "This is about more than just you and your feelings. It's about the future of our family."

"Really?" Bryce shot back, his anger boiling over. "The only thing I see here is two old men trying to manipulate me into doing their bidding."

"Enough!" his father barked, slamming his fist on the table. "You will do as I say, or else."

"Or else what?" Bryce challenged. "I don't answer to you, Father. I'm not the same naive boy who used to obey your every command."

Bryce's jaw clenched as Mr. Farrina continued to press the issue of the marriage.

"A union between our families would only serve to strengthen our bond," he insisted, his voice gruff and demanding.

"Strengthen our bond?" Bryce scoffed, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "The bond should have been broken when the Don fired you as consigliere."

The mention of Mr. Farrina's disgrace made the older man's face turn an angry shade of red.

"Show your elders some respect," Bryce's father snapped, attempting to rein in his son's defiance.

"Respect?" Bryce retorted, his eyes narrowing. "It was your buddy here who got us involved with the Greccos in Italy. It was his idea to go over there. And when the Don investigated it, he fired Farrina for going over his head and igniting an uproar that nearly cost us everything. Our family in Italy has stopped supporting our businesses. We lost the use of their shipping ports over there and now have to seek aid from the DeLucas to get our casinos up and running over there." He turned his glare onto Mr. Farrina. "And that's all because of what you and your friend did five years ago." He turned back to his father, his expression hardening. "Unless the Don approves of this wedding, there won't be any union between the Cattaneos and the Farrinas. Ever."

"The don isn't your father," his dad argued.

"He's more of a father to me than you are. At least he's never allowed me to be kidnapped just to have a reason to start a war."

The room fell silent as the tension between Bryce and the two older men hung heavy in the air. This wasn't just about family loyalty anymore; it was about control and power. Bryce knew that if he didn't stand his ground, he'd be swallowed up by their manipulations.

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