Page 103 of Angelo

"It is not that I want to save Benedetto," Alessandro insisted, "I am no hero. My motives are selfish. The only thing I want to protect is the dream we have built together."

“But—”

He countered, "If we let Boris take down your grandfather, it will not be the end of the world for us, but we may never escape this cycle of killing and crime. You must admit, your grandfather's connectionshave beenandwill continue to beinvaluable to our cause. Without Benedetto, our bridge to the politicians andgovernment officials who can help legitimize our businesses is gone. I must be willing to take some risks for our end game, Elyse. If my plan works out, we can save your grandfather, disprove Bartolo and Carmine, and change our future for the better."

Her husband spoke with such conviction that Elyse didn't have the heart to fight him. She loved him so much for it. Thisshinewas what set Alessandro apart from the other men in their world. But she hated him for it, too. Because it might also invite his downfall.

"You’ve always been an optimist," she whispered, "it's your greatest strength and your greatest weakness."

"Does this mean I have your support,cuore mio?"

"I don't know." Elyse felt torn. On one hand, she wanted to support her man and fight for their dream. On the other hand, she wanted to protect Alessandro from himself.

"What can I do to change your mind?"

"If our roles were reversed," she inquired softly, "would you let me go to Boris?"

He gave her a definitiveno.

"Exactly," Elyse shot back. "Then how can you expect me to pretend like I'm not terrified of losing you?"

Frustration pinched his brow. "Either way, Boris must be dealt with. If you do not have a better idea by tomorrow, we will do as I say."

It was, then, that Elyse realized what must be done. Her husband was willing to risk his freedom for their dream, but she was willing to risk their dream to keep him safe.

"Fine," Elyse agreed, "let me make a phone call first."

Alessandro frowned with confusion. "To who?"

"My mother."

Her husband was willing to risk his freedom for their dream, but she was willing to risk their dream to keep him safe.

A jarring thought flickered in her mind.

But I do not see how I can be capo for the rest of my life without turning into the very worst version of myself.

She suddenly understood Alessandro all too well. Her skin prickled with unease as she considered the steady decay of her own character. If Elyse wanted to shield him from the risk of incarceration, to maintain the stability in theirempire, then there would be times when she’d be forced to relinquish her graying honor and wade into the black.

Times like this one.

Elyse realized that she was willing to sacrifice her grandfather's freedom. She was willing to use her mother to manipulate the old fox into doing her bidding. Morality be damned. She was ready to become a devil to protect her Alessio.

Elyse found Isabella's business card that same evening. She gave her a call. Her mother answered after the tenth ring, "I was wondering if you would ever contact me."

She coughed. "I was wondering the same thing myself."

“Have you changed your mind about London?”

“No.”

“Then why did you call?”

“Because I need your help with something else.”

Another call came through while Elyse was on the phone with her mother, it was Valentina, but she didn't pick up.

“What kind of help?”

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