Page 110 of Fierce Hearts

No one else fired. No one moved.

Gray crossed to me, his eyes never leaving mine. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.

Leo stepped forward, addressing the room, as people slowly rose from taking cover. "An alliance will still be formed today, as agreed."

I frowned in confusion, but Juan Ference stood, nodding once.

"The Savoca family will be joining with the Donati family," Leo continued. "And I'm sure Sofia Savoca agrees that the Savoca family is willing to cede a substantial portion of their territory to the Ference family for a peaceful alliance, while moving some operations to Ironstone. We will discuss specifics, but you have the Donati family's word that a suitable arrangement will be reached."

Leo turned to the tablet, where family members on the live feed watched in stunned silence. "As for the Savoca family, Sofia Savoca will now be in charge. Those who stand against her stand against the Donati family as well."

I stepped away from Gray, realizing what was going on.

Leo had made another deal behind my back, one with the Ferences, just not the one Ernesto believed.

Why he hadn't told me still boggled me, but I could only assume he did it because he knew I'd be against it, or I'd not be as surprised or confused enough. Or he was unsure if I was bugged or some crazy crap. I'd ask later. For now, I needed to speak up, to address my family, who were looking to me. Caterina was standing firm beside Julia, who was trembling but alive as she stood over her husband's body.

"My partner, Grayson Cassaro, has been gifted the Donati name," I announced, "and as I carry his child, our families will become one. You saw the truth, heard it, and witnessed what kind of man Ernesto was. I don't want that for this family. I want a better future." I looked to my aunts, who both nodded in support. "Some traditions and ways will change. I will do right by this family going forward."

Juan approached me, his expression unreadable. "This is not what I expected when Ernesto first approached me with an alliance."

"Life rarely gives us what we expect," I replied.

He studied me for a long moment, then extended his hand. "I look forward to our new arrangement, Sofia Savoca."

I took his hand, my grip firm. I hated him and the rest of his family, for their beliefs, their ways, how they treated women. But that was a battle for another day. "As do I."

Behind him, Julia knelt beside Ernesto's body, her eyes dry as she just stared at him. Caterina rested a hand on her shoulder, but her gaze met mine, and she nodded.

I spoke with the family, navigating how to deal with Ernesto's guards as the Ference family left. Caterina and Leo provided advice, while Gray spoke softly with Julia, who was still shaken.

After some time and coming to an agreement on many things, Gray's arm slipped around my waist, steady and warm. "Let's get you home," he murmured now that the Savocas were dispersing.

Caterina and Davide had hung back, sharing that they had a few loyalists who didn't come today, and they'd keep an ear out for unrest and any possible threats from within the family.

For now, they both believed I needed to return home as well, and tomorrow we'd begin figuring out which operations were moving and how else we were changing the family.

I leaned into Gray, suddenly exhausted as we headed for the exit. I managed a smirk. "I thought you were supposed to be dead."

"I got better," he said, the ghost of a smile crossing his lips.

"And you kept me in the dark why?" I asked as I glanced over at Leo on his other side.

"I'll explain everything," Leo promised. "But first, let's get you somewhere safe."

As we left the restaurant, I glanced back at the chaos we were leaving behind—at the family I was taking back, at the mess I would need to clean up.

But it would be worth it.

The Savoca family would survive this. And under my leadership, it would change.

CHAPTER29

SOFIA

Isettled onto the couch in my living room, a warm throw blanket tucked around my legs as I sipped on the chamomile tea Gray had made for me. Home. After everything that had happened, I was finally home, safe.

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