Page 38 of Crimson Reign

“Matteo, my son,” he proclaims before the gathered dons, “I name you Don of the Bellanti syndicate. All that was mine is now yours to command. All loyalties sworn to me transfer to you.”

He places the ring in my palm. “May you lead our family with strength and wisdom.”

I close my fingers around the ring, metal warming my skin. This moment—groomed for since birth—feels surreal.

“I accept this responsibility,” I reply evenly. “I will protect our family and its interests with my life.”

I slid the ring onto my finger; it fit perfectly, as if it were always meant to be there. The Commission members rise in respect, acknowledging the power transition.

“Matteo Bellanti is now our Don,” Don Vincenzo declares. “May your reign be long and prosperous.”

My father steps back to his traditional place beside me, and in that instant, the power dynamics of our organization shift irrevocably.

I glance down at the men who thought to assassinate me in front of the most powerful criminal leaders. Their blood seeps into the marble—a new layer in the foundation of Bellanti power.

“Clean this up,” I order Valentino. “And prepare transport for the Commission back to the estate. I believe we have a celebration to attend.

Later, at the Bellanti estate, music and conversation pulse like a heartbeat. Crystal chandeliers cast a golden light over family members and allies gathered to celebrate my father’s retirement and my appointment.

Elena enters, and I catch sight of her immediately. How could I not?

The blue dress that I picked for her clings to her curves, making her eyes sparkle like jewels. Fiona hangs on her hip, my daughter’s dark curls bouncing as she surveys the crowd with curious eyes.

My daughter.Though biologically she may not be mine, in every important way she belongs to me—just as her mother does.

Elena's gaze meets mine and her lips curve into a smile. Four months ago, on the terrace outside this very hall, I confessed my love to her, and she confessed hers to me.

Since then, she has become a formidable force within our family, earning respect for her intelligence and loyalty.

Whispers spread about her—the woman who put three perfect bullets in Caruso’s heart, who stands unflinchingly beside the Bellanti heir.

Don Bellanti now, I remind myself, feeling the ring’s weight on my finger.

Elena makes her way toward me, greeting some relatives on the way. Fiona waves excitedly, nearly toppling from Elena’s arms in her eagerness.

“Careful, tesoro,” Elena murmurs as she adjusts her hold on our squirming daughter.

I close the gap, taking Fiona into my arms. She presses a sloppy kiss on my cheek and exclaims, “Papa!” God, I will never be tired of hearing that word from her.

“Hello, princess,” I say, inhaling the sweet scent of baby powder. “Are you being good for Mama?”

She babbles and buries her face in my neck. Over her dark curls, I catch Elena’s knowing gaze.

“Everything went well at the Commission?” she asks quietly.

“Better than expected,” I reply evenly. “I’ll tell you later.” Shifting Fiona to one arm, I reach for Elena’s hand with the other. The signet ring catches her eye, and she whispers, “It has happened?”

I nod. “My father felt the timing was right.”

Her expression shifts to pride, concern and something deeper. She squeezes my hand. “Then tonight is an even bigger celebration than planned.”

Before I can respond, my sister Isabella appears with Nico close behind, her bump barely visible in her golden dress.

“Matteo,” she greets, kissing each of my cheeks. “I heard about what happened. Something about a commission meeting gone sideways?”

“News travels fast,” I observe dryly.

“There is blood on your sleeve,” Nico murmurs. “You didn’t have time to change?”

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