Page 50 of Ruined By Capture

My interest sharpens. "You think he's turned?"

"Maybe. That's what I need you to find out. See what the sister knows about her brother. If Leonardo's having second thoughts about daddy dearest we might be able to use him."

I glance at Melania. "I'll see what I can do."

After hanging up I stir the stew, the smell making my stomach growl. I fill two bowls and carry them over to where Melania works.

"Food break," I announce, setting a bowl beside her.

She blinks, surfacing from whatever digital maze she's navigating. "Thanks."

I sit across from her, watching as she saves her work before picking up the bowl.

"Damiano called," I say casually, testing the stew's temperature. "We have a condo for tonight, house tomorrow."

She nods, taking a small bite. "Better than this place, I hope."

"Much." I hesitate, then decide on the direct approach. "He also mentioned your brother had a major fight with your father. Leonardo apparently left the estate."

Her spoon freezes halfway to her mouth. Something flickers in her eyes—surprise, hope, concern—before she carefully masks it.

"Leo and my father disagree sometimes," she says carefully.

"This seemed bigger than 'disagree.'" I watch her closely. "How close are you with your brother?"

She sets the bowl down, suddenly looking tired. "Why do you want to know about Leo?"

"Because he might be useful." I see no point in lying. "If he's questioning your father's methods he could be an ally."

Melania twists her mother's ring, a nervous habit I've noticed before. " I already told you. My brother is... complicated."

I set my bowl down too, leaning forward. "What I'm asking is whether Leonardo would choose you over your father. If he's fighting with Antonio then maybe he's questioning things."

Melania's face falls, a shadow crossing her features that makes my chest tighten. I hate putting that look on her face but I need to know.

She twists her mother's ring slowly, staring at some point beyond my shoulder. "Leo used to protect me from everything. When I was little he'd sneak me candy when Father said I couldn't have any. In school he'd threaten anyone who dared say a word against me."

Her voice softens with the memory but then hardens. "But this... this is different. This isn't schoolyard bullies or strict parenting. This is my father's empire, his legacy."

"You don't think he'd choose you?" I press, though I already see the answer in her eyes.

"I don't know," she whispers, and the uncertainty in her voice feels like a confession that costs her dear. "I want to believe he would but Leo has been groomed to take over since he could walk. Everything he is, everything he has... it all comes from our father."

I nod, understanding the weight of family legacy all too well. If I had a sister—someone to protect, someone whose safety and happiness depended on me—I'd burn the world down before I'd let anyone hurt her. I'd choose her over Damiano, over the Ferettis, over everything.

But I'm not Leonardo Lombardi. I wasn't raised to be a don.

"I'm sorry," I say, surprising myself with how much I mean it. "I shouldn't have pushed."

Melania looks up, her eyes meeting mine. "It's fine. These are questions I've been asking myself since I found that USB drive."

I watch as Melania's eyes fill with unshed tears. Her jaw trembles slightly.

Fuck. I did this.

My fist clenches at my side, the urge to punch something—the wall, the floor, anything—nearly overwhelming. The familiar burn of rage rises in my chest but this time it's directed at myself. I've spent years mastering control, learning to channel anger into precision, but seeing her like this makes me want to tear this warehouse apart with my bare hands.

I move before I think better of it, closing the distance between us. She doesn't flinch when I crouch before her, doesn't pull away when I reach up and gently cup her chin with my hand.

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