Page 60 of The Seventh Circle
"Lorenzo," Father acknowledged without looking up. "We're reviewing the shipping manifests before dinner with the Vitellis. Is something urgent?"
"Yes," I said, closing the door behind me with deliberate finality. "Something that can't wait."
Paolo straightened, a flicker of wariness crossing his features. Good. He should be wary.
"I've discovered some concerning irregularities that require immediate attention," I continued, moving toward the desk with measured steps. "Actions taken without proper authorization that compromise our family's standing."
Father removed his glasses, giving me his full attention. "Explain."
"Paolo has been undermining my position as heir." I kept my voice even, controlled. "He's frozen my personal accounts without consultation, made unauthorized changes to staffing assignments, and spoken to the Vitellis about private family matters."
Paolo's expression hardened. "I've acted in the family's best interest—"
"You've acted to undermine me," I cut in sharply. "Which undermines the family by extension."
I turned to Father. "He approached Signor Alberti with a forged letter on your letterhead, suggesting financial improprieties on my part. He reassigned Romano without consulting me, despite knowing Romano's effectiveness in eastern collections. And most seriously, he's spoken to Don Vitelli about personal matters, jeopardizing our alliance."
Father's gaze shifted between us, his expression unreadable. "Paolo?"
"Lorenzo has been distracted lately," Paolo repliedsmoothly. "I've merely taken precautions to ensure family interests remain protected during his... adjustment period."
I laughed, the sound cold and sharp. "And who determined I needed management, cousin? Who appointed you my keeper?"
"I've observed—"
"You've overstepped," I interrupted, allowing steel to enter my voice. "You've made decisions that weren't yours to make. You've spoken on matters that weren't yours to discuss. And you've used Father's authority without his knowledge to do so."
The last accusation landed precisely as intended. Father's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Is this true, Paolo? You used my letterhead without consultation?"
Paolo shifted slightly. "A minor administrative oversight in service of family protection—"
"It was forgery," I stated flatly. "And it calls into question every other action he's taken. Was reassigning Romano your decision, Father? Was discussing my personal life with the Vitellis your directive?"
Father's jaw tightened. I could see the calculations running behind his eyes—not about Paolo's guilt, but about the power dynamics suddenly shifting in his study.
"These matters could have been discussed privately," Paolo said, attempting to regain ground. "Bringing them before Don Salvatore now, just before an important dinner—"
"Is exactly what should happen," I countered. "Because I am the heir to this family, not you. Because decisions about my accounts, my men, and my engagement are mine to make, with Father's guidance—not yours to manipulate behind closed doors."
I turned back to Father, meeting his gaze directly. "I'vetolerated Paolo's interference out of respect for his service to our family. But his recent actions suggest he's forgotten his place. He is not the heir. He does not speak for you. And he does not control me."
The silence that followed was absolute. Father leaned back in his chair, studying me with new intensity. I recognized the look—satisfaction mingled with calculation. I had surprised him, and in our family, surprises were rarely welcome.
"You've been unusually passive these past weeks, Lorenzo," he finally said. "I was beginning to wonder if you still wanted your birthright."
"My commitment to this family has never wavered," I replied. "But neither have I forgotten who leads it, and who will lead it after you. It isn't Paolo."
Father turned to Paolo, whose face had become carefully neutral. "You overreached, nephew. Using my letterhead without permission is a serious breach of trust."
"Uncle, I—"
Father raised a hand, silencing him instantly. "Your loyalty is commendable. Your methods are not. The heir speaks with my voice when I permit it. You do not."
Paolo bowed his head slightly. "I apologize for any overreach. My concerns about Lorenzo's focus remain, but I should have brought them directly to you."
I recognized the tactical retreat. Paolo wasn't beaten—merely regrouping. But for now, I had regained the upper hand.
