Page 6 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don
It's about respect.
A daughter publicly overriding her father's authority undermines him in front of his peers.
Antonio has his wits about him enough today to know that. His discomfort grows visible.
I’m probably an asshole for this, but if things with Gabriella were different, I might support her joining meetings as needed the way Roman does or other underbosses and captains sometimes do.
Hell, last year, Roman’s wife Isabella, Leo’s daughter, came to a meeting, but only as part of Roman’s report about unsavory business with one of my captains who turned out to be a traitor.
But instead of supporting her staying for Antonio’s reports, I stay silent.
“I have a few questions of Don Calabresi while I’m here as well.” Her sharp eyes focus on me.
“This should be interesting,” I say, infusing humor into my voice as a way to dismiss her questions as unimportant.
She doesn't blink, doesn't back down. "We've noticed increased Calabresi presence along our borders. Men watching our shipments, monitoring our schedules."
It's a direct accusation. In front of everyone.
If Dom and Leo knew of all I was doing to protect Antonio, that wouldn’t be a problem.
But they don’t know.
And now she’s accusing me of betraying another member of La Corona.
"Gabriella," Antonio murmurs, shifting with discomfort.
"No, let her continue." I cross my arms, daring her to come after me. "I'm curious what exactly you're implying, Ms. Monti."
She lifts her chin. "I'm not implying anything, Don Calabresi. I'm stating that I don't trust your intentions toward my father's territory."
"Gabriella!" Antonio's voice rises sharply.
I hold up a hand. "It's fine, Antonio." My eyes never leave hers. "Ms. Monti is entitled to her… suspicions. Unfounded as they may be."
Her expression doesn't waver.
The distrust there is complete, unwavering.
It shouldn't hurt this much.
But it does.
I've built my life on being unreadable. Inscrutable.
It's kept me alive, kept me strong.
No one sees past the mask, not even Roman most days.
So no one in this room sees how her words slice through me.
“Do they know?” She nods toward the other Dons. “Do they know you’re trying to steal from my father?”
Antonio shakes his head. “Marco, I?—”
“It’s okay, Antonio. Once again, a daughter of La Corona is accusing me of something.”
Antonio’s head snaps up, and I know he now fears for Gabrialla.
