Page 43 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don
But what I remember most is the pain I felt that he’d be okay with my marrying someone else.
It’s silly, of course.
I knew from that first night in the library last Christmas that Marco wouldn’t love me.
“Elena, hello.”
“Hey, Gab. Isabella and I are going to grab lunch today. Come join us.”
My first instinct is to say no.
But then I realize it could be an opportunity to get information from them about the families and maybe even Agent Blackwood.
I feel a little guilty about that since these women are my friends, but I have to do what I have to do to protect my father.
“I’ll be there.”
I arrive at the restaurant at the designated time, spotting Elena and Isabella already seated at a corner table.
They're deep in conversation, heads bent close, but break apart with bright smiles when they see me.
"Perfect timing," Elena says, pushing a glass of prosecco toward me. "We just ordered."
I slide into my seat. "Sorry if I'm late. It's been a chaotic morning."
Isabella studies my face. "You look troubled. Everything okay?"
The genuine concern in her voice makes me hesitate.
I take a sip of prosecco, considering my approach. "Actually, I wanted to ask you something, Isabella. About your… experience with the FBI."
The table goes quiet.
Elena glances around to ensure no one's listening.
Isabella's expression shifts, her guard rising visibly. "What about it?"
"I understand he was working on a case against the Calabresi family. I'm curious about their investigation. What exactly were they after?"
She exchanges a look with Elena before answering carefully. "He said he could help me find out who killed my mother and implicated Marco.”
“One of Marco’s captains was responsible, right? Any chance that Marco?—”
“No.” Isabella stops me cold. “Salvatore betrayed him. Killed my mother to hide his efforts to ruin La Corona.”
I study her. “You’re sure about that?”
Elena’s eyes narrow. “What are you getting on about, Gabriella? It sounds like you’re questioning Marco.”
I shrug, realizing I’m revealing too much. “Just curious. I mean if the FBI was suspicious…”
Isabella leans forward. "Roman and I believe someone is playing a larger game, using the FBI to destabilize La Corona from within."
“But I thought Salvatore was dead. How can someone still be?—”
Isabella interrupts me. “We think Salvatore was part of a larger faction, but before you ask, Marco isn’t a part of it. Why would he be? He’s part of La Corona. He wouldn’t want to bring it down.”
“Unless he wanted all the power.”
