Page 22 of Until It Ends

I bite my lip and then ask, "But isn't this business dark in and of itself. You are a Regent so you never have to get your hands dirty if you don't want, but what about your direct reports who carry out those tasks for you. What about your sons who blindly opened fire at a private event trying to detain me?"

Polo's eyes widen and he clears his throat. It seems as if he didn't expect me to drill him with such questions. He leans back in his chair and smiles, "You know more than I think, don't you?"

I nodded. "No one's hands are clean. Not even mine."

"I bet you wished you had killed Leonardo Argentieri."

I glance just outside the floor-to-ceiling window at the vines wrapped around the gazebo. It isn't that I wished I had. I only wanted to get away. Shooting him was an accident. Learning he still lives was a shocking revelation. "I thought I did."

"That's something else that Argentieri boy kept from you. He's not to be trusted," he exclaims. "As a mafia princess, you have a reputation to uphold. I'm offering you an opportunity to maintain your integrity and a chance to navigate the business world without compromising my family's principles."

"But how will we take back Veritas from the Argentieri family?" I ask, a flicker of uncertainty in my voice.

Polo smiles, a glimmer of confidence shining in his eyes. "Don't worry about that, Valeria. We have our ways. Just focus on studying the business, learning the ins and outs. When the time comes, you'll be ready to step into your role and operate your division."

His words leave a lingering sense of unease within me. It seems that Polo has no intention of relinquishing full control of Veritas to me, despite it being my rightful inheritance. I have to be cautious.

"I understand," I reply, my voice steady. "But I also expect transparency, Polo. I need to know what you're planning for me."

Polo's gaze lockes with mine, his expression contemplative. "Of course, Valeria. We'll work together closely. You have my word. Are you ready for all of this."

I nod. "I am."

He looks me in the eye and says, "Be prepared. In two days we'll be attending a very important event where you'll be presented as my daughter to all my business partners. I'm glad you're with us, Valeria."

With a mix of hesitation and determination, I stand up, ready to leave the room. But just as I turn towards the door, I find Rocco standing there just under the threshold, his eyes filled with disdain. Was he listening? It's clear that he'll never trust me, whether out of jealousy or spitefulness, especially considering my involvement with Dante Argentieri.

He looks me up and down as I pass him, but says nothing.

Ignoring Rocco's presence, I leave the room, my mind buzzing with a whirlwind of thoughts.

The weight of my newfound identity settles upon my shoulders. Stepping into the limelight as Polo's daughter means embracing a new role, a new set of responsibilities. And I know the challenges ahead would be greater than anything I've faced before.

But I'm ready. Ready to claim my place, to uncover the truth, and to prove that I'm not just a pawn.

The journey has only just begun, and I'm prepared to face whatever obstacles lay ahead. The Veritas trading business will be mine to reshape. I want something of my own.

I reach my room and close the door behind me, finding solace in the silence. My gaze falls upon the envelope containing the DNA test results, a stark reminder of the lies and deceit that has shaped my life. If only things could have been different, if only I had known the truth from the beginning.

But dwelling on the past would not change the present. I have a choice to make—to embrace my newfound identity and the responsibilities that came with it or to shrink away and allow others to dictate my fate. And as much as it frightens me, I know I can't turn back now.

Twenty-One

Valeria

Imake my way through the crowd gathered at the luxurious ball, a cacophony of indulgent laughter and music pouring over my shoulders. The ballroom is adorned with opulent decorations, a grand celebration for the birthday of the young Italian princess. Yet I feel like an outsider in this world of power and influence, where everyone seems to know each other except for me. Women twirl fluttering skirts and bejeweled accessories as men wear velvets embroidered with tasteful designs, bowing graciously to kiss women's hands.

Waiters in livery circulate trays laden with glistening glasses and bottles of champagne, tending to those who are parched from so much gossiping.

"Are you doing okay, Valeria?" Polo whispers to me.

"Yes."

"There are plenty of council members here and leaders from each of the families. I want to introduce you to all of my friends," he says, "That's why I bring you tonight and not my sons."

Polo steers me through the sea of elegantly dressed guests. As we approach each table and circle, he assures me that this event is an opportunity to connect and mingle with current and prospective business associates. But my nerves threaten to consume me. The men stand tall and trim, with neatly trimmed mustaches or beards; the women, most older than I am, are soft elegant flowers in flowing gowns of extravagant silken fabric that whisper as they walk.

The room is teeming with men, all of whom appear powerful in their own right. The strength of their bodies and the surety in their gazes make me feel vulnerable. For every woman present, there are at least ten men. It is a stark reminder of the imbalance of power that exists in this world, a world I have always been sheltered from.

---