Page 30 of Until It Ends

I nod. Maybe, just maybe, that will work.

As I leave Polo's study, I feel a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Gratitude for his willingness to protect us, but also fear for what lies ahead. The path before us is uncertain, and I can't help but wonder if we'll ever find peace in the midst of this ongoing feud.

Thirty

Dante

Isit in the dimly lit meeting room, my heart pounding in anticipation. Polo, Leonardo, and Enzo are all here, and I know this gathering will be anything but peaceful. Rocco's absence doesn't surprise me; he has been avoiding me ever since that incident where I shot up his ass, and I suspect it's his way of avoiding direct confrontation. He's a coward.

"So, where's the crazy son?" I ask, my tone laced with sarcasm.

Polo shifts uncomfortably in his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the topic. "He's busy with a business deal," he replies vaguely.

I nod, not pushing further. I know better than to expect a straightforward answer from him. Instead, I turn my attention to the matters at hand.

"We're here to discuss Veritas Mercantile and how to settle the score between our families," he states, getting straight to the point.

"Is that all?" I drum my fingers on the table.

My father, Leonardo, snorts. "Of course not."

"We've both suffered losses because of this feud," Leonardo says, his voice measured and cool. "We have the upper hand, so I see no reason to come to any amicable deal with you and your family."

I smirk, knowing this would be the response. "Likewise," I reply. "Your family has caused us enough destruction. Your son, Rocco's hand in the Johnson embezzlement and now in the destruction of some valuable assets on mine. You sent him to do these things. There's no going back from this."

Polo's face tightens with frustration, his attempts at reconciliation falling flat. "I didn't send him to do all of those things. I only sent him to give a warning. I had hoped we could find a way to move forward and stop this," he says, his voice tinged with disappointment.

I shake my head. "There's no moving forward from what your family did to mine," I say firmly. "But I can promise you one thing—we won't rest until we've settled the score our way."

As the tension in the room escalates, I can feel the desire for vengeance burning within me. I know that Polo would do anything to protect his family, but I also know that my resolve is unyielding.

"I won't let you destroy everything else we've built," Polo says, his voice wavering with a mix of fear and determination.

"Oh, I think you underestimate me," I reply, my gaze locked with his. "You have no idea what I'm capable of."

In that moment, I know it's time to reveal my trump card. "As you're sitting here, I've just gotten confirmation that we've lifted all of your assets from the bank you own down in New Jersey," I declare, watching Polo's face pale with shock. "Your empire is crumbling, Polo. We can go tit for tat or you can tell your crazy son to stand down now."

His eyes widen with disbelief, and for a moment, I think he might break. But he quickly regains his composure, refusing to show any sign of weakness.

"You wouldn't dare," he whispers, his voice barely audible.

"But I would," I reply coldly. "This is just the beginning. I won't rest until the Cipriano empire is in ruins."

"This has to do with Valeria," Polo bites out.

"Why yes." I clasped my hands together over the table. "What else could it be about."

"She's my daughter!" Polo slams his palms on the table.

"She's my future wife."

The room falls silent.

"No...you'll never wed her." Polo stands up, his voice trembling with anger and defeat.

"Why not?" I laugh. "Are you afraid she'll find out that you've been living off Marco's riches? The riches that rightfully belong to her? The riches you killed your own brother over? She doesn't know, does she? That she's the heir to everything Marco left behind and you are not."

Polo huffs. "Fine. If that's how it's going to be, then there's nothing more to discuss. I'll see myself out."

---