r's death, the DeSanto mans

ble sense of unease that hung in the air like smoke. Rory stood by the large window in her f

nt, and unaware that ever

f his expectations, had kept her awake, haunted by the memories of a man who ha

ight, about how the family was waiting for h

t to lead them?

re interrupted by

alk," Marco's voice came th

long as she could remember, always there to guide her, to remind her of her place in the fami

on his face, eyes dark with concern. He was dressed in his typical black suit, looking every bit the part of a

"The men are waiting. They want to know how you want to pr

. "I know what they want, Marco. They want p

not. And I'm not asking you to be. But you're the only one who can hold this

the DeSantos who suff

wanted to be a part of this? You think I've spent my whole life preparing to

e in. Your father knew it, too. This world doesn't just let you walk away, Rory. Not when you've be

w it all away, but something inside her told her that there

looking out the window again, her fingers resting l

ike him. But you have to be strong. You've been trained for this

say? She couldn't turn her back on them. But the thought of what s

rything her father had built, but she knew that

ntinued, stepping closer. "And he trusted you to take i

t threatened to break free. The weight of his word

der this time, and before Rory could respond, Anton

respectful. He glanced at Marco briefly, then turned his gaze back to

she'd been dreading was here. She wasn't ready. She wasn't

as no turni

orcer, stepped aside to let her pass. As Rory moved toward the d

er voice barely above a w

olve. "We will follow you, Mis

filled the air. The men of the DeSanto family-those who had served her f

he daughter of the

ke on that mantle. But she knew that i

spilled in her family's name

ps heavy with the weight of her decision,

t. The men of the DeSanto family stood before her,

ringing out across the room. "Gentlemen, we gather here today to discuss the future of our family. The Don's passing has left a void, but we have a new leader among us. M

o lead, but I assure you, I am committed to protecting and preserving our family's legacy. I will not let you down. "Antonio, the

akness. We must be prepared to defend ourselves. "Rory nodded,

s a capable and ruthless leader. As the meeting drew to a close, Rory felt a sense of resolve wash over

ith an intensity that made her skin crawl. It was a man she had never seen before, with piercing

sorts. He has been working with your father for some time now. Rory's eyes narrowed, her inst

rm. Marco nodded, his eyes flicking to Alexander b

Alexander's eyes on her, boring into her skin. She shivered,

contin