words escaped Sophia's lips

hones. Weapons materialized from hidden holsters. In seco

e. Despite the commotion, a strange calm emanated from him-t

ent made the others pause. "Dominic, prepare a response team. Giuseppe, secure ou

tonio Ricci that everyone feared, not the kind father who ha

stages?" Le

"Neutral ground." Antonio adjusted his cuffs with practiced

. She noticed Paolo's muttered remark-"this is why we need

starting toward the passage leading

ut she found herself following him regardless, dr

aboo terrain. Even at 32, she felt like an intruder as

. A large desk dominated one wall, while a sitting area with deep armchairs occupied the other.

ther did next a

anel. A quiet click resonated through the silence, and the bo

d, entering the

n the threshold

e tr

ad of books, she saw flat-screen displays watching market values, freigh

eens. When Antonio laid his palm on its surface, digit

ed softly. "All businesses. Every in

uldn't help but admire the compl

danced across the surface, opening folde

Ricci Shipping Company. Ricci Construction. Ricci Investment Group. All showi

ercent of our total revenue," Antonio explained

as she studied the numbers. "You've

history. Creating businesses that can stand on their own,

ercoming her trepidation. "This transition tim

you began business school. I've

theor

papers, doctoral dissertation, and published articles. Everything

rough strategic reinvestment.?I've followed every principle. His voice softened.

ons, including pride and betrayal. "You've

ep within his chest. He braced himself against the table. "However, t

e Salvatores ar

t a leather-bound ledger that seemed out of place

ands. The worn leather fe

t is

efore encryption." His expression clouded. "T

adorned the yellowed pages. Some entries had been crossed out, while oth

se a

ck carefully. "Everything else was built on top of thi

"You're saying our legitimate busin

nedys' fortunes started with clean hands?" Antonio maintained a matter-of-fact tone. "

older of actual documents, including property deeds,

closet, the leverage that others have attempted to use against us. He

agreed t

ed to keep you away so you could develop your own life. But

out a clear successor, these documents may become public.

. "The Salvatores wouldn't hesitate to use this information to

destroyed them,"

ach document is connected to someone powerful who owes us-judges

g down on her shoulders. "This is why you need me. Not just f

ross Chicago. "We're six years into a ten-year transition plan. Most of our i

eak," Sophia mused, the strategic pieces clicking

with pride. "Even now, yo

her. "Who else knows abou

ects but not the entire approach." Antonio shut th

one else dis

ce was an answe

hia knew. "Someone who kno

ly. Strange coincidences. Information leaks.

tion is not arbitrary." Her mind worked furiously. "They

take over. Not Paolo, Marco, or the others

entire life-her professional choices, her research interests-had

e questioned abruptly

r knew everything. It was her intention to cre

ely and polished, had always appeared detached from the fam

sooner?" Sophia demanded

ld you have run further away?" I needed you establis

rily at the ludicrous normality of it. "I have a talk at nine tomorrow morning. Students want me to teach them

oring the room to its natural state. "You continue to tea

uble

phia, I will not force you. But without you, everything you

ulders. Legacy. Blood. Power. Things she

ink," she said, pus

" Antonio recommended. "You

ly. "And the Salv

me." His smile didn't reach his eye

s phone rang. He answer

s expression hard

d. Then, "Secure th

e call, his

hia asked, dread poo

s voice was dangerously quiet. "They're a

mess

is own dark with fury an

about the