Page 35 of Beneath the Shadows

He looks up, his expression serious. “It is.”

I sit across from him, leaning forward with my elbows on my knees. “Do you think Vigo knows more about what happened with Uncle Gio than he’s saying?”

“I don’t know.” Dad sighs, rubbing his temples. “When I walked in, he was just standing there, watching his father on the ground. It didn’t sit right with me. But maybe he was in shock.”

His words hang between us. Tonight, Valentine will be inducted as our new Capo, and everything will change.

“I can see what you’re thinking, but we have to keep our suspicions to ourselves,” Dad warns. “If Valentino even senses doubt, it could mean our lives.”

“I know,” I reply, my voice tight. “But it’s hard to sit by and do nothing when I know Uncle Gio didn’t feel Vigo was ready. He told me himself just a few weeks ago.”

My father’s eyes narrow. “And that’s exactly why we need to act like nothing’s wrong. Like we’re fully behind him.”

“I just wish I could stop this before it’s too late,” I say, frustration bubbling inside me.

“We need proof,” Dad says, his voice firm. “Without it, all we have are suspicions.”

“I know you’re right, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”

“Good,” he says, his expression softening slightly. “Just remember, our priority is to protect our family. Even if that means protecting Valentino.”

“I understand,” I say, though the words feel bitter. “I won’t let you down.”

He offers me a small, strained smile. “I know you won’t, son.”

Before I can respond, the door swings open, and Valentino strides in. His eyes dart between us, picking up on the tension.

"Am I interrupting something?" he asks, trying to keep his tone casual but unable to hide his hint of suspicion.

I straighten and force a smile. "Just going over the details for tonight."

Valentino’s gaze lingers on us a second longer than necessary, but he nods. “Good. Everything needs to be perfect.”

Dad clears his throat. "Of course, Vigo. We’re making sure everything’s in order. It’s an important night for not onlyla famigliabut also you.”

Valentino's eyes narrow as he focuses on my father, "I expect you to be by my side tonight. We need to show a united front."

"Naturally," Dad replies, keeping his tone even. "I'll be there."

Satisfied, Valentino’s expression eases, but there’s still something lurking behind his eyes—doubt, perhaps. “Good. Tonight marks a new beginning. One where I’ll grow even more powerful.” He shifts his attention to me. “I can count on you to support me, right?”

"Of course," I say, forcing another smile. "I’ll always have your back.”

“Perfect,” Valentino says and turns to leave. "I'll see you both soon.”

The door closes behind him, and the tension in the room turns suffocating. I drop my head in my hands.

“We need to be more careful,” my father says, his voice low. “From now on, we don’t discuss this here.”

“I know,” I reply, taking a deep breath to steady myself. “I’ll do what I’ve always done—protect our family. No matter what the cost.”

Valentino

For too long, my father dangled the promise of leadership in front of Uncle Marco, making him believe he’d take over until I wasready—whatever that’s supposed to mean. He’s always been second in command, the one my father relied on when things got tough. I know he wanted the top spot. Now, I’m stepping into the role he thought was his, and I can’t help but question his loyalty to me.

Antonio’s always been my right hand, my protector. He follows my lead without question. But Marco’s his father. If he starts whispering in Antonio’s ear, planting seeds of doubt, he’ll poison him against me. That’s something I won’t allow. I need to keep them apart—need to keep Antonio close to me.

I’m sitting at the bar nursing a whiskey when Antonio and Uncle Marco step out of the office. I don’t hesitate. I need to assert my control. “Antonio, a word,” I call out, my voice carrying an edge of authority that leaves no room for argument.

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