Page 72 of Fierce Hearts

"He is not wrong, you are beautiful. I hope…" Francesa started, but then her words trailed off, a forced smile returning to her face as she shook her head. "You take care, Sofia."

She turned and moved off, leaving me frowning after her. What had she been wanting to say? What did she hope for?

Before I could follow after her, I spied Meredith waving me over to where she stood by an empty table with a few finger foods.

Thank God.

I headed over briskly, nodding at a few people I passed as they acknowledged me.

"What a creep," Meredith muttered behind her champagne glass. "He just feels so damn off."

"Tell me something I don't know." I glanced back in the direction of Francesca, but she'd disappeared into the crowd.

Gray appeared at my other side, careful to maintain a respectful distance. "Everything okay?"

"Peachy," I replied sarcastically. "Just enjoying being paraded around like a prize mare."

"Well Leo and Canzio are here, they'll be coming in a moment."

Relief flooded through me, quickly followed by a wave of nausea that had nothing to do with morning sickness. The plan was in motion. There was no turning back.

How would everyone take it? How would they react?

The Donatis coming into a public place like this, making a move of power. There was security here, but none of the families were allowed to have weapons on them. Part of it being a neutral place.

Uncle Ernesto materialized from the crowd, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Gray. He came to a standstill before me, finally drawing his gaze to mine. "Sofia, it's time."

The clinking of a glass to call for quiet had conversation dying down around me.

Ernesto gripped my elbow, his fingers digging into my skin as he steered me toward the center of the room where Juan waited with his father. The crowd parted for us, the last few conversations fading as attention shifted our way.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Ernesto announced, his voice carrying across the ballroom. "Tonight marks a historic occasion for our families."

I searched the crowd desperately for Gray, finding him near the entrance. Behind him, the double doors swung open, and Leo entered with Canzio Donati at his side. My breath caught as hope bloomed in my chest, along with fear and unease. Canzio's presence would change everything—the head of the Donati family would never make a public appearance without purpose. And a few of the guests closest to him were doing a double take.

Both families knew exactly who he was.

Ernesto continued, oblivious to the new arrivals. "It gives me great pleasure to formally announce the engagement of my niece, Sofia Savoca, to Juan Ference."

Applause rippled through the room as Juan took my hand, holding it up to show off the diamond engagement ring. The weight of it felt like a shackle. I didn't bother to plaster on a smile, not wanting to play my part any longer.

The Donatis were here, and everything was about to change. I met Leo's gaze, my heart skipping a beat as he nodded, and then I focused on Gray, on the way he jutted his chin out defiantly, a small smirk on his lips.

I prayed this worked out how they believed it would. Because there were far too many people here today, too many who could turn on them in an instant.

Would their status be enough to protect them?

"With this union," Ernesto proclaimed, "the Savoca and Ference families join in strength and purpose, honoring traditions that have sustained our communities for generations."

"How interesting," a deep voice cut through the applause, and I focused on my breathing, on maintaining my composure.

The room fell silent as Canzio Donati stepped forward, surveying the scene with cold calculation. "I was under the impression that Ms. Savoca was involved with my son's right-hand man, Grayson Cassaro."

Murmurs spread through the crowd as Ernesto's grip on my arm tightened painfully.

"You're mistaken, Donati," he said, false warmth in his voice. "Sofia has agreed to this arrangement. It's been decided."

Gray moved to stand beside Canzio. "Is that so? Perhaps you should tell them how you secured that agreement, Ernesto."

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