The words have haunted me all night. I replayed the event of the day my father died in my head— who was sitting beside me? Who had looked at me long? Who had looked away quickly?

Someone inside the family wanted me dead.

And until I revealed who, I would never be safe.

Lucky entered without knocking, a habit I detested, but I didn't complain tonight. He leaned against the desk, staring at the note.

“You've read it enough times to pierce through the paper,” he said.

“I want to,” I whispered silently.

“You think it's Raphael's doing?”

I shook my head. “Raphael's a bully. He'd rather put a bullet in himself than send a note.”

Lucky smiled. “Fair point. Then who?”

I exhaled, leaning back in the chair. “Vincenzo, I guess. He likes his games. Or…someone I haven't even thought of.”

Lucky fixed a long gaze on me, searching my expression for answers. “Whoever it is, they've already failed once. That makes them dangerous. Next time they won't miss.”

I picked the note and squeezed it then tossed it into the fireplace. The flames burned the paper instantly.

“They won't have another chance,” I said softly but firmly.

******

The council meeting was held at Vincenzo's villa – A large mansion on the outskirts of the city, with marble floors, velvet drapes, and enough golden touches to make a king blush.

I wore a black dress, my father's crucifix necklace resting on my chest. Lucky was behind in a black suit also, he was holding an umbrella as the rain was dripping slowly.

The council chamber was already filled with men when I entered. Raphael stood at the center of the room, charming the capos with his easy grin, shaking hands like a politician. His eyes caught mine and for a brief second, his smile faltered.

Good, I thought. Let him be afraid of me.

Don Vincenzo sat at the head of the table, a glass of red wine in his hand. His presence silenced the room as I approached.

“Ah, la figlia,” Vincenzo said smoothly, gesturing to an empty seat across the large table. “The daughter of our dear Carlo joins us at last.”

I sat, every eye in the room on me. I felt the weight of their stare – the curiosity, the detestation, the underestimation.

Raphael wasted no time.” With all due respect,” he began, his voice dripping with false humility,” Carlo's passing has left a void. The family needs strength. Leadership and someone who understands the standing rule. And while Abigail is the next in line, she is…”

“A woman?” I cut in sharply.

The room was silent.

Raphael's face darkened but he smiled faintly. “I was going to say incompetent.”

I leaned forward, my gaze locking with his. “You're right. I don't have your experience. I don't gamble away money at card tables. I don't extort from the innocent and weak people like you did.”

A few men chuckled under their breath. Marco frowned.

Before he could respond, Vincenzo raised a hand. “Enough. We are not here to squabble like kids. The question is straight and simple: who becomes the new leader of the Romano family?

One of the younger men, Leonardo Ricci, spoke up. He was ambitious, sharp, and always looking for loose ends. “With respect, Don Vincenzo, Carlo's bloodline carries weight. The men on the street still respect Romano's name. Abigail could serve as a figurehead….while Raphael handles the family's business.”

My jaw tightened. A figurehead. A puppet.

“No,” I said firmly. “If I lead, I lead. No one pulls my strings.”

Vincenzo smirked, swirling his wine glass.”Bold words, ragazza. But boldness alone won't qualify you as a leader.”

“I leaned forward, staring at Vincenzo, my voice fierce. “I'll lead no matter what anybody says.”

******

The council erupted in murmurs. Some laughed, others muttered and a few stared at me with a new calculation.

The door opened and a man I had never seen before walked in.

Tall, muscular, with a scar running from his temple down to his jaw. He wore a black suit and his eyes were cold. He moved with the quiet confidence of someone who is in control of the room.

Vincenzo rose slightly. “Gentleman, allow me to introduce Matteo Vittale. Our…new partner from the North.”

My stomach churned. I had heard the name before. Matteo wasn't just a partner—he was a fixer, a man who cleaned up messes by leaving none alive. His arrival meant one thing: Vincenzo was having a new plan.

Matteo's gaze swept the room then landed on me. He smiled faintly but there was no warmth in it.

“So,” he said sharply, this is the daughter who dares sit among the tigers.”

I stared coldly at him. “And you must be the dog Vincenzo brought to head us.”

The room was silent. Raphael gave a silent laugh.

Matteo's lips curled into a wide smile.”You've got a sharp tongue. Let's hope it doesn't get cut.”

Vincenzo raised his glass again, easing the tension. “Let's not forget why we are here. The Roman Empire must not crumble. Division amongst us brings more enemies. Tonight we must be united.”

The meeting lasted for hours– debates, allegations, alliances forming in whispers and silence. I spoke when I had to, sharply and precisely, planting seeds of doubt about Raphael without crossing limits.

I could feel a different gaze on me, but I could also feel the walls closing in. Vincenzo was too calm, too prepared. Raphael was too confident. And Matteo Vittale’s sudden appearance gnawed at me.

As the meeting was postponed, Vincenzo smiled at me. “You have fire, ragazza. But fire burns. Be careful it doesn't burn you.”

I smile back.”Don't worry, Don Vincenzo. I plan to burn only what I choose.”

******

That night, as I returned to the Romano Estate, I found my room scattered, drawers opened, clothes pulled out, and the crucifix ripped from my nightstand.

But what froze my blood was the message painted on my mirror in red lipstick.

“Your father was only the beginning”

I stood there in silence, my stomach turned, my reflection fractured across the painted letters.

Someone inside the house wasn't just plotting against me.

They were living in my shadow. Watching my moves.

And they wanted me to know it.