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The silence in the grand office after the exit of the associates felt heavy, vibrating with an unspoken tension that could shatter glass. / Chapter 14 / 20

Chapter 14 - Blood and Legacy

Alina remained seated, her hand resting calmly on the table beside Mia’s plate. She didn't flinch under the older woman's predatory gaze.

"Welcome to the estate," Alina said smoothly, her voice steady and composed. "Since you arrived unannounced, I assume you missed the memo about scheduling appointments with the management."

Elena’s lips tightened into a thin, venomous line. "Management? You think because you pushed out a bastard child and trapped my nephew with sentimentality that you run this house? The Morty syndicate is built on Sicilian blood, not ledger sheets and nursery rhymes."

"That's enough," Lorenzo snapped, stepping forward to block Elena’s line of sight to Mia. "Say another word about my family, and you won't make it past the front gates alive."

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Elena laughed, a sharp, humorless sound. "You think you're untouchable, Lorenzo? Santoro was a fool. But there are forces on the commission who won't let a stray accountant dilute our bloodline. Watch your back."

With a flick of her wrist, she turned on her heel and strode out into the night, leaving a trail of expensive French perfume in her wake.

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