Chapter 2

Edoardo Norcia, our senior Consigliere, took off his glasses as he studied the item laid before him. It was a seal that represented the authority of a Famiglia's Consigliere.

Edoardo sized me up. He asked, "Does Adriano know that you wish to step down as the Consigliere and withdraw from the Famiglia's affairs?"

"Edoardo, I've submitted a formal request to step down to the Council of Elders in my own name. I don't need his approval."

Edoardo sighed heavily as he traced the obsidian seal with his finger.

"For the past seven years, you've been by his side, fighting your way out of the slums in Borwyn. You've managed the 12 districts' financial accounts and enforced order throughout our territory all this while.

"Back then, he swore before the Council of Elders that he'd marry no one but you. No one in the entire Neother City dared to disrespect you. Now that we're one step away from cleaning up the Famiglia's image, are you really going to let others enjoy the fruits of your labor?"

I lowered my gaze and said calmly, "He has found a better weapon and no longer needs my service."

Five years ago, the previous Don's remaining forces set up a seaborne ambush in the Gulf of Passimo in Seeves City.

The speedboat Adriano was in went up in flames. He floated in the icy waters for one whole night, and it almost cost him his life. Since then, ocean liners and the ocean have been off-limits to him.

Over the years, out of consideration for his trauma, I'd never stayed by the beach a second longer than needed.

The encrypted satellite phone on the table suddenly vibrated. I put the call on speaker.

Viviana's cheerful voice echoed through the hall. "Donna, Don Moretti came over to my place tonight to go over the southern district's security layout. He has just gone to bed.

"He promised to take me to the underground auction tomorrow so I can broaden my horizons. Could you please grant me entry access to the venue?"

Edoardo immediately frowned. Gripping the edge of the table, he was ready to reprimand Viviana.

I raised a hand to stop him. Then, I picked up the phone and said calmly, "As you wish. Enjoy yourselves."

After I ended the call, Edoardo looked at me in disbelief. He demanded, "She's only the Underboss, yet she's overstepping and demanding access beyond her rank. Why would you let her have her way?"

"It's just an auction. It doesn't matter who's attending it," I said, retrieving a letter from my handbag and handing it to Edoardo.

"As per the rules, I'm handing over the management rights to all Famiglia properties in Neother City in exchange for having my identity completely erased from the Famiglia's records. This is a one-way ticket aboard a ship bound for the Matrian Sea. Please grant me boarding clearance."

Edoardo stared at the ticket that would take me to the Matrian Sea with mixed emotions.

"Adriano fears the ocean. You're making sure he will never find you for the rest of his life."

I buttoned up my coat as I got to my feet and nodded at him respectfully.

"If Adriano had really cared, he wouldn't have postponed our wedding again and again. Edoardo, please keep this between us."

Since Adriano feared the ocean, we would no longer see each other after I left Neother City on the one-way ship out of here.