Chapter 7

Viler

I was astonished to learn that Anaya was in Nicolas Ricci's hands when he called. Is she my daughter, or is someone attempting to manipulate my feelings? However, I brought a trustworthy driver along, and the two of us raced to Ricci's house.

My doubts dissipated the moment I met her. That was my Anaya, my little girl. When I first saw her, I couldn't believe my eyes. She has a striking resemblance to Anna. I coerced Ricci into committing to keeping her existence a secret. I don't want her to be in any danger. Although I slaughtered anyone who had hurt my family, I am still a Mafia boss and have a lot of enemies.

She handed me the letter Gio had written as we talked, and my blood boiled. How could he do that to me? We were family, and you would never hurt your family. When she referred to me as Papa, I could not contain the flood of emotions that swept over me. When she hugged me, my heart felt so full. This will be one of many hugs. She'll stick by my side this time, and I swear to protect her till the very end.

However, Ricardo interrupted our peaceful time by barging into my office. I scowled at him. "Boss, we have a problem," he sputtered. My thoughts immediately turned to Anaya and her security. I said while hiding her back behind me, "Wait. I'll accompany her to her room and then come."

He nodded before leaving the room. We moved toward my mansion's east wing while I held her hand. It serves as my family's wing. I finally have my family to share it with.

"Are you sure it can wait? He appeared to be quite pale, "she questioned with trepidation. My innocent and sweet child. She is far too kind to the world.

"You are my priority, my Passero," I replied when we arrived at her suite, which was a few rooms down.

Her eyes widen as we enter the room. I'm worried she won't like the room. I built it myself for her in the hopes that she might need it someday. I asked, "Do you like it?"

She makes a turn and says, "I love it." My concerns vanished as soon as she responded.

"I'll leave you to it. Your luggage and a couple of extra outfits are in the closet. Call me if you need anything; my room is right across the hall. Goodnight, my darling, "I said while grinning. Even now, it's difficult to comprehend that my daughter is back with me.

"Good night, thank you, " she responded, and I gave her one final hug before shutting the door and heading to my office.

As soon as I entered my office, Ricardo was already seated in the chair outside. He immediately lowered his head when I glared at him. I entered my office after having my fingerprint and iris scanning. I was furious. "Ricardo, you better be dying for barging into my office when I was busy." A low-level captain doing so without my consent was acting in a very disrespectful way.

He shook in terror and said, "I apologize, boss. But it is urgent. I noticed someone was following you. I caught it on camera," he pulled out his phone and showed it to me, along with some other camera footage from my trip to Ricci's house and the film from our gate camera. Fuck!

"Find out who it was! I need that man in the basement in two days "I screamed. Shit, I need to be more watchful around my daughter. When the news gets out that she is still alive, she will be the first target of my enemies.

I frowned as I heard a knock on the door. I yelled, "Come in," and Sally, Ricardo's commander, entered. He grimaced as he turned to face Ricardo. "I just told you to let the boss know. What are you doing here still?"

In response, a pallid Ricardo said, "Boss, I was just about to depart." He made a small bow before leaving the office quickly.

Sally gave me a direct look and said, "Boss, we need to take extra precautions with your daughter. Anyone with a vendetta against you will primarily aim their attacks at her."

I retaliated, "You think I don't know that," at him. "I neglected to pay attention to my surroundings because I was so excited to see my child after such a long time. Sally, let's make sure no one finds out about my daughter."

"Boss, if you don't mind, I would like to offer something," he said after glancing at me.

I nodded, and he continued, "I think we should accept her and introduce her to all our Mafia as your daughter."

I roared, approaching him in a predacious manner, and asked, "What? Are you insane?".

He took a step back. "Boss, please listen to me first." I answered while squinting my eyes, "Fine. But it had better be worthwhile otherwise."

He replied with a loud exhale, "She's back, boss, and she's your successor. The people will soon discover that, and we should control the information. You sacrificed so many years being away from her only to protect her, but few are aware of the truth, placing her in grave danger."

"She is too innocent for this world, Sally. She was trembling when I raised my voice. How will she torture and murder people?" I was astonished by his suggestion.

He said, "We can remedy that by training her boss."

I answered, shaking my head, "No. She will never consent to be the leader of Italy's most feared mafia. And I don't feel comfortable putting her in danger. I recently got her back, and I can't let her go again."

"She is still your daughter, even if she does not wish to succeed you. She's already in danger," he answered.

I said while rubbing my forehead. "You are correct. But no one knows we can ensure her safety while keeping her secret for the time being."

"She has already been recognized as being your daughter by some individuals. Ricci will keep his people under control, but rumors will circulate as a result of your hasty decision to meet Anaya. I was considering keeping her secure the old-fashioned way," he said this reluctantly.

I furrowed my head and inquired: "Sally, what do you mean? Say it clearly!"

He sighed and responded, "Boss, we can think about forming an alliance with Ricci's Mafia. He is cocky but fierce, and his Mafia is among the toughest in our region. He requires us to become more powerful so he will entertain our request. And by an alliance, I mean... Marriage."

I got up from my chair and approached him from the front. "What exactly did you say? You want me to marry my daughter to that Ricci? I just got back to my little girl! Are you crazy?" I yelled.

"Please calm down and listen to me. It's just a suggestion. She is also like my daughter Viler. I still consider Anna to be my sister and I will never do anything to harm your and Anna's only child," he said. I'm sure he will never think of hurting my family. He has been working for us without a hitch for the past 25 years!

I took a deep breath in while closing my eyes and nodded for him to continue. "Thank you. As I said, we may build alliances through marriage. Family is the most important thing in our lives, and marriage brings us together as a family. Viler, the girl is as innocent as a lamb. We need strong backing from everyone if she is to survive in this hostile environment."

"Because Anaya is too pure for the mafia life and because we are already getting older, Ricci and her heirs will take the reins. If we put both mafias together, we will build a mafia so powerful that it will reverberate throughout the world! And.." he exhaled deeply and closed his eyes, attempting to hold back the tears.

"Sally?" I questioned, puzzled by his sudden change of mood.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, "but I don't want anything to happen to her that happened to Ivankov's daughter."

My fist was so tightly closed that my knuckles became white as my jaw tightened. I never want anyone to experience what happened to Ivanokov's daughter. After being abducted and subjected to horrific torture, she was only discovered by her father after it was too late to save her from her demons. She soon committed suicide.

"Although I don't think it's the best option, I don't advise doing it right away. But think about it, "he stated.

"I want her to fall in love, Sally, not be forced into an arranged marriage. After all, she has been through, she deserves the world "I muttered.

"She can still fall in love. Ricci isn't all that bad. He is a gentleman, and I have never witnessed him mistreat or exploit a woman. He may be callous, but he knows what he needs right now," he replied.

I inquired, "Will he accept the offer?"

The man responded, "Our spies in his organization have told us that he is seeking someone because he is being pressured by the men for an heir, and he is smart enough not to deny us."

Sally exits the room as I nod, giving me some time to reflect. I don't think I can do this. This is my little girl we're referring to. We do not need Ricci and his goons because I would stop at nothing to keep her safe. Tomorrow, I'll let Sally know my decision.