Chapter 3

In less than five minutes, a dozen burly men in black filed in.

They didn't waste a single word. They went straight upstairs and started clearing things out.

The gentle look on Maury's face finally cracked.

He shot to his feet and barked, "I'd like to see who dares!"

The bodyguards didn't even spare him a glance. They swept Dante's watch boxes, Carlo's laptop bag, and Isabella's freshly unboxed clothes into trash bags with practiced efficiency.

Maury stepped forward to stop them and was casually pushed aside by the lead bodyguard with one hand, nearly hitting the floor.

Dante's face went livid. He jabbed a finger at me.

"Mom, what are you doing? For a few of Lucia's princess tantrums, you're throwing your sons out on the street?"

"Right now, I don't consider you my sons."

I took the disinfecting wipe the butler handed me and cleaned my fingers, slow and unhurried.

"Calling you my sons was a favor. Since you don't want the favor, then get lost and crawl back to where you belong."

Isabella watched the luggage get tossed out the front door like garbage and shrieked.

"What are you doing! That's my brand-new face cream!"

She lunged to grab it. A bodyguard kicked the bag on the floor, and she went sprawling.

Rocco dropped the playful smirk.

He stared me down, teeth clenched.

"Fine. You're ruthless. But I think it's about time."

I watched him with amusement, waiting to see what he'd say.

"Without us, how long do you think your precious Rizzo family will stay on top?"

Carlo let out a cold laugh too.

"Mom, you've probably been living too comfortably at home. You've forgotten who's actually holding up the Rizzo family now."

"If you're not relying on us, then what, you're gonna rely on your daughter who can't do anything? Let me remind you—kick us out now, and when we really take over the Rizzo family, you and your daughter won't get a single scrap."

So that was it. All along, they'd been bullying Lucia on the surface, but the real goal was to challenge my authority.

In their minds, the Rizzo family already belonged to them.

The four adopted sons stood on the lawn outside the villa with Isabella, looking bedraggled.

When they left, their backs were ramrod straight.

As if they weren't dogs kicked to the curb, but victors walking away on their own terms.

I watched them go, then turned to the butler.

"Look into what those four have been doing behind my back."

---

Back home, I found Lucia sorting through documents.

"Lucia." I looked at her. "In ten days, you turn twenty. Do you know what that means?"

Lucia didn't flinch. She met my eyes. "It means I take over the Donna's seat."

"And are you ready?"

"I am, Mother."

I placed my hands on her shoulders. "You are my daughter. You are the heir I chose. You were born to fill this position, and you were born to belong in it."

"Trust your instincts. Trust your mind. Once you turn your dependence on others into focus on yourself, you'll realize you already have the strength."

The last trace of doubt in Lucia's eyes hardened into steel. "Yes, Mother."

I looked out at the sky.

Those four have their schemes. They'll make their move at the succession council.

Whatever they want to do, let them show it. Then I can settle accounts with them once and for all.

"Ten days from now, in the Rizzo family hall, I'll invite New York's finest."

"We'll hold your succession ceremony."