Chapter Eight

The granite beneath Viviana's feet crunched as she stepped out of the black luxury car. The huge building before her did nothing to cover her from the morning sun but a guard rushed over with an umbrella. She hadn't been to the Matriarch's building since the night they arrived and she wondered how she lived on a daily basis. Not like she was dying to know. The house was not as expansive as the one she lived in with Raffaele, but it had its own unique touch of modernity and traditionality.

Viviana adjusted the leather belt cinching her waist, the buckle catching the light. Her fitted black trousers hugged her curves, paired with a silk emerald blouse tucked neatly. She had silver jewelry on her wrist and neck. Not really her usual style but at least she had to look good for an impromptu call.

The doors opened before they could reach it, a maid offering a polite nod as she stepped aside. “The Matriarch is expecting you, Madam Conte.”

Viviana stepped inside, shown to the dining area. She didn't notice much the first night she was here but the interior of the house was more traditional than modern, even the artworks and paintings on the wall. It was like she had been transported back into the Georgian era.

“How old is she?” Viviana thought before finally reaching the dining room where Caterina was already seated.

Viviana didn't wait to he invited before pulling a out a chair before Caterina. A maid walked over to pour her a cup of tea while others served her breakfast.

Caterina watched her with an amused smirk on her face. “You don't hesitate.”

Viviana met her gaze with a slight tilt of her lips. “Really? I love my breakfast a lot, Nonna.”

A slow nod. “It's very important. I'm sure you'd prefer breakfast with your husband than with an old woman.”

Viviana leaned back, taking her cup of tea with her. “I'd love to have breakfast with you any day, Nonna. But I'm assuming this isn't just any breakfast.”

Caterina chuckled, setting down her cutleries with a quiet clink. “No, think of it as the beginning of your training as a Conte bride.” Her gaze sharpened. “I heard from Raffaele that you're getting quite used to the Conte business, just like you belong to the family.”

Viviana nodded.

“Being the Don's wife and being the Matriarch of the Conte family are two different things Viviana. You may have secured the former, but the latter? It takes more than a ring and title as the Don's wife. Anyone can try to stand against you, trying to stop you from being the Matriarch. Once you're qualified to be on, you're on. But before that, expect counters.”

Viviana remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

Caterina leaned forward slightly. “As the Matriarch, you have to leave your impression before they start coming in. Now that Raffaele is married to you, my position as the Matriarch should be given to you immediately but until you're ready. That aside, the family doesn't just run on Raffaele's rule. You know the Conte family has been above outside and inside the underworld for decades, no family comes close to us. Your role as the matriarch is to maintain the order on the inside, the family itself.”

“The family holds power in every layer of the society both in Italy and outside, and as the Matriarch, you'll have a hand in all of it too. Our boutique and jewel empire– you make sure you add to your husband's image through it. The shipping empire– ensure our assets, both legal and otherwise arrive safely. You're to move fortunes in clean and untraceable ways.”

Viviana's lips twitched with a smile. “Efficient.”

Caterina nodded. “There's a lot of things you'll have to do but I'm sure that won't be a problem. You grew up in this kind of world, it won't be new to you.”

She was right. Viviana was basically the Matriarch of the Bellini family even if it was just a small family, but she was able to assist Massimo that much.

“I expect nothing less than I've done from you.” Caterina said, pushing her chair backwards as she stood up. “I have somewhere to take you. Have breakfast while I get prepared.”

Their car soon arrived in front of a huge building with the huge name Conte on a side of the highrise building. Caterina led her through the grand entrance and every worker they passed by bowed as they saw the old woman.

The reception area was filled with VIP guests looking at the pictures displayed on the walls for luxury jewels. A small smile appeared on her face as she scanned around. Just from the arts, she could tell how expensive this place was.

Well, it’s the Conte family. It's expected.

“This is just one of them, Viviana. Very soon, you'll have this entire place and more under your supervision.”

****

Elsewhere…

The soft clinking of glass met in the dim glow of the room. A woman stood by the floor to ceiling window, her silhouette framed in the city lights. The wine in her hand swirled lazily, deep red complimenting her manicured fingers.

Behind her, a man entered. “Signora, news from Italy.”

She took a slow sip, savoring the taste before speaking. “Go on.”

“Raffaele has gotten married.”

A long pause. The man standing next to her didn't know if he should be afraid or not.

Finally, she turned, setting her glass down on the table. “Arranged my flight.”

The man hesitated. “Immediately?”

She turned to him, giving him a smile that had not a single warmth. “Did I stutter.”

“No, Signora.”

As he hurried out, she lifted her glass again, deliberately swirling the liquid in the glass.

“So Raffaele has finally settled? And that brat wants to keep it from all of us.”

With one final sip, she set down the empty glass, and walked away, her heels clicking with an echo.