Chapter 19 Salvatore

The moment Sara left my office with Talia’s promise ringing in her ears, I felt the weight of what was coming settle onto my shoulders. Not fear. Not doubt. Responsibility.

I’d failed to protect my family once. I wouldn’t make that mistake again. My lawyers spread out across the conference table. files open, laptops glowing, voices low and urgent. Talia stood at the head of the table, flipping through the CPS report with a disgusted look on her face.

“This is worse than I thought,” she muttered. “Kara Barns didn’t even try to hide the shortcuts. She’s gotten sloppy.”

“She went after my son,” I said. “Sloppy doesn’t begin to cover it.”

Talia looked up, eyes sharp. “We’re going to bury her. But we’re going to do it smart.”

The family law partner — a seasoned man with silver hair and a reputation for being ruthless in court, nodded. “We need to control the narrative. If Juan thinks Sara is walking in alone with a lawyer who looks like he’s fresh out of law school, he’ll get cocky.”

Talia smirked. “And I like when people get cocky. Makes it easier to pull the rug out from under them.”

I raised a brow. “You’re enjoying this.”

She shrugged. “She went after my family. I’m allowed to enjoy the takedown.”

The senior lawyer cleared his throat. “My daughter just joined the firm. She’s young, but she’s sharp. Deadly sharp. She’ll be perfect for what we’re going for.”

Talia nodded approvingly. “Good. Let Juan underestimate her.”

I leaned back in my chair. “Walk me through it.”

Talia stepped forward, tapping the file. “Sara walks in with the young attorney. No mention of me. No mention of you. Juan will assume he’s already won. He’ll think Sara is scared and alone.”

“She’s not alone,” I growled.

“No,” Talia said, “but he doesn’t need to know that until the end.”

The senior lawyer added, “Once the judge starts questioning the inconsistencies in the report, we walk in. You, me, and Talia. And Daniel will be right behind us.”

I frowned. “Daniel?”

Talia nodded. “He wants to be there. He’s been pushing for CPS reform for years. This case is exactly the kind of corruption he’s been fighting against.”

“And he’s your husband,” I said. “That’ll carry weight.”

“Exactly.”

The plan was brutal. Precise. Beautiful. Let Juan think he’s winning. Let him think Sara is weak. Let him think the system is on his side. And then take everything from him in one blow.

When the meeting ended, the lawyers left to prepare filings. Talia stayed behind, arms crossed, watching me.

“You okay?” she asked.

“No.”

She nodded. “Good. Stay angry. But stay focused.”

I rubbed a hand over my jaw. “I should’ve protected them.”

“You are now,” she said. “And tomorrow, we take Gabe back.”

I exhaled slowly. “Sara and Gabe are moving in with me. Maria too, if she wants. I’m not letting them out of my sight again.”

Talia’s expression softened. “They’re your family, Sal. You’re doing what Riccis do. By the way how did Zia and Zio take the news?”

"The news?"

"Gabe. Another grandkid."

“I haven't told them yet. I just found out about him myself. I'll tell them when I'm ready. I love my family but they are loud and in your face. I don't want to overwhelm Sara or Gabe. I looked at the file on the table, Gabe’s name printed across the top. "Tomorrow,” I said quietly, “we end this.”

Talia nodded once, sharp and certain. “Tomorrow.”