Chapter 2

Listening to him, I got angry, though I couldn't say why.

I let out a cold snort.

"Who I marry has nothing to do with you."

Arthur didn't get angry. Instead, he smiled smugly, as if he'd heard the funniest joke in the world.

He glanced at Carlos, then leaned in close, crossed his arms, and raised an eyebrow.

"If it's not me, then go ahead and make up an actual name.

"I'd love to know what clueless idiot you sweet-talked into marrying a liar like you."

Arthur was so sure of himself.

Even Carlos began to doubt me.

He didn't believe me either.

His eyes filled with disappointment.

"Angela, when are you going to grow up and be sensible like Daisy?

"Yesterday, people from the Rinaldi family came by asking about a match for Daisy.

"How much longer do I have to worry about you?"

I gritted my teeth and didn't say a word.

I went alone to the shooting range in the backyard to blow off steam.

I grabbed a handful of bullets and loaded them into the magazine one by one, each round clicking sharply into place.

Arthur followed me again.

He tilted his head as he studied me, his voice a little softer.

"Is all this because you're worried about getting married? Is it really worth getting so worked up?

"Even if nobody marries you, you've still got me..."

Bang.

I pulled the trigger. Bull's-eye.

I've still got him? So what?

"Isn't it enough to have me looking out for you?"

Arthur murmured the last part.

I curled my lip. "I don't need you looking out for me. All I want is to put the Marchetti family back on top."

Was that tyrant really going to marry me or not?

What a pain.

His looks, status, and power were all miles above Arthur's.

So I asked Arthur, "Have you ever thought about what kind of woman you want to marry?"

Arthur was taken aback, then gave it some serious thought.

He counted on his fingers. "Three rules.

"She can't lie to me, stir up trouble, or be softhearted to a fault."

That made me even more annoyed.

I shouldered past him and walked out.

Every one of those rules was aimed at me.

And the Don's standards had to be even higher than Arthur's.

How could I ever measure up?

Was I really going to end up with nobody?

Arthur was still yelling after me. "Angie, you're the one who asked. What, am I supposed to lie like you do?

"Don't run off. Buy me a drink, and maybe I'll lower my standards a little."

...

The moment I stepped outside, I saw a jet-black Rolls-Royce Phantom parked out front.

An older man in a crisp suit and white gloves got out.

He approached me respectfully, carrying an elegant silver briefcase.

"Ms. Marchetti, since returning to headquarters, the Don has been tied up handling matters involving the major families. He hasn't had a moment to himself.

"Although he couldn't come in person, he asked me to bring you white truffles flown in from Italy and a bottle of your favorite vintage.

"Your wounded men are recovering well. There's no need to worry.

"The Don has told the five families that he intends to marry you, and their leaders will reach an agreement soon. He also said your father, Lorenzo Marchetti, was an extraordinary man and that you're a worthy heir.

"Once matters in Europe settle down, he'll set a date to formally ask your family for your hand."

Victor's old butler was all business. He said what he'd come to say and left.

White truffles flown in from Italy. I'd hardly ever tasted them.

"What's in the case? I can smell the wine from here. Open it."

Arthur's voice suddenly came from behind me.

Without thinking, I hid the briefcase behind my back.

"Angela, when did you start hiding things from me?"

I shook my head.

"He sent this to me. I don't want to show you. If you want a drink, get something from the wine cellar."

Arthur's expression shifted.

He scoffed dismissively.

"He?

"Angela, you really won't give up, will you?

"Which delivery service did you hire to bring you these props?

"You won't even let me see a bottle of wine. When your brother forces you into some arranged marriage, don't come crying to me and asking me to elope with you!"