Blood and Dynasty
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The grand dining hall was flooded with conversation—strategic whispers behind raised glasses, carefully measured laughter punctuating hushed negotiations.
At the center of it all, Leonardo and I remained the focal point.
Marcello Romano approached first, offering his congratulations with a bow of his head. “A perfect execution, Signora DeMarcus.”
The name hit sharply, but I didn’t react. Not externally.
Leonardo was watching me, waiting. I could feel it.
“Thank you, Marcello,” I said smoothly, accepting the glass of wine offered to me. “Perfection is a necessary standard.”
Marcello chuckled. “Spoken like a woman who understands power.”
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