He stood like he always had—quiet authority, gaze sharp enough to cut through anything it landed on.
“So you came back,” he said coldly. “After everything you chose to destroy your life for.”
I didn’t react. Not a blink, not a tear. I had already spent all of that inside Vincenzo’s world.
“I want the arrangement you once mentioned,” I said evenly.
He studied me for a moment. “That deal is no longer available. The man you’re talking about is married now—to someone who doesn’t bring shame into my house.”
He started to turn away, like the conversation was over.
But I didn’t move. I just kept looking at him.
He paused.
“However,” he added after a beat, “his younger brother is still unmarried. Your sister was originally meant for him, but she chose her own ambitions instead. If you want it… the position is still open.”
I didn’t ask questions. I didn’t bargain. I just nodded once.
If this was the only path left, then I would take it. Survive first. Everything else later.