PM Fri 18 Apr
Chapter 11
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According to Maddie’s latest intelligence, after Ethan received his captain papers,
he immediately left on another mission with his crew.
He hadn’t been seen at the compound for days.
Don Moretti, however, kept asking about when I’d be returning.
The day of my loyalty ceremony to the Vasquez family, I dressed in an elegant
black dress that Antonio had selected personally.
When I entered the ceremonial hall, I realized we’d arrived at one of Miami’s most
exclusive hotels, with marble columns and crystal chandeliers.
Still nervous, I was escorted by Antonio through the gathered Vasquez soldiers.
As soon as we entered the inner chamber, I spotted a familiar silhouette that made my blood run cold.
My feet froze mid–step.
Ethan wore a perfectly tailored black suit with the Moretti crest, casually standing by the fountain speaking with Don Vasquez. His tall, imposing figure created a striking silhouette among the southern soldiers.
Just one month away had hardened him considerably, making him look exactly like the ruthless captain I’d always feared he’d become.
My emotions were a complete mess. After avoiding him for so long, this sudden encounter caught me off guard.
Seeing my confusion, Antonio whispered an explanation:
“Emma, this is a negotiation meeting between our families. We didn’t know you had history with the Morettis when we scheduled it.”
Don Vasquez added quietly:
“Emma, since you didn’t want to reveal your defection yet, we kept your ceremony private for tonight after they leave. It’s like a double opportunity for both sides.” Ethan seemed to sense something, and as he casually turned his head, our eyes met across the room.
My heart stopped beating.
Even though I’d mentally prepared myself to face him eventually, now that the
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Fri 18 Apr
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moment had arrived, I felt a wave of terror.
Ethan reacted first.
Just as he was about to approach us, Sofia suddenly appeared and linked her arm
with his.
Together, they walked over, Sofia smiling as she greeted me:
“Emma! You’re here in Miami! I’m so glad I finally get to meet the famous adopted daughter properly.
“I always saw you with Ethan at Moretti gatherings, but since I was from a rival family, I never had the chance to introduce myself. Such a shame.”
She was being so polite that I couldn’t ignore her.
I forced a smile and just nodded, muttering a brief “Yeah.”
Ethan looked thunderous.
He coldly said, “What’s there to meet? She’s just a temperamental traitor. I thought she was hiding out with the Vasquez family for good.”
I didn’t respond, unsure what to say without revealing my true purpose there. Sofia’s silver designer dress sparkled with tiny crystals, making her glow. She
looked perfect next to Ethan with his Moretti signet ring gleaming.
I glanced down at myself–while my black dress was elegant, I felt the weight of the hidden Vasquez medallion around my neck, marking me as their newest
member.
Antonio suddenly squeezed my arm and whispered in my ear:
“Don’t worry. Once they leave, you’ll officially become one of us. You’ll never have
to answer to him again.”
I nodded gratefully, then glanced nervously at Ethan.
Ethan kept staring at me, his expression murderous.
Sofia’s eyes darted between Ethan and me, assessing the obvious tension.
The atmosphere suddenly turned dangerously silent.
Thankfully, more Moretti soldiers arrived, and Sofia immediately pulled Ethan away to greet them.
She was clearly playing the role of peacekeeper.
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I quickly seized the opportunity to slip away with Antonio to a private room.
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