Chapter 13
This negotiation meeting was absolute torture for me.
Don Moretti, however, spotted me from across the room and immediately approached, looking genuinely happy to see me.
94%
“Emma, my dear! What are you doing in Miami? Have you been here all this time? “We’ve been so worried. Your room at the compound is still exactly as you left it.” “That’s not necessary, Don Moretti. I’ve found new accommodations, and I can always get what I need here.”
He frowned, concern crossing his face, then turned to Antonio who stood protectively by my side:
“Antonio, I hope you haven’t been hiding my daughter from me. Emma has been part of our family since she was eight years old.
“We’ve already prepared her captain papers–weapons permits, territory assignments, everything–for her return to New York. Special bulletproof vests made to her measurements, and I bought several armored cars too. You’re welcome to visit us anytime, but Emma belongs in the north with us.” Antonio looked uncomfortable but placed a firm hand on my shoulder. “Don Moretti, with all due respect, Emma has made her choice freely.”
Sofia stood nearby, her expression darkening as she realized what was happening. Don Moretti didn’t seem to notice as he continued speaking directly to me:
“Once you’re back in New York, you’ll be Ethan’s right hand. Ethan, you must take good care of Emma and stop whatever dispute caused this situation, understand?” Ethan gave me a dismissive glance:
“Please. Her wings are plenty strong now. She doesn’t need Moretti protection.
She’s chosen her side.”
The atmosphere grew lethally tense, and Sofia suddenly jumped into the
conversation.
“Don Moretti, the Rossi family is also aligning with the Morettis. Don’t worry, I’ll
work closely with Ethan.
“Besides, Emma has clearly chosen the Vasquez family, so it’s not like she could be
1/3
4:45 PM Fri 18 Apr
13
94%
trusted anymore.”
Before she could finish, Ethan and Don Moretti’s faces changed dramatically. “Chosen the Vasquez family?” they asked in unison, staring at me.
Sofia looked startled. “Ethan, you didn’t know? I thought that’s why she was here with Antonio.”
Everyone’s eyes turned to me.
Under the pressure, I lifted my chin defiantly.
Antonio stepped in to confirm.
“Emma has signed a loyalty contract with our family. She’ll be taking her oath
tonight. She’s an excellent addition to our operations.”
Ethan didn’t believe it. He grabbed my arm, his fingers digging painfully into my skin.
“Emma, weren’t you born to be loyal to our family? I watched you swear a blood oath to my father.”
His grip hurt my arm, and I finally snapped.
“Yes, I’m joining the Vasquez family. What’s it to you? I was never a true Moretti
anyway.”
Ethan looked stunned, then laughed in disbelief.
“You’re joking, right? You–the girl who needed me to protect her from rival families for ten years–you’re brave enough to betray us?”
I pulled the hidden Vasquez medallion from beneath my dress, letting it catch the light for all to see.
Ethan stared at the medallion, his expression shifting from disbelief to murderous
rage.
To everyone’s shock, he suddenly grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the main hall.
2/3
4:45 PM Fri 18 Apr
Chapter 14
