Chapter 3

Lorenzo held the victory dinner in the glass ballroom at the Vieri estate.

He invited representatives from the Commission, the Port Newark unions, and several state officials who owed favors to the family. He wanted everyone to believe that Vieri no longer depended on Moretti support.

A large record of the family's victories covered one wall.

It listed the twelve docks, three shipping routes, and five casinos I had taken during the last seven years. The heading named Don Lorenzo Vieri as the leader of every operation and Sophia Vieri as the woman who had helped him complete them.

Sophia stood at the front of the room and handed checks to the families of dead soldiers.

Those men had followed me into warehouses, ports, and gunfights. The host thanked Lorenzo for his leadership and Sophia for her care. My name was never mentioned.

The Midwest route I had almost died to secure had even been renamed the Saint Sophia Corridor.

Sophia looked at me as the guests applauded.

"Isabella spends most of her time in the field, so she has never been comfortable dealing with the families," she said. "Lorenzo asked me to help because he wants her life to be easier after the wedding."

Lorenzo placed an observer's pin from the family council on Sophia's dress.

"Sophia will represent Vieri in the family fund and the Midwest operation. Her service to this family deserves respect."

Victor stood behind me with one hand close to his gun.

I lifted my glass to Sophia.

"Congratulations."

Her smile grew warmer.

"I am only holding the position for you. Everything will return to you after you marry Lorenzo."

"Then hold it carefully," I said. "A high position can kill someone who does not understand it."

Her smile tightened.

Before the dinner ended, Lorenzo brought out our marriage settlement.

The original agreement had promised that my command and property would remain separate. Several new pages had been added. After the wedding, I would have to surrender all independent authority. I would also need Lorenzo's written approval before contacting any Moretti soldiers who had followed me to Vieri.

He pushed a pen toward me.

"You have been away too long. You have forgotten what a wife owes her husband. Sign it, stay in New York, and let me protect you."

"Will you protect me as well as you did in Chicago?"

His expression darkened.

"Stop using one bad night against me. You are getting the wedding, my name, and your place as my wife. You do not need to fight Sophia over every piece of family business."

The room went quiet.

Everyone expected me to refuse.

I picked up the pen and signed.

The caution disappeared from Lorenzo's eyes. He put an arm around my waist and smiled at the room.

"Isabella always understands what is best for her."

He believed I had accepted the stolen credit, Sophia's new authority, and a marriage that would place my power under his control.

He thought my love had become a chain around my neck.

He did not see the thin addendum I had placed between the last two pages before I signed.

It stated that any unauthorized transfer of Moretti property before the ceremony would cancel the settlement and send every disputed asset to the Commission for review.

When we left the ballroom, Victor spoke quietly beside me.

"Are you really coming back in a wedding dress?"

"I am."

I looked toward the private chapel at the far end of the estate.

"Lorenzo has waited a long time to see me walk down that aisle. I would hate to disappoint him."

I would wear the dress.

I would marry someone else.