Marchetti

3

That night, after the guests left, Matteo called Valeria downstairs.

"Darling, I don't want you anywhere near Giovanni Marchetti," he said firmly.

"Dad, it was a misunder—"

"I don't care. He's dangerous."

Valeria frowned, concern flickering across her face. "Why are you so scared of him? Are you in debt?"

Matteo sighed, rubbing his temples. His usually strict demeanor softened, making him look older. "Your brother is. But it's not money he owes them." He sank into the sofa, his shoulders slumped with exhaustion. "I can't tell you everything. Vince is in trouble. He's leaving for Australia this week."

"You told him to run?" Valeria's voice was low, almost a whisper.

"I told him not to..." Matteo muttered, staring at the floor, his words faltering. "I told him..."

Pieces of the puzzle started coming together in Valeria's mind. Giovanni's words earlier about betrayal. Her father's unease. Vince's recklessness. She felt a chill. Giovanni wasn't a man to make idle threats.

Rushing upstairs, Valeria sat at her desk and began researching the Marchetti family. It didn't take long to uncover whispers and rumors. Giovanni's father hadn't died from a heart attack; that was a cover. His murder had shaken the underworld. And Vince? He was somehow connected.

She clenched her fists, her stomach twisting. Vince wasn't a clean businessman. He loved shortcuts, loved easy money. But he never took responsibility for the fallout. Now, the fallout was on her family.

"Вал, ты спишь?" [Val, are you sleeping?]

Anastasia's voice pulled her from her thoughts as she strolled into the room. She glanced at the book Valeria was gripping tightly.

"Ну уж нет, ты не будешь читать эту фигню ночью," [No way, you're not reading this nonsense all night,] Anastasia said, flopping onto Valeria's bed.

"Отстань, я всё равно не могу уснуть." [Leave me alone. I can't sleep anyway.]

"What's going on in that little head of yours, babes?" Anastasia teased, rolling onto her side.

Valeria closed the book with a frustrated sigh. "Remember those guys at the party? Well, my brother owes them. And he might die. Also, that idiot Giovanni was standing so close to me that Dad thought we were kissing. Now I'm in trouble too."

"Wait, wait—he almost kissed you?" Anastasia's eyes sparkled with amusement.

"Is that seriously the part you're focusing on?" Valeria rolled her eyes.

"Don't get me wrong, but how old are you? If you don't choose someone soon, Dad's going to marry you off. Like mine. You should give Giovanni a shot."

"Oh my God, Stasya, you don't even know what you're saying! It's impossible. He'll kill my brother, and I'll rip his head off. I'm not marrying a man without a head."

"Wait, why would he kill Vince? How much does your brother owe him?"

"A life."

The words came out cold and hollow. Valeria's veins felt like ice as she said them. She knew Vince would be safe if he left, but what about her? Her sisters? Matteo?

"Stasya," Valeria muttered, staring at her trembling hands, "I don't know exactly what Giovanni is, but he's dangerous. Even your Dad wouldn't be able stand up to him."

"Please, my father's an old cow with a big company. He doesn't count anymore."

"This is messed up," Valeria whispered. "I need to do something."

Meanwhile, at the Marchetti mansion—a sprawling estate that rivaled the White House in grandeur—Giovanni and Dario returned, greeted by their mother, Laura, pacing in the hallway.

"Mamma, why aren't you asleep?" Giovanni asked, pouring himself a drink in the kitchen.

"You shouldn't drink so late, caro. It gives you bad dreams," she chided.

"Go to bed, Ma. We need to discuss something," Giovanni said gently. "Leo and Lorenzo are on their way." Leonardo and Lorenzo were Salvatore's late brother's sons.

Minutes later, the twins arrived. Leonardo entered first, with Lorenzo following, laughing as he spread his arms for a hug.

"Boss!" Lorenzo exclaimed loudly, nearly tackling Giovanni.

"Boss, for fuck's sake," Giovanni muttered, shaking his head but hugging him back.

"Auntie Laura, how are you?" Lorenzo grinned, pulling Laura into a hug.

"My boys are back. How can I not be happy?" Laura smiled, kissing both their cheeks. "You should visit more often. I've missed you two around." She glanced at Giovanni sternly. "And don't yell too much. Nicole and I are going to bed. Buonanotte."

After Laura left, Andrea Lombardi strolled in casually, a smirk on his face.

"Mr. Boss, did I hear right?"

"Andrea, did you get old without me?" Giovanni asked, his tone amused.

"No, I waited for you, my darling," Andrea quipped, pulling Giovanni into a hug.

Unbeknownst to Giovanni, Andrea slapped something onto his back during the embrace.

"Did you seriously tape 'Пидор' on my back again?" Giovanni growled, pulling the paper off.

Andrea burst into laughter. "What? This joke has been choking you since fifth grade!"

Giovanni shook his head, a rare grin tugging at his lips. "You're still an idiot."

"An idiot who makes you laugh," Andrea shot back smugly.

As the laughter faded, Giovanni's face hardened. "Enough. We're making our move soon. Lorenzo, Leonardo, be ready. This won't be clean."

Dario, leaning against the wall, grinned darkly. "Let the games begin."