He Chose the Mafia Princess, So I Chose Her Father Chapter 08
I began seeing Tessa everywhere.
At the estate with Felix’s hand in hers.
At the hospital getting coffee for her mother.
Once, through the window of Corrado’s study, laughing at something the Don had said.
I had forgotten that laugh.
No.
I had assumed it would always be available when I wanted it.
My father noticed the Carbone guards had stopped
inviting me into private meetings.
“Fix whatever you did,” he ordered. “Without Corrado’s endorsement, the capos will choose your cousin.”
I promised I would.
That was what I did best.
Promise now. Repair later.
Arianna moved the formal engagement dinner forward by a week.
“Dad needs to remember which woman belongs in this family,” she said.
She showed me a video on her phone.
Tessa stood outside the ballroom on the night of our announcement. She drank the champagne Arianna gave her. Minutes later, two men in security jackets guided her toward the elevators.
The recording cut.
The next image showed Tessa entering the private floor where Corrado kept his suite.
My stomach turned.
“Why was she going upstairs?”
“Because she wanted to find someone richer than
you.” Arianna’s voice was sweet. “She failed. Dad rescued some drunk girl that night, but she has been using it to get close to him ever since.”
“Tessa doesn’t drink enough to lose control.”
“You still think you know her?”
I watched the video again.
Tessa stumbled before the men touched her.
One of them looked directly at the camera.
I knew him.
He worked occasional security for Arianna’s personal events.
“Where did you get this?”
“The hotel archive.”
“Does your father know?”
“He will tomorrow. In front of everyone.”
She planned to expose Tessa at the engagement dinner.
I should have stopped her.
I should have called Tessa.
Instead, I thought about my father’s warning and the chair waiting for me at the head of the Bellini table.
If Arianna humiliated Tessa, Corrado might remove her from the estate.
Things could return to normal.
Tessa would lose Carbone protection. She would need
help with her mother. Eventually, she would answer
my messages.
“Don’t hurt her,” I said.
Arianna smiled.
“I’m only going to show everyone who she really is.”
I knew that was not the same thing.
I still said nothing.
Before leaving, I sent one more message to Tessa.
Come to me before tomorrow. I can still protect you.
She blocked my number.
I stared at the empty message thread and told myself she would regret it.
Tomorrow, Tessa would lose Corrado.
Then she would remember who had loved her first.