I sat on the edge of my bed with the paperwork in my hands. Paperwork both the lawyer and the accountant had sent over to me. It was full of all sorts of mumbo jumbo I couldn't decipher, and I was growing agitated. But the parts I could understand made me sick. Stefano hadn’t only set himself up to be the head of the family’s illegal dealings, but of it’s legitimate practices as well. He was setting himself up to be a dictator, and it made me sick.
Looking through all the paperwork only solidified my intent. I was taking over the family business and making it legitimate. If Romeo could do it for his family, then I could do it for mine. If I could accomplish that, not only could I provide for my son, I could unite my family and we’d have a billion-dollar empire to pass on to Matteo. Something he could be proud of and run on his own one day if he wanted.
“Is that wise?”
I jumped at the sound of Enrico’s voice.
“I didn’t hear you come in,” I said.
“Part of the job description,” he said as he closed my door.
“Is Matteo up yet?”
“Nope. Still sleeping. And Stefano’s out.”
“Good,” I said. “Matteo and I will be leaving when he gets back.”
“Out on the town again?” he asked.
“Mhm.”
“I take it you won’t want a bodyguard with you?”
“It won’t be necessary.”
“With what you’re planning, you might want to rethink it.”
I panned my gaze up to Enrico and saw concern in his eyes.
“What you’re doing could put both yourself and Matteo at risk,” he said.
“Thank you for your concern, but I know what I’m doing,” I said.
“No, you don’t. The brood of vipers you’re slowly sneaking into are poised to attack. They’re always on their guard, Julia. I’ve seen your uncle and several of his goons do torturous things to many people for far less than what you’re attempting to execute.”
“And since you apparently know so much about my private dealings, Enrico, what is it that you think I’m trying to execute?” I asked.
He took another step toward me and towered over my form on the bed.
“A coup,” he said darkly.
“I’m only looking to take the seat that is rightfully mine,” I said.
“It isn’t yours, and you know that.”
“Why? Because I’m a woman?” I asked.
“Because your father never wanted you in that position.”
“That wasn’t the impression I got from my lawyer,” I said.
“It doesn’t matter what impression you got. Your father dragged you away from here to get you away from all this.”
“No, Enrico. My father dragged me away from here because I was fucking the oldest son of the Martine family. Because I was a disgrace to him. Not because he didn’t want me sitting in his seat,” I said.
“Are you fucking him now?” he asked.
My eyes hardened on Enrico as I stood to my feet.