Chapter 5
I smiled slightly–Massimo’s audacity was as predictable as ever.]]
Out of basic courtesy, I started to step forward and greet him properly, but someone’s hand damped down on my arm like a steel trap:]
“Arianna, you’re actually going to marry him?“]
I shot Fabiano a look that could have frozen hell over.
“What else am I supposed to do? Run away with you?“]
“Let go of me. Your precious wife is about two seconds from having a breakdown.“]
While we were struggling, Massimo had already strolled over. Despite being a complete psychopath, he managed to show Papal the proper respect, bowing like a gentleman
Then he turned to Fabiano with that shark–like grin
“Hey there, brother in law. Fancy seeing you here.“]
Noticing the angry red marks where Fabiano had been gripping my arm, Massimo casually reached over and crushed Fabiano’s fingers until I heard bones pop, then released him with mock courtesy
“Perfect timing, actually. You simply must take this wedding invitation.”
“Monday’s the big day–I’d be heartbroken if my new family missed the show!”
Each sarcastic “brother–in–law” hit Fabiano like a slap. He stared at the invitation in Massimo’s outstretched hand like it was a death sentence, the red lettering burning into his vision.[]
He never took it. I was done watching their territorial display and slipped my arm through Massimo’s, following Papa into the
conference room.
The wedding planning was refreshingly straightforward.]
Papa, the butler, and Massimo handled the heavy lifting while I mostly sat back and made the occasional executive decision.[]
“Massimo.”
Something caught my attention and I spoke up suddenly
“That mine you just seized in Africa–I want it added to the dowry.”
Pure test.
Massimo had been hunting that mine for two years and personally led the takeover. It had to be worth a fortune.]]
Papa looked genuinely startled. He clearly hadn’t expected me to make such a bold demand. Technically, I was pushing boundaries–our marriage was strictly business, and the dowry was already generous. Grabbing for major assets before we’d
even said “I do” could torpedo the whole deal.
Massimo just threw his head back and laughed, eyes dancing with genuine delight:[]
“Baby, did you even bother reading the dowry list?”
“It’s already on there.“[]
Andrea immediately flipped to the right page and slid it across to
Son of a bitch–it really was there![]
- me.
Massimo grinned and pulled two crumpled, blood–spattered documents from his jacket.
“Land transfer papers.”
“The old tribal leader was stubborn as hell, had some messy dealings with those American mercenaries. Took some creative negotiating to get his signature. When you send your people to take over, I’ll make sure there’s a more… cooperative leadership in place.”
“Sorry about the mess–negotiations got a little heated.“]
I stared at him, genuinely speechless. I hadn’t expected him to hand it over that easily.]
“Papa. I’m going to give Massimo the grand tour.‘
Papa nodded knowingly–he could tell I wanted privacy.
I settled by the koi pond, lighting up a cigarette and blowing a perfect smoke ring into the humid air. Through the haze, I watched Massimo casually tossing fish food into the water, trying to decode whatever game he was playing.
“I went through that dowry list again. Forget the mine–just the other items alone prove this isn’t a smart business move for you.”
“Let’s cut the bullshit. What’s your real angle here?”
“Still want that Sicilian port? I could let you buy in. Sixty–forty split–you take forty, I keep the lion’s share.‘
Massimo kept that infuriating smile, leaning against a marble pillar like he owned the place
“Arianna, what if I told you..”
“I actually love you?“]
