Chapter 6 - The Dinner
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The following evening, the atmosphere in the estate was suffocating.
Isadora had been provided with a dress—a sleek, emerald-green silk gown that fit her curves with terrifying precision. It was Gio’s silent command: she was no longer a waitress; she was his guest, and she would look the part.
When she was escorted down to the grand dining room, the heavy oak table was already set. Gio sat at the head, radiating a dark, lethal authority. Silvio sat to his right, while three other high-ranking capos filled the remaining seats.
The only empty chair was to Gio’s immediate left.
"Ah, the mysterious employee," Silvio remarked smoothly as Isadora entered, his silver eyes flashing with a predatory gleam. "Giovanni, you did not tell us you were keeping such beautiful company."
"Isadora is assisting me with a private audit of the coastal properties," Gio lied effortlessly, standing up to pull the chair out for her. The sheer proximity of his body sent a chaotic spark of adrenaline straight to her core.
She sat down, keeping her eyes fixed on her empty plate.
"An audit?" one of the capos, a bulky man named Rocco, scoffed around a mouthful of wine. "We have accountants for that, Boss. Why use a girl who serves drinks?"
"Because she sees things that men like you overlook, Rocco," Gio said softly.
The threat in his tone was subtle but absolute. The table fell silent.
Course after course was served by trembling staff. The conversation revolved around shipping routes, union bribes, and port security. Isadora ate nothing. She watched Silvio.
The older man was charming, offering polite smiles and pouring wine, but his eyes frequently darted toward Isadora. He was calculating her worth, trying to determine exactly what she knew.
"Tell me, my dear," Silvio said suddenly, leaning forward. "Where did you study accounting? To catch the eye of my nephew, you must have an impressive resume."
"I learned on the streets of Naples, signore," Isadora replied, lifting her chin, refusing to be intimidated. "Numbers are the only thing in this world that do not lie."
Silvio’s smile tightened slightly. "Very poetic. But streets can be dangerous places. People who know too much often find themselves... lost in the alleys."
"Enough, Uncle," Gio warned, setting his fork down with a sharp clink. "Isadora is under my direct protection. Any threat to her is a threat to the throne."
The declaration echoed in the cavernous room. Gio had just publicly marked her as untouchable.
May you like
Silvio raised his wine glass in a mock salute. "To protection, then."
But as Isadora watched Silvio bring the glass to his lips, she noticed the faint, almost imperceptible tremor in his hand. The traitor was getting nervous.
