Chapter 6 - The Weight of the Inheritance
The morning sun filtered through the high stained-glass windows of Joseph’s private study, casting fractured rainbows across the mahogany desk.
Audrey sat opposite him, her fingers tracing the edge of a thick black leather-bound ledger marked with the Salvini crest.
“What is this?” Audrey asked, her eyes narrowing as she looked up at the mafia boss who had upended her life less than forty8 hours ago.
“It is the blueprint of everything I’ve built since the summer of 2004,” Joseph replied calmly, sliding a heavy gold fountain pen across the blotter. “It is yours if you want it.”
Audrey pushed the ledger back across the desk with a sharp, defensive snap.
“I spend my days studying pharmacology and serving overpriced eggs benedict,” Audrey said, her voice rising with disbelief. “I don’t want an empire built on blood and extortion.”
Joseph sighed, leaning back into his leather chair while running a hand over his tired eyes.
“You think I wanted this life for you, Audrey?” Joseph asked softly, his hardened exterior cracking slightly under her glare. “Viktor may be on a boat to Siberia, but the Outfit still controls half the docks on the Chicago River.”
Rose stepped into the study from the adjoining parlor, holding a fresh cup of coffee that she placed gently beside Joseph’s elbow.
“She isn't ready for the Syndicate, Joseph, and you know it,” Rose said, her tone laced with quiet authority.
“She doesn't have a choice anymore,” Marcus announced as he walked uninvited through the double doors, holding an encrypted tablet. “The commission just called an emergency meeting. They want to know who authorized the hit at the rail yards.”
Audrey watched the three adults exchange grim looks, the reality of her new bloodline settling over her like a heavy lead blanket.
“Let them ask,” Audrey said, standing up straight with a flash of defiance that mirrored Joseph’s own. “If my name is Salvini now, I’m going to start acting like it.”
Joseph stared at her in stunned silence, recognizing the exact same stubborn fire he had fallen in love with in Rose two decades ago.
May you like
“If you sit at that table, Audrey, there is no turning back,” Joseph warned, his voice dead serious.
“Good thing I never liked serving tables anyway,” Audrey replied, picking up the gold pen and signing her name across the first page of the ledger.
