He probably invited her to dinner to humiliate her. To make her a spectacle of ridicule and scorn. No way she is going to let that happen.

She finally made a decision. She is going to eat. She is going to risk it. No risk, no stories.

She took a bite of the hazelnut cream-filled brioche and drank a glass of raspberry juice to swallow the medication. She felt disgusted as the medication went down. She had always hated using medications; it has only been an option when she is so sick she faces death head-on.

She curled back into the bed and tried to sleep. Should she test the door and see if she can make a run for it? Of course, it's a bad idea. Not with this bad ankle.

What if they pounce on her while she sleeps too? That is the risk she wants to take. She will have some strength when she is ready to face him.

———

Kade Valenti sat down, enjoying the great view from his penthouse. He was chewing on some pickles in a jar, relaxing into the soothing armchair. 

Just then, the door opened, and a middle-aged woman popped her head in. She was Sonia, the head housekeeper of the Valenti home. She has been here thirty years and worked actively with Kade's father. She is into the Kade businesses, and she was as good as a mafia by now. 

"Good morning, sir; breakfast is ready. Would you like to join us at the dining table?"

Kade waved away. His wristwatch clanging, the little hand chain adorning his wrists. 

"It's your favourite, sir, brioches and cappuccino."

"No, not yet, Sonia; how is our guest?"

"She is absolutely fine. We served her breastfast, but..."

"But what?" Kade said, looking over his shoulder. 

"She is not eating."

"That is understandable given the circumstances. I would not eat too if I were in her shoes. Don't worry, she will come around. They always do."

"Okay sir. Should I make you a cup of coffee?"

"No coffee for me. You can get me more pickles, though. How is her ankle?"

"Bad. But Dr. Mills administered a pill that should make it all better. She should be better and ready for dinner."

"That is great."

"Boss, can I ask you a question? I know this is none of my concern and way beyond my range, but I really need to ask."

"If you are going to ask for a raise, I have told you, all I have to add to your wage is pickles and nuts."

Sonia laughed. "Of course, you already made yourself clear. I wanted to ask about our...you know, guest."

"Okay. What about her?"

"Why are you doing this for her?"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know, but with what she did to you, I don't think she deserves a room and a warm bed. She attacked the family; she should by now face the music."

Kade chucked and rubbed his chin. "Sit down, Sonia. Have a seat." 

"No, I would rather not. There are too many chores still left unattended to; I only wanted to know why you are doing this."

"Okay Sonia. How long have you known me?"

"All your life, sir. Why do you ask?"

"And do you trust me?"

"With all my heart. I am indebted to the Valenti family. You are all I have."

"Has that trust ever failed you?"

"No, not once."

"Then I want you to trust me on this one too. I know what I am doing with this woman, and everything will be okay. There are many more ways to deal with a person than violence. You are used to seeing power, offing our foes and rivals; I want to go with a different approach."

"Alright, Boss. I totally trust your judgement."

"Okay, is Drost here yet?"

"Yes sir. I saw him pull into the compound a while ago; he is here with your mother."

"Oh, that's good; I really want to see my mother. She has been calling me for a long time."

"Okay, sir, I should go now."

As Sonia exited the room, Kade picked up another pickle and crushed it. 

The view from the penthouse this morning was so peaceful and calm. The golden rays of sunlight hit the glass at the best possible angle, giving it an ethereal glow.

Autumn was eating good, and the red patches of leaves dotted the landscape. 

It was so good that if he wasn't the mafia boss, he would go take a break. He will go to Orange County; he will visit Miranda. 

This is what they have worked hard for. 

The good life.

It is all it's worth.

What Dad fought for. 

And why he gave the empire to him.

Alessandro was angry yesterday when he discovered that the girl, Mira Delaney, hadn't been killed. He went into a meltdown and accused him of being a weak link.

"You must not let them see a little link, or else they will crack. What the fuck is wrong with you, fratellino?"

"If Dad had given me the empire, I would have done what must be done by now."

Shame, Dad didn't do that. He passed it down to him because he knows violence is not always the answer to every problem.

This one is such a problem. 

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At that moment, the door of the penthouse opened, and the baroness and the man called Drost came in.

"Kade, darling."

"Mother."

She wore an elegant blue dress and a muffler. She had probably dropped her coat downstairs. 

"Sonia, get me some coffee." 

"Good morning, Boss," Drost said. 

"Morning, how are you doing?"

Isabella slumped into the chair next to Kade. Her face suddenly went dark. 

"Kade, What is this I hear about a woman crashing my party?"

"I see that you have talked to Alessandro."

"Yes. And I am furious. What guts would she have to try to harm you at that, at my fucking party?"

"I know."

"Who the fuck is it? Rossi? Mancini? Or the Johnsons? Who dares to ruin my party?"

"I heard it was the Calafioris." Drost said. 

Kade glared at the Drost, who flinched away. He looked at his mother, who was shocked at that info. 

"Calafiori!" 

"Mother."

"How dare he? Who the fuck does he think he is to have the guts to attack my son? I want his whole organization crushed and disseminated; let us show the entire mafia world that no one fucks with the Valentis."

"Mother, please be calm. It wasn't Calafiori."

Isabella looked at Drost again; this was all confusing her. 

"So if it wasn't Calafiori, who did it?"

"Calm down, ma, and I will tell you everything."