Page 58 of The Hidden Heir

“Please, the both of you,” Caroline interjects. “Let’s be civil.”

“What happened at what café?” my stepfather asks again.

Alex Caputo chuckles nervously and reaches across to shake Luca’s hand in an eager attempt to steer the conversation away from Mauro’s growing ire. “Mr. Petrucci, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”

“I’ve been busy,” Luca replies and shakes his hand—maybe a little too tightly, judging by the passing wince on Alex’s face. “I hear your business has been thriving lately.”

“I hear yours hasn’t,” my stepfather shoots back with a dry laugh.

He’s itching for a fight, but Luca promised he wouldn’t give him one, not tonight. We agreed to tread carefully and gather more information before we start pointing fingers. The Camorra is a big and not entirely homogeneous organization. He needs to be in good standing with as many of them as possible if he’s going to claim the high seat at the table.

Caroline places a hand on her father’s shoulder. “Papa, I think you’ve had too much to drink.”

“I would agree,” I reply.

“I haven’t seen my grandson at all since he was born. Pardon me if I’m drowning my sorrow in smoky spirits,” Mauro grumbles.

“You’re also touching a very sensitive subject,” Caroline insists. “You promised.”

He curses in Italian and shakes his head, eager to show his flair for the dramatic. I wonder how much of this dismay is real and how much is an act.

“I heard about the hit on your truck,” Mauro says to Luca. “For what it’s worth, I want you to know it wasn’t us. I’m sure I’m at the top of your suspect list.”

“The thought had crossed my mind,” my husband calmly replies.

Caroline takes a deep breath, exchanging nervous glances with Alex and Anne Marie. “Alex was just telling us about the donation he made to support Nicolo’s charity. Their most generous yet, apparently.”

“Five figures,” Alex replies. “I’ve been meaning to do it for a few years, but business has barely started to pick up again.”

Luca gazes at him, curious. “It has? How so?”

“Oh, we received some unexpected funds,” Alex replies vaguely. “Honestly, I didn’t even see it coming, but I’m not one to shy away from an investor. It finally gave me an opportunity to spread my wings.”

“I’m glad to hear that. The Camorra is the strongest when all of its arms are equally powerful and thriving,” Luca says, glancing at Mauro. “And not when they’re fighting one another.”

“Hear, hear,” Caroline says, raising her glass with a hopeful smile. She looks at me. “You should know, Valentina, you are sorely missed in our family.”

“I appreciate that.” I smile back, not allowing my face to show I know it’s a lie.

It’s all about keeping up appearances and not giving anyone an opportunity to further gossip about an already complicated situation. Not everyone knows what happened between me and Stefano Petrucci—or how quickly it fell apart. My stepfather went to great lengths to keep it a secret.

“You look lovely, by the way,” Caroline adds. “The dark brown really suits you, particularly in this form. Well chosen, Valentina.”

“I wasn’t sure about this dress at first,” I reply, looking at Caroline. “I’m glad I wore it, though.”

“Valentina has a beautiful soul,” Alex says. “It’s nice you were able to look past her, um, curves to see it.”

His wife snickers in amusement, and a smile sketches across Caroline’s lips.

“Mr. Caputo, women come in all shapes and sizes,” I reply with my chin up. “Just because I was never to your liking doesn’t mean I’m not someone else’s cup of tea.”

Suddenly, Luca transforms. His politeness dissolves as his fingers dig into my hip, desperate to pull me closer, as he glares coldly at Alex.

“Say it again,” he says.

Alex seems confused. “Say what?”

“What you just said about my wife.”