Page 204 of Lorenzo

Alessio’s expression changes.

He knows that name.

Angelo Greco.

Marcello’s only son.

“We heard about that. Assault, extortion, illegal weapons possession,” Matteo says.

“There were other allegations,” Ricardo adds. “Those were the charges that stuck.”

Tomasso looks at me. “Wait, did you get him put in prison? Is that why Marcello blames you?”

“No.” My answer comes immediately.

Angelo was not some innocent kid swallowed by a system he did not understand.

He was a grown man. Violent. Entitled.

Protected for too long by his father’s power and money.

He hurt people because he believed Marcello could make the consequences disappear.

For years, he was right.

Alessio’s eyes stay on me.

“But Marcello thinks you put him there?”

“No. He knows Angelo put himself there.”

He looks confused. “Then what does he blame you for?”

I take a breath. “For making sure he could no longer get him out.”

Silence follows.

Then…

“What?” Tomasso exclaims.

We all turn to him.

“He blames you because his idiot son got himself put in prison? How the fuck is that your fault?”

“Before Lakeview fell, Marcello had enough money and influence to protect Angelo. He could make charges go away, call in favors, make sure certain problems never reached a courtroom. By the time Angelo was arrested, most of that was gone.”

Tomasso sits back, understanding beginning to replace his disbelief.

“Angelo went to prison because of the choices he made,” I continue. “Marcello knows that. But he believes that if it weren't for me, he would have had enough influence to keep him out or, at the very least, protect him while he was inside.”

“What do you mean?” Edoardo asked quietly. “Protect him while he was inside?”

I look toward the fire.

This is the part I have thought about more than I should since learning Marcello was behind Rachel.

Because this is where the argument inside my head becomes fuzzy.