CHAPTER 91: THE CHALLENGE

Luciano’s piercing gaze roamed around the room, making sure he had everyone’s attention.

And only when he was sure, did he begin to speak.

"I don’t know what I find more disgusting and laughable. Your self righteousness, or the hypocrisy of it. You–" he pointed to Lorenzo. "You’re questioning me about a woman that, as far as I’m concerned, hasn’t been confirmed as your niece. Yet, you have brought in a rival into our land. Last I checked, that is one of the gravest sins. But I don’t see anyone questioning him. Does the rule of law apply to one and not to another?!" He stared directly at Don Rafael.

"Don’t look at me. I’m as surprised as you are."

"Nonsense!" Luciano said dismissively. "You’re the oldest here. Did you approve of Ross Voltron’s entrance into Italy or not? Knowing fully well that we have to take all kinds of permit to enter into the States?"

Don Rafael took a deep breath. "Luciano, you have to understand that these things are quite compli–"

"Were you fucking aware or not!" He slammed a fist on the table, and their eyes widened in sync.

For the first time, it truly dawned on them how powerless they were.

If any tussle broke out, Luciano had the advantage. After all, they were in his home.

"The-re was a fee pa-id, yes," he stuttered.

Luciano laughed, as his gaze swept through every last one of them in the room.

"There we have it, Signoresignora

. Money can buy anything. So isn’t it a bit hypocritical to come at me?"

"No one is coming at you. I just want to know why my niece is in your home when your father killed her parents!" Lorenzo threw all caution to the wind, and faced him.

Luciano’s eyes narrowed into sharp daggers. "Do you think you’re still a believable narrator? Fine, the girl is your niece huh? Why did you lie that she’s dead? Why did you lie that you saw her little body burning in the fire my father apparently set off? What kind of twisted person would do a thing like that to a child?"

"It could have been another child."

"You’re lying Lorenzo!" Luciano said, though gritted teeth.

"Am I? Or do you not just want to accept the fact that as clear as it is, and has been all through the years, that your father in a fit of blinding rage, destroyed the life of an entire family? Killed in cold-blood, a woman who did nothing to him. That is the kind of man your father was, Luciano," he taunted in a mocking tone.

Luciano’s fist clenched, as the voices in his head from years back returned.

It was men to their employees. "That’s the son of the infami. Don’t sell to him. Don’t even give him water to drink."

It was mothers to their children. "He and his sister had been cursed by the wrongdoings and death of their parents. Don’t ever play with them."

It was kids to other kids. "Don’t go close to Luca. He’s just like his father. If you do too much around him, he’ll shoot you."

He blinked, expelling himself out of the memory that cut deep.

"He’s right, Luce. Your father was a monster. Allen had his faults too. They both were terrible men. But it doesn’t have to be so between us. We can forge a new future. A brighter future. One filled with unity and togetherness. That is why I came to Italy. To propose peace and freedom. You’ll all agree with me we’ve fought for too long over two dead men," Ross Voltron poetically said.

"Easy for you to say," Lady Serafina, quiet all along, spoke up.

She rose to her feet, and moved away from her chair.

"I have listened, and I have watched. Twenty years ago, it wouldn’t have been possible. Ten years ago, it also wouldn’t have been possible. Do you know who fought by our side for women to have a seat at the table without all the glory going back to the man in the closest proximity to her? Luciano De Luca. So I’m sorry, but he’s the only person on this table I believe," she said.

"And that is exactly why women should shut up in the presence of men. You’re all unintelligent donkeys!" Lorenzo declared.

Lady Diana swiftly drew out her gun, and pointed it directly at him.

"Bring out your gun, you sexist bastard. One on one. You and I. Let’s see who the unintelligent donkey is," she challenged him openly on behalf of lady Serafina.

"That’s enough," Don Ferraro, silently observing ever since, said.

"Now it’s enough? But you’ve been quiet all this while," Lady Serafina hissed.

"I wouldn’t have said a word if we were on neutral ground. But we’re in a brother’s house. This is his engagement party, and he was kind enough to invite us to celebrate with him. We won’t be turning it into a blood bath or a ball test measurement."

Everyone returned to their seats immediately. He was an elder, and they had to respect him.

Except for Luciano.

"It is clear we’re not going anywhere with all of these back and forth. Everyone has made their stance clear. I do not want to mend bridges with a man that taunts me with words I cannot prove true because I wasn’t there. Same man who has opened the door to an enemy. I refuse to be a part of that future. Heck I rebuke it."

"And you’re well within your rights to do so. With my bride by my side, there’s nothing else I need from you. I shall go ahead with others, because I would like for peace to be secured in our lifetime."

"Shame then," Luciano chuckled dryly. "Because she’s not going anywhere. Not until I’ve been informed that it’s safe for her to leave Neravalle."

Ross Voltron’s signature smile disappeared, and it was quickly replaced by a darkened gaze. "What did you just say to me?"

"I believe I was very clear, Ross," he retorted. "Valentina is not going anywhere with you. And if you believe otherwise, you’re more than welcome to try to take her away." His eyes held on to Ross’s furious ones, in challenge.

Beneath the tables, Ross balled a fist. "Ensure you’re really confident in what you’re saying. Tread carefully. You’re inviting me, and you know when I take my chances, I never miss."

Luciano borrowed Ross’s signature smile. "You have the coordinates to Aurivilla now, I believe. Come with your finest men if you please. Lorenzo can lend you some too. But it’ll be a cold day in hell before you take Valentina away."

He began walking towards the door, when Ross’ final words stopped him briefly.

"Let it be known clearly that I said it. Let it be on record. The man who has never said a word and not meant it. Let it be known that the next time I come into your city, it will be to take your head, Luce."

"I’ll be waiting." He walked out of the room, his hands tingling with the need to grab a gun.