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Chapter 14

Author: J.M. Sale
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

[RUBY]

The mansion hummed with the buzz of celebration, the air thick with anticipation and a hint of danger. I half-expected some grueling initiation ritual, something out of a college fraternity nightmare—paddles, pain, the works. But then again, being the niece of the Consigliere has its perks.

"Ruby, you grew up in the U.S., right?" Marco Salvatore, the Boss, asked, his voice as smooth as aged whiskey.

"Yes," I replied, my tone steady, rehearsed. "I studied literature there. After my parents passed, Uncle James took care of me."

We had gone over this countless times. Every detail, every word, drilled into my brain. My new self had to be flawless.

"Literature, huh? I love literature," B chimed in from beside me. I gave him a polite smile, but it didn’t last long. V and Luna's laughter cut through the air like a knife.

"Since when did you ever pick up a book, B?" V sneered, his eyes dancing with mischief. Luna just shook her head, her gaze locking with mine for a moment that felt li
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    [RUBY]“Have a seat,” Marco Salvatore gestured to the couch with a calm authority that sent a shiver down my spine. His office felt suffocatingly small, as though the walls themselves were pressing in on me. My hands had gone cold, clammy, and despite my best efforts, they trembled in my lap. His gaze, unreadable and unwavering, seemed to pierce right through me as he clasped his hands together in front of him.“Ruby… or should I say, Abbie.” His voice was like a blade, sharp and precise, slicing through the silence. My heart lurched, hammering violently against my ribs, and I felt the blood drain from my face. How did he know? What else did he know?“I’ve known about you long before James brought you to me,” Marco continued, his words deliberate, each one sinking in like a stone. “And I know about your father—once a member of the Camorra.”I swallowed hard and stole a glance at James. He offered me a reassuring smile, one that told me to keep calm and listen. But it was impossible to

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