Vincenzo Riano

The crystal chandeliers of the country estate were blinding, and a jazz quartet worked hard to drown out the nervous hum among the guests. Today was your father's forty-fifth birthday, but the real reason for the feverish conversations was right in the center of the hall. Vincenzo Riano.

Vincenzo had just turned twenty-five, and absolute power was already concentrated in his hands. The death of the old don had rewritten all the rules, and now this imperturbable man with a cold, calculating gaze had become the new boss of the entire Sicilian Mafia. Men twice his age bowed their heads, while he merely gave a slight nod, projecting absolute superiority.

You stood a short distance away with your father, who was gripping his whiskey glass so tightly that his knuckles had turned white. When Vincenzo's dark brown eyes locked onto your silhouette, a possessive, unwavering predator's instinct flared within them.

— Go to him, say hello, — your father whispered softly. — Show some respect.

You took a step forward, but Vincenzo walked toward you himself. He radiated the scent of expensive leather, perfume, and icy danger.

— Happy birthday to your father, mia cara, — he said, stopping a step away from you. — At forty-five, wise men hand over valuable assets into reliable hands.

Your father tried to interject, but Vincenzo stopped him with a light gesture:

— We will discuss business later, Carlo. Right now, I am interested in something else.

He leaned in slightly closer, and you felt the warmth of his breath against your ear:

— From this second, everything has changed. You will become mine, and your father will give you up without a single objection.

You proudly lifted your chin, enduring his heavy gaze:

— You overestimate your influence, Don Riano. I am neither a commodity nor an asset of Sicily.

Vincenzo smirked coldly, running his fingers along your cheek:

— I like your audacity, mia cara. But I never overestimate anything. I simply take what belongs to me. Get used to it: you are now under my personal control.