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“Double their fee,” I say, the decision made without truly thinking it through. “If they complain, take their shipment and leave one of their men breathing through a tube.”

The room fills with murmurs of approval. This is the Marco they expect—cold, decisive. Not the man who spent last night pacing the halls of his own home, fighting the urge to return to a woman he legally owns. Well—not exactly legally, since Chiara’s name is on the certificate. But Aria is the one I’ve marked. The one who belongs to me.

I force myself to focus on the meeting, but my mind betrays me again.

I left our marriage bed because I recognized the danger. One night with Aria wouldn’t be enough. And I refuse to be at the mercy of anyone, even my wife.

Especially my wife.

Nicolo picks on me again. “You planning on joining us today, boss? Or are you still otherwise… occupied?”

A few of the men chuckle under their breath.

I lift my gaze, fixing Nicolo with a cold stare that wipes the smirk off his face. “Get to the point.”

He shrugs, unbothered. “Your marriage. It’s not exactly quiet news. Word’s spreading through our circles fast, and people are curious.”

“My marriage isn’t up for discussion at this table,” I say, my voice a soft warning.

“The thing is, boss…” Luca’s gravelly voice cuts through the room. My head of security rarely speaks in these meetings unless there’s a legitimate threat. “It’s about D’Angelo.”

“What about him?” I keep my voice neutral, though my fingers tighten around my pen.

Luca glances at the others before continuing. “Word is, he’s not happy about your marriage. He knows you’ve taken Chiara Rossi as your wife and believes it means you’re challenging his power. She owed him a debt, and the word is spreading.”

My jaw clenches. Of course. The world thinks I’ve married Chiara, not Aria. The twins were careful with their deception.

And now D’Angelo thinks Aria is Chiara. He thinks the woman in my bed is his to toy with. Rage simmers low and lethal in my chest. D’Angelo was always a problem. But now, it’s not just about power or reputation. It’s about Aria. Instant, protective rage channels into my voice.

“Why would anyone care about that? She is my wife, and we’ve paid off her debt to him.”

“Because it wasn’t your debt to pay,” Luca says bluntly. “He was planning to exploit her on the rising interest, and now he thinks you’ve interfered and will do so with others who owe him. He wants retribution for what you cost him. You see, people who owe him can’t usually afford to pay him back so soon, and the interest adds up. He wanted her in his debt for decades, as he has others. This matter has gotten personal.”

The room feels suddenly airless.

Luca continues. “He’s been asking questions. Digging. It’s only a matter of time before he makes a move.”

I lean back in my chair, trying to keep the cold rage building in my chest from showing on my face. D’Angelo is old school. He’s territorial and vindictive. He’ll come for my wife anyway, even if he learns she’s not Chiara, if only to send me a message for all I took from him. I shut down his operations in my territory, and I’m protecting my people who borrowed from him.

“Let him dig,” I say, my voice arctic. “And make sure he finds exactly what we want him to find.”

Nicolo raises an eyebrow. “And what’s that?”

“That Chiara Rossi is under my protection.” I tap my fingers against the polished wood. “And if a single hair is harmed on her head, I’ll bring war.”

At this point, if war is what it takes, so be it. I’m going to protect what’s mine. D’Angelo is a predator who takes what he wants, consequences be damned. But I’m the only lion in this jungle.

“Double the security at the estate,” I order. “And I want eyes on D’Angelo. Every move, every call, every breath.”

Luca nods, already making notes on his tablet. “Consider it done.”

“Should we arrange a meeting?” Nicolo suggests. “Cut this off before it begins?”

I consider it for a moment, then shake my head. “Not yet. Let’s see what move he makes first.”

The discussion turns to logistics, but my mind is elsewhere. I picture Aria in my home, probably exploring every corner like the curious creature she is. Does she think she’s safe now that she’s held up her part of the bargain?

She has no idea that she’s not only traded places with her sister, but she’s also put herself in danger with D’Angelo. For a brief moment, I feel sheer rage towards that good-for-nothing sister of hers.