Page 18 of King of Praise

“A coalition. Local families working together, maintaining individual territories and specialties while presenting a unified front. Strong enough to resist outside pressure, flexible enough to preserve independence.”

“With Zeke coordinating.” Her tone carries a hint of skepticism.

“We provide structure, protection, connections. Each family keeps their autonomy within agreed parameters.” I meet her gaze directly. “The Barone name stays strong, but with added security.”

“And if we decline?”

“Then you face Nicolo alone.” I shrug. “Maybe you survive his takeover, maybe you don’t. But you won’t be the power you are now.”

Francesca leans back, considering. I wait patiently, knowing she’ll see the logic of our proposal. The Barones have always valued independence, resisting attempts at consolidation. Nicolo’s expansion would strip that away, leaving them as middle management in his organization.

“I’ll need assurances,” she says. “Guarantees about territory, operations, profit sharing.”

“Of course. We can draft terms that protect everyone’s interests.”

She nods slowly. “I’ll discuss it with our advisors. But...” A slight smile curves her lips. “I think we can find common ground.”

Relief eases some of the tension in my shoulders. With the Barones aligned, the other families will fall in line. We might actually pull this off.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out and glance at the message.

Eli

Lucas’s body found. Sandra making waves at the station. Pushing for full investigation.

The message shatters my moment of satisfaction. Of course Sandra won’t let this go easily. She’ll dig and push and demand answers until she either finds the truth or forces someone else to look closer at Lucas’s murder. Either outcome puts Naomi at risk.

“Problem?” Francesca asks, noting my expression.

“Nothing I can’t handle.” I slide from the booth, offering my hand. “Have your people call Zeke’s office about those terms. The sooner we lock this down, the better for everyone.”

She clasps my hand firmly. “Watch your back, Micah. Change makes people nervous. Nervous people make mistakes.”

The warning follows me out to my truck, joining the swirl of concerns already clouding my thoughts. Sandra’s interference. Nicolo’s ambitions. The families’ shifting loyalties. And through it all, the image of Naomi alone at my cabin, trying to rebuild herself from the shattered pieces Lucas left behind.

For the first time in years, I’m not certain I can maintain the separation between personal and professional spheres. The boundaries blur, each decision carrying implications that ripple between worlds. It makes me dangerous—to myself, to our operations, and most importantly, to the woman I’ve sworn to protect.

Focus.I start the engine.Handle the immediate threats. Build the alliance. Secure Columbus. Then figure out the rest.

But as I pull into traffic, another text arrives from Eli.

Eli

Sandra’s lawyer requesting meeting about Lucas. Says she has evidence of foul play. She’s not wasting any time.

My hands tighten on the steering wheel. Evidence could mean anything—or nothing. Sandra’s desperate for answers, seeing conspiracy where there’s only tragedy. But even false accusations can cause damage, draw attention we can’t afford right now.

I point my truck toward the outskirts of town, toward my secluded cabin where Naomi waits. We need to talk, need to plan for the storm Sandra’s about to unleash. I need to figure outhow to protect her without compromising everything else we’re building.

I press harder on the accelerator, eating up the miles between the city and Hocking Hills. Time is running out. Choices are coming that will reshape everything—our business, our safety, our futures.

I can only hope I’m strong enough to make the right ones.

For all of us.

Chapter 5

Whispers of Worth