Page 30 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

But I won't let Marco take what's ours. Even if I have to fight alone.

My vigilance has become routine.

Monday the construction firm. Tuesday the shipping company, Wednesday the warehouses, Thursday the restaurants.

Each visit brings the same story, Marco's people lurking where they don't belong.

At our flagship restaurant, it's one of Marco’s men who now "consults" on our wine imports.

He claims to help streamline operations, but I've caught him reviewing our supplier contracts, making notes on margins.

The shipping company has one of Marco's captains stopping by weekly to assess and assist in security.

And of course, Roman makes appearances at all locations.

I document everything in a notebook I keep locked in my bedroom. Names, dates, conversations overheard.

My evidence builds day by day, a case file against Marco.

I can't help wondering if the other Dons are in on it too.

Dominic Vitale and Leo Ferraza have been part of La Corona alongside my dad and Marco for years.

Are they conspirators or just blind to what's happening?

The stakes are enormous. La Corona collectively controls everything from construction to shipping, casinos to real estate across three states.

If Marco manages to absorb Dad's territory, the power balance shifts dramatically.

He'd become the dominant force.

But I won’t let that happen. When Marco makes his move, I'll be ready.

I leave the construction company and head to a small bistro for lunch and a much needed espresso-laden coffee.

Maybe the peppermint mocha, since it’s Christmas.

Just because I’m on a one-woman crusade to save my family business doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the holidays.

I’m sipping the hot brew and checking my notes when a shadow falls across my table.

Looking up, I meet the gaze of a tall man in a dark suit with a snow white shirt that screams federal agent.

"Ms. Monti? I'm Special Agent Victor Blackwood, FBI." He shows his badge before sliding it in his coat pocket. "May I join you?"

My pulse quickens as I scan the restaurant.

Two businessmen near the window, a mother wiping her child’s face, waitstaff moving efficiently.

No obvious backup for him, no one watching us.

"That depends on what you want, Agent Blackwood." I keep my voice neutral while calculating my options.

Speaking with the FBI is dangerous, potentially fatal in my world.

What does he want with me?

He sits without waiting for further permission. "I believe we share a common concern. Marco Calabresi."