Chapter 7 - The Unseen Threat
Elena held her breath, her fingers gripping the edge of her linen napkin under the table. She could feel the raw tension radiating between the two men—a power struggle that had clearly been brewing long before she arrived.
Vance slowly set his silver utensils down. He stood up from his chair. Though Dominic was broad and loud, Vance possessed an imposing, lethal presence that instantly quieted the room.
“This 'nobody from Queens' saved Mother’s life while your people were drinking champagne under a failing roof,” Vance said, his voice dangerously soft. “She saved our shipping division three million dollars in disaster liabilities this afternoon. What has Arthur done for this family lately, Dominic? Besides funneling maintenance money into his private casino accounts in Atlantic City?”
Dominic’s jaw tightened. His eyes darted to Margaret, who was watching him with cold, unwavering judgment.
“You are making a mistake, Vance,” Dominic spat, taking a step back. “You think you can run this empire alone? You trust outsiders over your own blood? The family elders won't stand for this.”
“The family elders know who signs their dividend checks,” Vance replied calmly. “Leave my house, Uncle. Before I order Marco to audit your division next.”
Dominic glared at Vance, then turned his dark, vengeful eyes onto Elena. The malice in his look was unmistakable. He didn't say another word; he turned on his heel and walked out, his bodyguards following closely behind.
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Margaret sighed softly, placing her hand over her heart. “Dominic has always been greedy. He thinks strength is measured by how loud you scream.”
“He is dangerous, Mother,” Vance said, stepping toward the table. He turned his attention back to Elena. “And now he knows who exposed Arthur.”
Elena met his gaze. “I just read the numbers, Mr. Romano. I didn't mean to get involved in your family’s disputes.”
“It’s too late for that,” Vance said quietly. “You work for me now. In the eyes of my enemies, that makes you a target. Starting tonight, Marco will assign two discreet security officers to follow you whenever you leave your apartment or the office.”
Elena frowned. “I don't need bodyguards.”
“You do,” Vance said firmly. “Not because you are weak, Elena, but because you are useful to me. And anything that is useful to me is something my uncle will try to break.”
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He walked over to her side of the table, offering his hand to help her up.
“Come,” Vance said. “I’ll drive you back to the hospital to see your mother myself.”
