Chapter 3 - The Toast
The music swelled, a beautiful string quartet hiding the deadly tension in the room.
Alessandro picked up a different glass of champagne from a passing waiter.
He walked slowly toward the center of the ballroom, his presence parting the crowd like the Red Sea.
Vivian’s eyes lit up as she saw him approach.
She looked beautiful, wearing a diamond necklace that Alessandro had bought her just last week.
"Darling," she purred, reaching out to touch his arm.
"I was wondering where you went."
Luca stepped up beside her, clapping a heavy hand on Alessandro’s shoulder.
"To the happy couple," Luca announced loudly, raising his glass for the crowd to see.
"May your union bring peace and prosperity to our families."
Alessandro smiled, but the scar on his eyebrow twitched—a sign Enzo knew meant pure violence.
"Peace," Alessandro echoed, swirling his drink.
"It is a fragile thing, isn't it, Luca?"
Luca’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second.
"Only if you let it break, brother."
"I prefer to crush the things that are broken," Alessandro said softly.
May you like
He threw his champagne directly into Luca’s face.
Before Luca could wipe the stinging alcohol from his eyes, Alessandro’s fist connected with his jaw, shattering the bone with a sickening crunch.
