Deal with a Billionaire

Chapter 21

Christopher was quick to take in the room, noting the blood outside the bathroom and the pile of blood-soaked gauze in the tray by Michael as Michael dug through the medical kit. 

Michael straightened to acknowledge Christopher with a nod and turned back to see if Annabelle had opened her eyes again. She was asleep, 

"That's not her blood" was the only explanation he offered in a low voice so as not to wake her as he turned back to her with the steri-strips.  

Christopher cursed under his breath as he moved closer to watch Michael,

"I left her in your care. Are you telling me there was an attack on your daughter in your home?" 

Michael carefully focused on pulling out the torn stitches and replacing them with the strips as slowly as he could while continuously watching her for movement. 

"It will be dealt with. I added her to my will earlier today and as you know that makes her next in line. I am assuming that may have had something to do with it, and if it did examples will be made. She held her own, even injured she incapacitated him, assessed the situation, and acted on her instincts" Michael mused quietly almost to himself. 

Christopher looked to the gun on the nightstand and raised an eyebrow,

"She wants it within reach and I suggested there," Michael added as he finished with the stitches and pulled the blanket over her. 

Christopher moved back to the suitcase moving it by the dresser thinking out loud,

"You're ok to arm her? I thought women were kept away from all of this violence?" 

Michael smiled as he once again looked at her now deep asleep before turning back to Christopher,

"Old times. I was never particularly in a position to even think of it. But she is my successor, and if she chooses to take over, she takes over of her own accordance. I ensured that on my will. She would be Capo if she so chooses and as such there is no keeping her away from violence." 

Christopher was silent for a few minutes processing his words,

"Those are a lot of changes to the way things have been done." 

Michael shrugged in response, "From what I have seen, she has what it takes. More so than any of the men hoping to take over."

"You would be giving her the choice?" 

"I wont force this life on her, as it has been on many before me." 

Michael paused as he noted how peaceful she looked before turning back to Christopher,

"Doesnt mean I wont make damn sure shes ready to take over and the throne is hers and hers alone once shes ready." he said pointedly. 

Christpher didn't miss the double meaning behind his words,

"I have no interest in inheriting the Vitelli name. Unlike her, I'm all to familiar with everything it entails." He muttered in response moving back to take a seat on one of the couches. 

"Can you say the same for your family?" 

Christopher looked away, and the only sign that he had heard Michaels words was the tightening of his jaw. 

Michael nodded, taking his silence as all of the confirmation he needed before moving back from her bed and heading to the door. 

"I've cleared this wing of the guards from earlier and placed only the ones I trust. I'll have someone bring you some sheets and extra blankets. Dont want to risk having her jostled if you're in the bed since she tore a few stitches. She was too tired for Doc tonight but I will have him come by in the morning to take a look. Someone will be by to bring breakfast as well. And I suggest you stay close by for the next couple days since words going to start getting out tonight that I've named her as my successor and added her to my will." Michael explained as he quietly headed out of the room.