He's her enemy. Her obsession. And the only man who has the power to destroy her.
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My name is Frank Monroe, and I am the most dangerous woman in Chicago. Not because I kill, but because I make it legal. I'm the lawyer the Irish mob calls when...
"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."
- Charles Baudelaire
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Don Sergio Lombardi. The same man who had stormed into my home not so long ago, threatening my family, was now sitting in front of me, apologizing. Actually apologizing.
"I shouldn't have done what I did," Don Sergio said as he sat across from me in his office. "But I'm sure you can understand my motives. Francesca and her brothers are my grandchildren, and I was only protecting them."
I nodded, though his excuse felt like a weak justification for the mess he'd caused. Still, for Frankie's sake, I was willing to let it go. "It's in the past now, Don Sergio," I said coolly. "I forgave you long ago-for Frankie. Otherwise, those empty threats of yours would've been handled... differently."
I saw the subtle twitch of his jaw, the flicker of anger in his sharp eyes. But he pushed it down, flashing me a cold, thin smile. "I admire a strong man unafraid to stand up to his Don. It reassures me that I can trust my granddaughter's safety with you."
I let out a low, dark chuckle, leaning forward to meet his gaze. "Let me be clear, Don Sergio. Just because I call you 'Don' doesn't mean you're my Don," I said, my voice dropping. "You're not my Don. And soon, there won't be anything left for you or Salvatore to lord over. The Council is finished."
His eyes narrowed, the tension in the room shifting like a storm cloud rolling in. The look he gave me was the kind that would freeze lesser men in their tracks. But not me. I'd already made up my mind. The moment I took over my uncle's mantle as boss of the Pierce crime family, I went straight to the Council and laid it all out. Now, there was only one thing left to do-set it all in motion.
"What the hell are you talking about?" he snapped, his voice tight with controlled fury.
I stood, walking over to his liquor cabinet in the corner, pouring myself a drink like I owned the place. Taking my time, I turned back to him and returned to my seat, glass in hand. I took a slow, deliberate sip, meeting his glare.
"I've already spoken to Sawyer and the other bosses," I said evenly. "We've agreed-the Council's days are over. Every family is going to run their own business, without interference."
Don Sergio raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. I couldn't tell if he was shocked, furious, or just calculating his next move. The man had a poker face that would put most seasoned gamblers to shame.
"You don't have to say anything now," I continued, placing the glass on his desk as I stood. "Sawyer and I will handle things at the meeting with the other members. You'll hear from us soon enough."
And with that, I turned and walked out, leaving him to stew in his own silence.
I met Frankie outside in the driveway, where Sawyer was already behind the wheel, waiting.
