The Mafia's Heir

Chapter 41

I was surprised to see Ren sitting at the breakfast table today. Even more surprised when she showed up to the meeting. Her dreads had been pulled up in a high ponytail and the smile on her face made me want to smack her back to wherever she'd come from. Just her being here was a problem. What was I thinking when I asked her to come here last night?

"You're here early," I noted.

"Ah, my fiancé isn't too keen on me being late to meetings," she said. "How are you? Did you sleep okay?"

"I did." What was she getting at? Did she know that Youngmin and I were having a falling out? Was she planning to do something about it? She couldn't.

"...By the way, where's Youngmin?" Ren stared at me. "He suddenly disappeared after you spoke to him. I thought maybe he had something to do..."

"Oh. He said he wanted to go outside and get some fresh air. He should be in his room. Do you want me to fetch him?"

Like hell I would. I swear Ren was making this harder than it actually was. I had a lot to say today and multiple people representing our mafia partners were coming. If Ren said something that ruined my chances of becoming queen, I would kill her. It didn't matter if she had the Koreans on her side. Her fiancé is nothing without her.

"Who's coming?" Ren asked.

"Representatives of all allies of the Italian mafia. China, France, and Russia." I crossed my arms.

"No Koreans? I feel out of place."

"...No. We've been at war with them for years. There's no way any of them would be invited. You should know this."

I really wanted to punch myself when I said that. She was part Korean. Her fiancé's friend is Korean. I'm sure about that. I literally just insulted her and said I would get Youngmin. Who also happens to be Korean. Why do I always have to have a smart mouth around people I don't even know?

"Sorry." I dropped my arms and found my seat on the left side of Nonno. "I'm just...out of it today. How's your brother? Will I ever meet him?"

"I don't know. He's doing well. Since my fiancé is in a gang, it's him balancing that and keeping the kids occupied." Ren twisted the ring on her finger like she wanted me to know it was there. I grinded my teeth. "Are any American representatives joining us?"

This time I chose my words carefully. I wasn't about to say something that insulted her or her fiancé. Or any other friends they may have.

"No. Unfortunately not. The Americans have not been on our side since as long as I can remember. The Malaysians are working with us and they've got the Americans, plus some, so I'm not worried about future protection from the States."

"Ah, I see."

I was overtly grateful when people began to fill the conference room. Ren stood up immediately to shake hands and introduce herself. Even Julian came with Chris. Once the representatives showed up, I stood and introduced myself before Ren could. It was better I pretended I was fine than shoot daggers at a try hard.

"It's an honor to be in your presence once again, Cynthia." The Chinese representative shook my hand. "How is your father?"

"I wouldn't know, sir," I said truthfully. "He and my mother have been out and about since they've come back. You'd have to catch them at night."

He laughed and went to greet Ren. Ooh, she was going to get it soon. No one steals my thunder.

"Кореец?" the Russian representative asked in a distasteful tone. "I thought you knew better than that, Cynthia."