Chapter 7
The bright, cinematic colors of the bridal suite suddenly felt oppressive, like the walls of a brightly lit prison. Bianca stared at the engagement ring resting on the floor beside the severed hair, the absolute finality of Alessandro's decision sinking into her bones.
"You are insane," Bianca breathed, scrambling to push herself up from the ruined vanity chair. Her heavy wedding gown snagged on a piece of shattered crystal, tearing the expensive silk. "You are throwing away the southern distribution routes! My family controls the ports, Alessandro! You need us!"
"I need nothing. From a family that produces poison," Alessandro stated, his voice a steady, terrifying rumble.
He turned his back on her, dismissing her entire existence with a single, fluid motion. He walked across the ruined marble floor, his polished shoes stepping carefully to avoid the debris, and approached the doorway where Rosalie and Livia stood.
"Rosalie," Alessandro said, his tone shifting instantly from lethal cold to a deep, respectful calm. "Take my daughter to my private study. Lock the doors. Have the chef bring her whatever she wants to eat."
"Yes, Mr. Rizzano," Rosalie nodded quickly, her fair face pale but resolute. "I will keep her safe."
"Daddy, are you coming?" Livia asked, her blue eyes looking up at him, still wet with tears.
"Very soon, little bird," Alessandro promised, reaching out to gently cup her rosy cheek with his tattooed hand. "I just have to take out the trash."
He watched as Rosalie hurried the three-year-old down the adjoining corridor. Once they were safely out of sight, Alessandro turned his attention to the heavy oak doors.
"Marcus! Vincenzo!" Alessandro commanded, his voice raising just enough to carry outside the room.
Two massive, white American bodyguards in tailored dark suits immediately stepped into the bridal suite. They took one look at the shattered makeup table, the overturned stool, and the terrified woman in the wedding gown, but their expressions remained entirely professional.
"Yes, Boss," Marcus said, his hand resting casually near his holstered weapon.
"Miss Moretti is leaving," Alessandro instructed slowly, his eyes locking onto his men. "Escort her to the front gates. She leaves with exactly what she brought. Not a single piece of jewelry provided by my family goes with her."
"Alessandro, you cannot do this to me!" Bianca shrieked, her aristocratic composure completely shattering into hysterical panic. "My guests are downstairs! Half the syndicate is in the ballroom waiting for the ceremony!"
"Then they can wait. For my announcement," Alessandro said, stepping closer to her. "If you open your mouth before you reach the gates, I will have my men silence you permanently."
Bianca looked into his cold, intimidating eyes and realized he was not bluffing. The fear paralyzed her vocal cords.
"Take her," Alessandro ordered.
May you like
The two bodyguards stepped forward, grabbing Bianca firmly by the arms. They hauled her out of the ruined bridal suite, her luxurious wedding gown dragging across the marble floor as she was unceremoniously removed from the Rizzano estate.
Alessandro stood alone in the bright room. He looked down at the floor, picking up the heavy diamond ring and slipping it into his pocket. He then carefully picked up the severed clump of his daughter's hair, a dark, dangerous fire igniting in his eyes.
