Chapter 5

A month after I left New York, no one in the Vescari family knew where I was.

Whenever other families asked about me, Mother claimed I was taking some time away after graduation. She would never admit that the Don's own daughter had walked out on her family.

Father was even less concerned.

"Let her go. Once she realizes what the Vescari name has been protecting her from, she'll come back."

Marco agreed. Adrian was certain I'd eventually return and apologize.

None of them had tried to find me. They were too busy preparing for Fiorella's debut.

The Vescari Foundation Winter Gala was held at a luxury hotel in Manhattan. Beneath crystal chandeliers, the family's business partners mingled with capos and representatives of allied families. Security checked every invitation at the entrance.

Fiorella stood at the center of it all, wearing a silver gown and the diamond tiara that had finally returned from Milan.

Her crown had been repaired.

Mine remained broken in my suitcase in London.

Father stepped onto the stage and invited Fiorella to join him.

"Family is the foundation of everything we have built," he announced. "Tonight, I am proud to introduce my daughter, Fiorella Vescari, as the new Director of Strategic Partnerships at Vescari Holdings."

Applause filled the ballroom.

Fiorella smiled shyly as Father rested a hand on her shoulder.

"She has a gift for bringing people together. I know she'll make our family proud."

Mother wiped at her eyes. Marco applauded louder than anyone, and Adrian stood beside the stage, smiling at Fiorella as though her promotion were his own achievement.

Afterward, guests lined up to congratulate her.

"You must be excited about your first major project," one businessman said.

"I'm a little nervous," Fiorella admitted. "But Papa and Marco have promised to guide me."

"That's what family is for," Father replied.

A woman standing beside Mother glanced around the room.

"Isn't there another Vescari daughter? Lavinia?"

Mother's smile tightened.

"Yes, but Lavinia isn't here tonight."

"I heard she graduated from MIT. That's impressive."

"She studied some rather obscure subject," Mother said. "We advised her to find a sensible job, but she's always been stubborn."

"Where is she working?"

Mother waved the question away.

"She's taking some time to figure that out. Young people need to learn things the hard way sometimes."

She changed the subject to Fiorella's new office.

By then, Father had moved across the ballroom to greet Lorenzo Bellandi, a senior representative of the powerful European family whose commercial group owned Bellandi Advanced Materials Institute.

The Vescari and Bellandi families had maintained a cautious business relationship for years. Neither side liked owing favors, but their companies had reason to cooperate.

Vescari Holdings was preparing a proposal for a joint development program involving advanced industrial materials. Father considered it a lucrative opportunity and had made it one of Fiorella's first responsibilities.

"Lorenzo," Father said, offering his hand. "I'm glad you could join us."

"Don Vescari. An excellent evening."

Father gestured toward Fiorella.

"My daughter has just taken charge of strategic partnerships. She'll be involved in our proposal to your research division."

Lorenzo shook her hand.

"Congratulations, Miss Vescari."

"Thank you. I'm very excited to work with your family."

"It's an ambitious program," Lorenzo said. "Our technical team will be examining every proposal carefully."

Father smiled.

"Our manufacturing network is extensive. I'm confident we can meet your requirements."

"Your family certainly has a strong reputation."

"Fiorella will make sure the process runs smoothly," Father said. "She has our full support."

Lorenzo nodded, then added, "And I must congratulate you on Lavinia as well," Lorenzo added.

Father's smile stiffened.

"Lavinia?"

"Your elder daughter. She's doing remarkably well at our research institute in London."

Father frowned. "That can't be right. Lavinia hasn't found a proper job yet."

Lorenzo glanced at Fiorella, then back at Father.

"You've just announced your younger daughter's appointment with such pride. Yet you don't even know where your elder daughter works?"

Father's expression darkened.

"My daughter studied some obscure subject. She couldn't possibly have secured a position with the Bellandi Institute."

Lorenzo raised an eyebrow.

"Then perhaps you should ask her yourself."

"There's no need." Father forced a laugh. "You must have mistaken her for someone else. Perhaps they share the same name."

Lorenzo said nothing. He simply took out his phone, opened an official staff photograph, and turned the screen toward Father.

"Take a look for yourself, Don Vescari. Is this your daughter?"