Bishop leans back, a mocking glint in his gaze. “Look at that. The pup’s finally growing teeth.”
Raffael’s gaze cuts to him and the air turns to ice.
I place a hand on his leg, a silent plea for calm. “What do you want from me?”
“Assurance,” Matthew states simply. “We want to know why rumors are circulating that you cut ties with the Cavallo Group.”
Before I can reply, the automatic glass doors slide open, saving me from responding as all eyes turn to Elena who steps outside.
“I’m sorry.” She gives a stiff, nervous bow of apology. “I just wanted to make sure you didn’t need anything else.”
“More coffee would be appreciated,” Matthew says, the picture of casual ease in the midst of a tsunami of tension. “Make them piccolos.”
Bishop gives a lazy, dismissive wave. “And some food if the chef can oblige.”
“The chef is busy,” Raffael growls.
Elena winces and flees back into the salon.
Matthew doesn’t miss a beat, his focus returning to me like a laser. “Where were we?”
“The rumors,” Bishop drawls. “The complications.”
“Right.” Matthew inclines his head. “Ms. Cross, are you familiar with an agreement your father made that placed you as collateral for a substantial debt he accumulated?”
Shame heats my face, the warmth traveling down my neck.
“She’s aware,” Raffael replies, his tone honed like a blade.
“So are the rumors true? Was your first act as CEO to sever ties with the Cavallo Group, in turn breaking the agreement, and making yourself active property of the Cavallo Trust?”
“It’s not fucking true.” Raffael studies Matthew as if he’s a problem he intends to solve violently.
“Do you need a muzzle?” Bishop drawls.
Raffael stills, frighteningly motionless. “Do you need a reminder of whose blood flows through my veins,tubrutto pezzo di merda?”
“Basta.” Matthew glares at them. “Lei può rispondere da sola.”
“Don’t make an enemy out of me.” Raffael leans forward as if preparing to launch across the table. “I might not have your penchant for blood but I’ll make an exception.”
My mouth dries as trepidation courses through me like a current.
Bishop remains relaxed, smug, the seconds ticking by like a countdown to detonation.
“I understand what you’ve heard…” I press my palms against my thighs to steady myself. “But Raffael is right. It’s not true.”
All eyes snap to me, the combined weight of their scrutiny immense.
“You didn’t sever ties with the Cavallo Group?” Langston raises a brow.
No, it wasn’t myfirstactas CEO.Nuance is my only shield.
“I answered your question.” I sit taller, chin high. “Now, is that all you need from me? Because I’m not exactly dressed for company.”
“Ms. Cross, this is serious,” Matthew presses. “If you’re not being truthful?—”
“I’m more than aware of the seriousness given it’s my life that’s been bartered like livestock.”