Chapter 4 - The Engagement Trap
The announcement hit New York the following morning.
LORENZO MORETTI ENGAGED TO UNKNOWN QUEENS WAITRESS.
By lunch, Clara’s photograph was everywhere.
By dinner, Vittorio requested a private family meeting.
Exactly as Clara predicted.
She stood in Lorenzo’s dressing room while Maya adjusted the strap of her white dress.
“You look terrifyingly expensive,” Maya said.
“I feel ridiculous.”
“You look beautiful.”
Clara looked at herself.
Then Lorenzo appeared in the doorway.
He stopped.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Clara turned.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“That wasn’t a nothing face.”
“You look beautiful.”
His voice was quieter than usual.
Clara glanced away.
“Remember this is fake.”
“I remember.”
“Good.”
Neither sounded convinced.
Downstairs, Vittorio raised a glass.
“To Lorenzo and Clara.”
Everyone drank.
Clara noticed one man leave the room.
Vittorio’s attorney.
Matteo followed discreetly.
Ten minutes later, Lorenzo’s phone vibrated.
He read the message.
His eyes hardened.
Clara whispered, “What?”
“The attorney contacted someone.”
“Who?”
“A man tied to the attack.”
Vittorio suddenly stood.
“I’d like a private word with our future bride.”
Lorenzo answered immediately.
“No.”
Clara touched his arm.
“It’s fine.”
His eyes met hers.
“No improvising.”
She smiled faintly.
“You should know me better.”
“I do. That’s why I’m worried.”
Vittorio led Clara into the library.
The door closed.
“You’re making a mistake,” he said.
“Marrying Lorenzo?”
“Believing him.”
“You seem concerned.”
“I’m offering you an exit.”
“How generous.”
“Five million dollars.”
Clara’s expression didn’t change.
Vittorio continued.
“Leave New York tonight. Take your sister.”
“And if I refuse?”
His smile disappeared.
“Then eventually Lorenzo’s enemies will reach you.”
Clara stepped closer.
“You mean you.”
Vittorio’s eyes hardened.
“You’re clever.”
“Waitress.”
“Excuse me?”
“People talk in front of waitresses because they think we’re furniture.”
Vittorio leaned closer.
“You have no idea what you walked into.”
“I walked into a nightclub.”
“No. You walked between Lorenzo and a dynasty.”
He realized too late that he had said too much.
Clara smiled.
“Thank you.”
The library doors opened.
Lorenzo stood there.
Matteo beside him.
Vittorio’s face changed.
Lorenzo entered slowly.
“A dynasty, Uncle?”
Vittorio recovered quickly.
“You misunderstand.”
“No,” Clara said. “I think we finally understand perfectly.”
Matteo held up his phone.
“And your attorney has been very helpful.”
Vittorio looked toward the windows.
Then toward the door.
Lorenzo noticed.
“Don’t.”
For the first time, Vittorio’s polished mask disappeared.
“You think this girl makes you stronger?”
“No,” Lorenzo said.
Clara looked at him.
He continued.
“She reminded me what strength is supposed to protect.”
Vittorio laughed bitterly.
“You’re destroying this family for a waitress.”
Lorenzo’s voice became ice.
“No. You destroyed it when you decided family meant ownership.”
The confrontation ended without bloodshed.
Vittorio was escorted away while Matteo moved to secure financial records and evidence of the conspiracy.
But as the front doors closed, Matteo received another call.
His face drained.
“Lorenzo.”
“What?”
“It’s Maya.”
Clara turned.
May you like
“What about Maya?”
“She’s gone.”
