Some Lines Cannot Be Crossed Chapter 04

Some Lines Cannot Be Crossed Chapter 04

The elevator descended. Mateo kept a steady hold on my arm.

“Ms. Castillo, the hospital first. Please.”

The conclave first.” I stared at my reflection in the metal walls-an old woman with disheveled hair, a wrinkled

robe, and a faint bruise blooming on her cheek. The family comes first.”

“But…”

The wedding.” I cut him off, meeting his eyes in the reflection. “Young Lorenzo’s wedding. It’s set for Friday?”

Mateo shifted uneasily. “…He was planning on it, but with the search for you… it hasn’t exactly been a priority. I

don’t think young Lorenzo’s been told yet.”

“Good.” A cold smile crossed my lips. “Don’t tell him.”

The elevator doors slid open onto the underground garage. A small fleet of black SUVS waited there, men in dark

suits standing at rigid attention.

“I’ll deliver the news myself.” I walked toward them.

The bronze doors loomed closer, and the car rolled to a stop. Mateo jumped out instantly and opened my door.

“We’re here, Ma’am.”

I took his outstretched hand. Castillo Tower rose before us, a massive monument of steel and glass, the temporary

seat of power for this assembly. A line of men and women stood in the plaza, bowing deeply in unison.

“Ms. Castillo.”

Don Leo stepped forward from the crowd. He was past sixty, authority draping over him like a perfectly tailored

jacket. But an uncharacteristic tenderness softened his eyes. “Elara. The conclave is tomorrow. Tonight, you must rest

“Don.” I said, holding his gaze, “tonight, I want to call a family meeting.”

Leo studied my face carefully. Then, he gave a slow nod. “As you wish.”

In the family’s private council chamber, Leo took his seat at the head. I sat at his side

Ten years.” I began. ‘I left. Now I’m back.”

“In one week. I will preside over the council. A new Don will be chosen.”

“But first…” I paused, sweeping my gaze across the room “An announcement must be made This Friday afternoon.

young Lorenzo is to be married.”

A soft rustle stirred the room. A wedding was family business, not council business.

“I require every member of the council to attend. I continued. “Every, capo. Every soldier. You will all be there’

“I want the whole world to see what happens to a woman who thinks she can lie, steal, and imprison her way into

this family.”

I wanted her to understand exactly who she had crossed.