"Please be seated," Cosimo instructed, and Cassandra promptly took her place beside Caterina and Massimo.

Caterina, Matteo's wife, had been a maternal figure to Cassandra and Fleur since the untimely death of their parents. She bore the responsibility of raising both her own son, Rayan, and the de Ville sisters, a task that had required immense strength and compassion.

"Let's begin, shall we?" Cosimo resumed, settling in beside Antonella and exchanging a brief nod with Matteo.

"The most pressing issues from yesterday include the Russians and the attack last night," Cosimo declared, his tone grave.

"Regarding the attack, we have no definitive source, but I am certain the Russians are behind it. They were aware of our plans; we have been compromised as I revealed yesterday."

"Absolutely," Matteo agreed, scanning the room for any signs of disagreement. "But we're still in the dark about who is responsible and which family may be involved."

"We must act swiftly before this escalates into a full-blown conflict," Massimo interjected, his voice sending a shiver down Cassandra's spine. "War seems inevitable, Father."

"Cassandra, do you have anything to add?" Cosimo's inquiry snapped Cassandra out of her trance-like state.

"Yes, actually... I found something significant among the debris-a piece of the bomb," Cassandra revealed, retrieving a parcel from her bag. She passed it to Rayan, who then handed it to Tomasso, eventually reaching Cosimo.

As Cosimo unwrapped the parcel, a tense silence enveloped the room.

His expression remained unreadable as he examined the piece for several long minutes. It was a reaction Cassandra had anticipated.

"Hmm... I think you might want to see this, Massimo," Cosimo remarked, passing the piece to his son, whose reaction mirrored his father's.

Antonella, unable to contain her shock, reached for the item and gasped.

"How is this possible? It bears our family's insignia," she exclaimed, her gaze fixed on Cosimo.

"We don't know yet, Mother," Massimo interjected, his voice tinged with frustration.

"But I promise you, I will find out. Thank you, Cassandra, for bringing this to our attention."

"I believe we have spies among our families," Cassandra asserted, her words igniting murmurs of agreement throughout the room. "We need to identify and eliminate them to prevent further sabotage. If someone else found this, it could have been war."

"Indeed," Cosimo concurred, concern evident in his tone.

"We must ascertain who is behind this. Tomasso remove any unnecessary individuals. We need to keep only those we trust most," Massimo said to Tomasso.

"Understood, brother," Tomasso affirmed, exchanging a meaningful glance with Natalia.

"Thank you, Cassandra," Cosimo acknowledged, his gaze shifting to her. "Most importantly we must also consider your safety, especially considering your recent altercation with the Romanos. Alberto, in particular, poses a significant threat."

As Cosimo's words sank in, Cassandra felt the weight of the situation pressing down on her. The tables had indeed turned, and the gravity of her predicament was impossible to ignore.

"Almost all the heirs have their eyes on you, Cassandra. I'm sure I don't need to explain you why," Cosimo added, causing Massimo to tense up. Matteo nodded in approval, signaling his agreement.

"We need to be more careful," Cosimo continued, glancing at Cassandra with concern. "Rayan, keep an eye on her."

Cassandra interjected, "I'm fine. I can take care of myself."

Antonella stepped forward, her voice firm. "We trust you, Cassandra, but all mafia are cunning. They might entangle you in their sick games."

"Indeed, we all must exercise caution," Cosimo reiterated, his gaze sweeping over the gathered heirs. "We need to ensure the safety of everyone here. We must unite in this time of uncertainty."

As plans were made to enhance security measures and keep a vigilant watch, both Cassandra and Massimo found themselves in accord.

They shared a silent understanding, a recognition of their shared responsibilities and the need to protect their families at all costs. In that moment, they felt a kinship, a connection that transcended the boundaries of their respective families.

Throughout the meeting, as plans were discussed and strategies proposed, Cassandra and Massimo found themselves in agreement more often than not. Their thoughts and intentions seemed to align seamlessly, indicating a level of understanding and cooperation that transcended their familial allegiances.

As they exchanged nods of approval and subtle glances of acknowledgment, it became increasingly apparent to those observing-the elders included-that there was a unique connection between Cassandra and Massimo. Whether borne out of necessity or genuine mutual respect, their alliance carried a weight that was not lost on those present.

In a brief moment of respite, when the elders were engrossed in their discussions, Cassandra and Massimo found themselves drawn into a whispered conversation, their voices barely audible above the murmurs of the room.

"I agree with your assessment, Cassandra," Massimo admitted quietly, his tone laced with a hint of admiration. "Your insights are astute, and your proposals are sound."

Cassandra nodded in agreement, a flicker of surprise crossing her features.

"Likewise, Massimo," she replied, her voice equally hushed. "Your plans are well-considered, and your intentions are clear. We must ensure the safety of our families, no matter the cost."

Their exchange went unnoticed by most, but the elders observed with keen interest, their eyes lingering on the pair as they conversed specially Antonella's and Caterina's. There was something palpable in the air-a tension, perhaps, or an unspoken understanding-that hinted at a deeper connection between Cassandra and Massimo.

With the meeting concluded, Cassandra bid farewell to the Marcelli family, expressing her gratitude for their hospitality. As she made her way towards the waiting SUV, she was taken aback when Massimo stepped forward.

"Thank you for coming, Cassandra," Massimo said, his tone unexpectedly soft.

"Be safe."

Cassandra couldn't hide her surprise, but she managed a small smile, nodding in acknowledgment. In that fleeting moment, she saw a different side of Massimo, one that stirred something within her-a mixture of curiosity and intrigue.

With a final nod, she entered the vehicle, her thoughts consumed by the unexpected encounter. As they drove away from the Marcelli mansion, Cassandra couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there was more to Massimo than met the eye.

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Hello loves!! 💖

How's the chapter?

Well as promised, the chapter was a bit intense don't you think? 🔥🔥🔥

And I'm thinking of starting something fun, perhaps a question every chapter.

Hmmm let's see...... hmm I'll go with the below question for this update! 🤔👇

Has the plot kept you engaged and eager to continue reading?

Below are the insignia/emblems of each Mafia Family! Which one is your favorite?

Have a great day!