Chapter 5 - The Velvet Trap
The peace did not last. A week after their first kiss, the reality of Lorenzo’s world shattered the isolation of the estate.
A major shipment of Italian textiles and luxury goods—a legitimate front operation for the Bianco family’s distribution network—was seized at the Port of Chicago by federal agents. Simultaneously, several of Lorenzo’s legitimate real estate holdings along the riverfront were targeted by arsonists.
"It’s a coordinated strike," Marco explained during an emergency meeting in the study. Daisy sat in the corner, holding a cup of tea, her face pale as she listened. "The Maroni family’s elder son, Dominic, has returned from New York. He’s consolidated the remaining factions. He knows we wiped out his enforcers on the South Side, and he’s declaring war."
Lorenzo sat behind his desk, a glass of scotch in his hand, his face unreadable. "He’s targeting the legitimate businesses because he wants to starve our cash flow before he goes after the docks. He thinks I’m vulnerable because I’ve been... distracted."
His eyes shifted to Daisy for a fraction of a second, filled with a fierce, protective warmth that didn't match the coldness of his words.
"We need to move her," Marco said quietly. "The Mitchell shop on Elm Street is an open target. If Dominic Maroni finds out she’s the reason Vance was neutralized, he’ll use her to get to you."
Daisy stood up, setting her tea down with a sharp clatter. "No. I am not running away. My grandfather spent forty years building that shop. If I close the doors now, the neighborhood will know the mob ran me out. I won't let them take the only thing my family has left."
Lorenzo stood, walking over to her. He took her face in his large hands, forcing her to look at him. "Daisy, this isn't a low-level enforcer with a knife. Dominic Maroni is a butcher. He doesn't want your shop; he wants your skin to send a message to me."
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"Then protect me there," Daisy said, her brown eyes flashing with a fierce, stubborn courage that made Lorenzo’s heart skip a beat. "Set up your guards. Put your cameras on Elm Street. Use my shop as the bait if you have to, Lorenzo. But I am not hiding in your guest room like a coward while my city burns."
Lorenzo stared at her, a slow, proud smile breaking through his grim expression. He turned to Marco. "You heard the lady. Fortify Elm Street. Turn Sartoria Mitchell into a bunker. If Maroni wants a war, we’ll give him an execution on the tailor's table."
