Chapter 6
Sophia did not forgive me immediately.
That surprised me until she explained why.
“You keep acting like you just discovered Gregory.”
I stared.
“What does that mean?”
“I warned you.”
She had.
Not dramatically.
Small comments.
Gregory talks about succession too much.
Gregory keeps asking which capos would stay if you retired.
Bianca keeps asking whether I’ll work after the baby.
I answered each concern separately.
Ambition.
Curiosity.
Wedding nerves.
I never connected them.
Why?
Because Gregory was useful.
Competent men receive interpretations less competent men never get.
I gave him the benefit of context.
Sophia experienced the pattern.
I saw isolated moments.
“I should have listened.”
She nodded.
No instant reassurance.
Good.
Then:
“You always think danger will look dangerous.”
That line stayed with me.
She was right.
I watched doors.
Weapons.
May you like
Rival families.
I missed seating charts.
