My Stepbrother's Dirty Little Secret novel Chapter 50

Don Vincenzo’s study.

She turned toward me and gave a small polite smile, “You can go in.”

My fingers curled slightly at my sides.

Through the thick door I could hear the low sound of men’s voices. The maid knocked once and then she opened the door for me.

I stepped inside.

The study smelled faintly of leather and old wood. Books lined the tall shelves on every wall, and a large desk sat near the center of the room.

Don Vincenzo stood behind it.

Adriano leaned against one of the shelves, arms crossed.

Dante sat in a chair near the window, one ankle resting over his knee.

Raphael stood near the desk working on his laptop.

In the far corner of the room, a couch sat near the fireplace. Salvatore was sitting there with my mother beside him. Her hands were folded tightly in her lap. The room fell quiet as the door closed behind me.

Six pairs of eyes turned toward me at the same time.

I suddenly became very aware of the fact that I was standing barefoot in the middle of a room full of Capone men.

“Come here, Gianna,” Vincenzo said calmly, his voice filled the room without needing to rise.

I stepped further inside, my heels still burned slightly with every step, but I ignored it and stopped a few feet from the desk.

He finally leaned back slightly and looked toward Raphael, “I need you to give Raphael all your personal details.”

Raphael’s head tilted slightly.

Vincenzo gestured lightly toward me, “University records. Student identification. Tuition schedule.”

My stomach twisted.

Vincenzo continued speaking like the decision had already been made hours ago and then turned to Raphael, “Set up a proper account in her name,” he said calmly, “Tuition payments, every other expenses, research materials.”

My fingers curled slightly at my sides.

“Make sure the university fees are handled before the next semester deadline,” Vincenzo added, “Make sure the payments are automated. The university shouldn’t have to chase invoices.”

Raphael nodded once, “Of course.”

Vincenzo continued, “And a personal account as well. Give her access to an educational trust,” he continued, “Books, software licenses, conference travel if needed.”

My brain struggled to keep up with the list.

Salvatore frowned, “That’s not the point—”

“It is the point. I’m already paying my tuition.”

Raphael’s gaze hadn’t moved from my face.

My hands tightened again, “I didn’t ask for any of this.”

Dante slowly leaned forward in his chair now.

Adriano’s eyebrows lifted slightly.

Salvatore rubbed his temple like he already had a headache.

“Gianna,” my mother said softly.

I shook my head, “No.”

My eyes returned to Don Vincenzo, “I appreciate the offer,” I said, forcing the words out evenly, “But I’m not taking money for something I can do myself.”

My throat felt tight, but I looked directly into Raphael's eyes as I said the next words.

“I’m not a charity case.”