My Stepbrother's Dirty Little Secret novel Chapter 712

Chapter 712

Nikolai drew a slow breath before looking around the table, “We’ve heard both sides. One side showed paperwork. Custody orders. Medical records. Bloodline. Succession. Everything this life has always been built on.”

His eyes shifted toward us.

“The other side brought accusations. Ugly accusations, maybe even true but ‘maybe’ doesn’t mean a fucking thing in this room. I don’t strip a man of his rights because another man tells me to. I strip them when somebody puts proof on the table that we can’t ignore. And right now,” he looked directly at Vincenzo, “…that proof isn’t here.”

His gaze swept across the Council one last time.

“So this Council recognizes Giovanni Toricelli as the lawful head of his bloodline and the lawful guardian of his daughter. The Capones will hand Miss Toricelli back to the Toricellis. No games, no delays, no clever bullshit. You’ll surrender her without interference.”

His eyes lingered on Vincenzo.

“That’s the ruling. And any bastard who thinks about breaking it, better be ready to answer to every family sitting at this table.”

Nikolai’s voice stayed flat.

“This ruling carries the weight of every boss sitting at this table. Any family stupid enough to spit on it, spits on all of us. And when you declare war on the Council,” a cold smile touched his mouth, “Don’t come crying when the Council declares war on you.”

He leaned back in his chair.

“We’ll choke off your money. You lose your deals. You lose every ally you’ve got. No backing. No seat at this table. And from that moment on, if somebody decides to kick your door in, burn your businesses to the ground, or put a bullet in the back of your skull, don’t expect this Council to lift a fucking finger. You’ll be on your own.”

One by one, the other bosses gave slow nods. Everyone in this room understood exactly what Nikolai had just said.

Isolation.

Complete isolation.

My eyes moved to Vincenzo. He just sat there. His shoulders were still square. His chin remained high. His face gave nothing away. To anyone else. He still looked like Don Vincenzo Capone.

But I had known him my entire life.

He had lost.

Vincenzo had always won.

Always.

When he promised someone would come home. They came home.

I heard someone speaking. I didn’t know who. The words became meaningless noise..My entire world had narrowed to one person.

If she walked out of this estate with Giovanni.

I didn’t know if I’d ever get her back.

Gianna

“Whatever’s happening inside your head,” Maddie said softly, “We’ll figure it out together. We’ll get your answers.”

I swallowed, “It’s not that easy…”

Claire nodded beside her, “They’re in there fighting for you, Gianna. Every single one of them,” She reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “So if there’s something you’re scared to say or something you haven’t told us… tell us now. We’ll deal with it together. We always do.”

I looked from Claire to Maddie.

My throat tightened, “I…” I looked down at our joined hands before slowly lifting my eyes again. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m not walking away from Raphael or Jules.” My voice shook a little, “Or any of you.”

Claire’s shoulders relaxed ever so slightly.