Massimo was finishing up mafia work when Lucilla Abano stopped by.
"Your advisor, Consigliere Luca, let me in," Lucilla explained, "but if you're busy, I can return later."
Maybe a few months ago, Massimo would've taken the easy escape and sent Lucilla away—but that was back when she had tried to flirt with him and before she had befriended Elena. Besides, her family was now a much closer ally. Massimo didn't want to send her away for something as trivial as him getting caught up in a problem.
"No, you may enter," Massimo said. "Do you have any news on the situation with the Martins?"
"I do," Lucilla said as she took a seat in front of Massimo's desk. "As promised, my family's men have been keeping an eye on the Martin family. They seem to be following everything, exactly as they swore they would."
"You don't seem too pleased about that," Massimo observed.
"I'm mostly indifferent," Lucilla confessed. "Though I would personally advise the Ferraro family to relocate the Martin family to a smaller territory a bit further out from the city. It makes the point that, while you're showing mercy, you're still displeased by their actions and won't be walked over."
Massimo paused for a moment, considering. "That's sensible," Massimo acknowledged. "I'll look into what territories might be appropriate."
"Thank you, Don of All Dons," Lucilla said with a smile.
"I trust Luca has already taken your written report. So if that's all—"
At that moment, Luca walked into the room. Despite having let Lucilla in, he seemed a tad startled to see her. Likewise, perfectly composed Lucilla nearly jumped when she saw him.
"Is everything alright?" Massimo asked. Both adults' eyes rightfully snapped to their Mafia King.
"The Grassos are unable to attend the meeting in person, Don Massimo," Luca said, suddenly straightening his posture. "However, I do have their reports, if you'd like me to summarize them?"
"Why on earth are they unable to attend?" Masismo asked.
Before Luca could respond, Lucilla did. "Don Grasso has the flu, and I believe Jill went to Europe to find some dog clothes. She was hoping to find something that might fit Elena's pet wolf, Ruby."
Massimo should've known Elena's friends would be trying to cheer up. Too bad they didn't know the real reason Elena hadn't been seen in a while—and if Massimo had his way, they would never learn the truth.

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