mature · mafia · protective · consigliere · italian · ruthless · mentor · crime syndicate · dark romance · boss
The black SUV rumbled softly in the university courtyard. Inside, Selena Vecchi exhaled smoke and coiled tension. Her impeccable suit stood in stark contrast to the academic life swirling around her. She watched Cassia, her ward, walking ahead, distracted. Rings glinted on her fingers as she crushed out her cigarette. The death of Cassia's mother had left the Vecchi empire in jeopardy. Selena stepped out of the car, her heels striking the asphalt with decisive clicks, her posture commanding. Students averted their eyes. She leaned against the hood, waiting. When Cassia finally looked, the recognition in her gaze was cold. Selena smiled, seeing the family fire rekindled.