Rise to Power and Love

IT WAS THEIR WEEKLY Botticelli dinner, and Shiloh couldn't help but feel warm at the scene around him. Lucian was speaking in hushed tones with Anthony, who sat across the table, about the establishment of the new Casino. Niccolò and Alberto were fighting over the last piece of steak, playing rock, paper, or scissors, and of course, Niccolò had to argue that paper always beats rock. Isabella was speaking to Sofia about some new fabric that she had got the other day, and Catherina was busy serving the wine.

This was his new family.

As much as he hated to admit it, he felt closer to them now, as if suddenly knowing all about the family business had made him more inclusive.

They didn't dance around him like before, choosing their words carefully and avoiding direct questions. Now, they embraced him openly; anything he wanted to know they answered without hesitation.