"It's a deal, then," I said as I shook Vittore's hand, noting that it was broad and warm, with the faint calluses earned from years of carrying a weapon.

Vittore, with a light pull of his hand, pulled me into his embrace. It was not a tender one, but one filled with a raw, commanding possession.

I collided against his firm chest, where I could distinctly feel his taut muscles through the suit.

Vittore pressed his lips to mine, the kiss rough and full of possessiveness. He lightly bit my lips until I tasted a metallic hint of blood. He used his tongue to force his way into my mouth, filling it with the taste of brandy mingled with his signature scent of cigars and authority.

It didn't feel like a romantic gesture but a marking of territory, using his mouth and my blood to stake his claim.

I braced my hands on his chest, feeling the solid muscle under his shirt. I also couldn't help but feel the clear sensation of his startlingly hard and warm manhood against my lower abdomen. I could feel the sheer size and hardness even with two layers of clothing between us, causing my legs to go weak at once.

Vittore clearly noticed me tensing up. But instead of pulling away, he pulled me closer to him. He pressed his erection against my lower abdomen, grinding slightly as he intensified the kiss.

I couldn't think straight at that moment. I merely thought that in my past life, Luca had never given me this kind of oppressive feeling that bordered on terror.

Vittore's lust, much like himself, was profound, immense, and undeniable. He kissed me for so long that I almost ran out of air and felt a burning sensation in my chest, all while my body responded honestly to the growing wetness between my legs.

I was struggling to catch my breath when Vitorre finally let go of me, my lips swollen and red from the kiss.

Vittore wiped the blood from my lip with his thumb, moving with an unexpected tenderness. "You can consider that a down payment for what's to come. You should head downstairs and show Lia who the true winner really is."

I smoothed out my dress and fixed my hair. I turned around once I got to the door.

Vittore stood before the fireplace, lifting his glass and making a toasting gesture toward me. "You're going to be my wife soon, so there's something you ought to know."

"What is it?"

Vittore replied nonchalantly, "I have copies of Luca's tape collection—every single one of them."

I instantly felt my blood run cold. "W-Why?"

Vittore took a sip of his brandy before replying, "I need leverage over him; after all, every beast requires a collar—and those tapes are his."

He then turned to look at me with a penetrating look, adding, "They serve as your weapons as well now, Elvira."

I walked out of the study on shaky legs—not because I was afraid, but because I was exhilarated.

I noticed that the downstairs hall had been transformed into a banquet venue, and that Lia had changed into a red backless gown, walking arm-in-arm with Luca while basking in the crowd's well-wishes.

Upon spotting me, Lia's eyes gleamed—a look of pure, triumphant pride. She pulled Luca along, asking, "Where have you been, Elvira? Luca and I have been looking for you! Have a look at the engagement ring Luca got me!"

She held out her left hand, showing off the huge diamond ring that was practically blinding. She smiled triumphantly and said, "It's ten carats, and Luca even promised to get me an even pricier one for the wedding, Elvira."

Luca stood beside her, staring intently at me. "I'm sorry about earlier, but I'm truly in love with Lia. I hope you can come to accept that, Elvira."

I merely smiled and said, "I'm open to accepting that, of course. I also have some good news to announce."

In that instant, the crowd fell silent and pricked up their ears to listen intently.

Lia's smile stiffened slightly. "What good news?"

"You see, Don Corleone and I…" I deliberately raised my voice, making sure everyone around could hear me. I took a deliberate pause to savor the way Lia's expression gradually stiffened and continued, "...have just gotten engaged, and we'll be getting married in one month."

At that moment, everything went utterly silent before a collective gasp rippled through the room.

Lia's face paled to a sickly hue as she asked, "W-What do you mean by that?"

I replied deliberately, "I said I'm marrying Vittore Corleone, which means that Luca, your fiance, will have to address me as Madre."