"The next morning, Salvatore summoned Alessandro to his office. Alessandro arrived, his face guarded, his eyes wary. He knew something was up. His father didn't usually request his presence unless it was for something unpleasant.'Alessandro,' Salvatore said, his voice cool and formal. 'Have a seat.'Alessandro sat down, his back straight, his gaze unwavering. He waited for his father to speak, his muscles tense, ready for anything.'I've heard about your little friend,' Salvatore said, his eyes locking with Alessandro's. 'Clara, is it?'Alessandro's jaw tightened. He should have known his father would find out. Nothing escaped Salvatore's notice.'What about her?' Alessandro asked, his voice carefully neutral.'I'm just curious,' Salvatore said, his lips twisting into a cruel smile. 'What do you see in her? She's not exactly your type, is she? A simple librarian. Not exactly Mafia material.'Alessandro's fists clenched. He knew his father was trying to provoke him, to get a rise out of him. But he refused to take the bait.'Clara is my business,' Alessandro said, his voice low and dangerous. 'And I would appreciate it if you would stay out of it.''Everything you do is my business, Alessandro,' Salvatore retorted, his voice hardening. 'You are a Moretti. Your actions reflect on this family. And I won't allow you to jeopardize our reputation with some foolish infatuation.''Clara is not a threat to this family,' Alessandro said, his voice rising slightly. 'She has nothing to do with our business.''Everyone is a threat, Alessandro,' Salvatore said, his eyes blazing with anger. 'Especially those we care about. They make us weak, vulnerable. And in this world, weakness is a death sentence.'He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. 'So tell me, Alessandro. How far are you willing to go to protect her? Are you willing to sacrifice everything for this girl? Are you willing to betray your family?'"
