"Even if Don Gio were dead," Silvio said softly, "sleeping with and impregnating your father's widow is the ultimate blood taboo. By the laws of our founding families, that child is an abomination. And you, Nico... have broken the oldest sacred blood law of this house."
The Grand Council Chamber fell completely silent as the accusation landed.
Inquisitor Silvio remained standing, his thin, age-spotted finger pointing squarely at the curve beneath Mara's coat.
Beside him, Don Greco's face was unreadable, while Don Marino stared in stunned silence. Donna Sylvia's sharp eyes darted between Nico and Mara, gauging every micro-expression.
Behind them, bound in steel flex-cuffs, Bruno Ferrante let out a raspy, triumphant breath. For the first time since he had been dragged into the room in chains, a wild, vicious smile broke across his face.
