Chapter 19 - The New Matriarch
A year passed, bringing a season of unprecedented peace to the Chicago underworld. With the rival syndicates crushed and Dante’s rebellion quelled, the Duca family operated with absolute, undisputed authority.
In the grand ballroom of the estate, a celebration was underway. It was Isabella’s seventy-third birthday, and half the city’s elite—politicians, judges, and syndicate bosses alike—had gathered to pay their respects to the aging queen.
Isabella sat in her place of honor at the head of the ballroom, dressed in shimmering emerald silk, looking stronger than she had in years. By her side stood Maya, now fully recovered and attending the city's top university on a full scholarship funded entirely by the Duca estate.
At the entrance of the ballroom, Marco stood watching his mother hold court. Beside him stood Lena, wearing a stunning midnight-blue gown that caught the chandelier light with every movement. A delicate diamond pendant hung around her neck—a gift from Marco to mark the anniversary of the night she saved his family.
An old underboss from the New York family approached Marco, offering a respectful nod before turning his eyes to Lena. "And who is this charming young woman, Mr. Duca? A new addition to the staff?"
The temperature in the room seemed to drop five degrees. Marco’s jaw hardened, his arm sliding possessively around Lena’s waist, pulling her flush against his side.
"This is not staff," Marco said, his voice ringing out with cold, absolute clarity that made the New York boss step back in sudden alarm. "This is Lena Duca. My wife. And the future of this family."
The underboss paled, immediately bowing deeply to Lena. "My deepest apologies, Mrs. Duca. It is an honor."
Lena smiled—a calm, regal, and entirely fearless smile that mirrored Isabella’s own. "The honor is ours, sir. Enjoy the evening."
May you like
As the man hurried away, Marco looked down at her, a look of profound, overwhelming pride in his eyes. "You handle them better than my mother ever did."
"Someone has to keep you out of trouble," Lena teased, leaning her head against his shoulder.
