Gemma’s POV

Bee studied me with those distinctive emerald eyes that Dominic and his nephew Vincenzo had inherited. Yet hers carried a maternal tenderness that immediately dissolved my tension.

"I’m certain you’ve realized by now that my former husband is absolute scum, correct?" Bee began with startling directness.

I shook my head slowly. "Bee, I cannot comprehend how someone as remarkable as you survived being bound to that monster for so many years."

"Different times, different family codes, my dear," she sighed deeply. "My marriage to Marcus wasn’t founded on love—it was a strategic alliance between two powerful mafia families. As the sole daughter of a feared Don who valued tradition above all else, I was essentially traded to cement his partnership with Marcus’s father." Her voice held no trace of self-pity, merely cold acceptance. "My father was fully aware of Marcus’s countless affairs with other men’s wives and daughters. His response? ’That’s simply how made men conduct themselves.’ He made it clear that if I ever attempted to break the marriage contract, I would forfeit everything—my protection, my status within the family, and most crucially, access to my children. So I endured and survived."

"Until he abandoned the family for another woman," I said, finishing her thought.

"Precisely. Fortunately, by that time, my father had developed Alzheimer’s, and the family council appointed me as his legal guardian, granting me authority over his entire criminal enterprise." A flash of fierce pride crossed her elegant features. "When Papa’s mind began failing, I refused to allow Marcus anywhere near the power structure. I seized control of everything. Marcus had already squandered most of his inheritance through reckless gambling and failed territory expansions—Zenith Systems was his final remaining asset. If I hadn’t taken a stand, supported by Gerard and several loyal capos, he would have left me and the children with nothing but debt and enemy contracts on our heads. Instead, I assumed control of Papa’s operations and, with Gerard’s strategic guidance, assembled a trustworthy inner circle to help me manage the family’s interests." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Bee recounted her history like someone observing scenes from another lifetime—detached yet fully present. Looking at her now—vibrant, confident, commanding respect from soldiers across multiple territories—no one would suspect the steel resolve beneath her gracious demeanor.

"I had no idea you wielded such influence," I admitted with genuine admiration.

"Indeed. I oversee Papa’s entire criminal portfolio and hold a seat on Dominic’s legitimate business board. After Papa’s death, we acquired all of Marcus’s remaining shares and expelled him completely from family operations. We paid far above market value, but eliminating his influence was worth every dollar." Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Dominic assists me with the other enterprises as well. I’m preparing for him to inherit everything eventually, with Vincenzo serving as his lieutenant once he comes of age."

"Vincenzo possesses exceptional intelligence and idolizes his uncle," I observed.

"Absolutely. And he has developed profound affection for you too." Her comment warmed my heart unexpectedly. Then she asked, "Do you know the identity of the woman Marcus abandoned his family obligations for?"

"Some young opportunist seeking protection and money, from what I understand," I replied, puzzled by her question.

"No, you don’t know the complete truth." Her smile vanished entirely. "Even my son remains unaware that I know." She lowered her gaze, appearing to wrestle with internal conflict. "I’ve always feared that if Dominic discovered I possessed this knowledge, his guilt would destroy him completely."

"What do you mean?" I asked, growing concerned.

"Gemma, Dominic was barely of age when his father deserted our household. Their relationship was already poisonous. Nothing Dominic accomplished ever satisfied Marcus’s expectations, despite being exceptional in every aspect—devoted son, brilliant strategist, ruthless when necessary—he excelled at everything required of a future capo." Bee’s voice grew quieter.

"Was he desperately seeking his father’s approval?" I asked. She nodded sadly. "I’ve witnessed how that monster treats Vincenzo, and if he was worse with Dominic, it explains so much about his behavior."

"Infinitely worse. The constant humiliation, brutal punishments—including physical beatings that left scars—cruel psychological games designed to break his spirit... Dominic endured it all since childhood, and I failed miserably to shield him." Tears gathered in her eyes. "I made a catastrophic error by concealing Marcus’s true nature from my children. I never revealed the affairs, the humiliation I suffered, his complete emotional abandonment of our family. I believed I was preserving household stability."

She paused, gathering her resolve. "When Dominic came of age, he fell deeply in love with a young woman named Nancy. She was young. Dominic, desperately wanting to do everything properly, introduced her to Marcus first, seeking his blessing. Instead, Marcus seduced his son’s girlfriend and then demanded I grant him a divorce so he could parade her publicly."

"That’s absolutely monstrous!" I gasped, genuinely horrified.

"And Marcus never loses an opportunity to remind Dominic that his girlfriend chose the father over the son—that he remains superior to his own child in every way."

"Bee, I’m completely stunned."

"That’s exactly why Dominic fought so viciously for control of the family assets. After a brutal confrontation that nearly resulted in bloodshed, he succeeded, primarily because that parasite preferred enjoying life without the responsibilities of leadership. Dominic committed to providing generous monthly payments, but apparently financial support wasn’t sufficient for that leech."

"This Marcus is truly evil incarnate," I whispered.

"Indeed. And he continues tormenting my children. I usually travel extensively to avoid encounters with him, but this time I’ve returned to eliminate his influence permanently. Nadia is devastated by his manipulations, and he’s already inflicted tremendous damage on Dominic’s ability to trust anyone."

"What’s your strategy?" I asked carefully.

"Cutting out the cancer at its source, dear." Bee patted my hand reassuringly. "My son is an extraordinary man—don’t allow him to slip away because of malicious schemes orchestrated by a bitter exile. I must stop Marcus before he destroys Dominic entirely, even if it means exposing family secrets publicly."

"Jude mentioned he possessed the means to bring him down," I offered.

"He absolutely does, and that’s precisely the weapon I intend to deploy," Bee confirmed with deadly determination. "If Marcus continues harassing you, notify Jude immediately—he’ll know exactly how to respond. Jude possesses evidence that even Dominic doesn’t know exists, but I’ll share it with you."

"Is it truly that serious?" I asked. She nodded gravely. "How can I assist?"

"Remain at Dominic’s side, support him through what’s coming—he’s going to need tremendous strength."

"Bee, the complication is that Dominic betrayed my trust," I admitted reluctantly.

"I’ve revealed everything so you understand what Marcus does to Dominic, how he manipulates his mind like a master puppeteer. Now can you see how that horrible photograph affected him so deeply?"

"I understand that aspect now, Bee, but there’s this." I showed her the photograph on my phone—Dominic with that woman. "This was taken yesterday. He’s begging for forgiveness, yet he’s still meeting with that prostitute."

"Are you certain that’s the actual situation, or are you jumping to conclusions like my son tends to do?" Bee asked, her eyes narrowing skeptically.

"Well, Zoe pointed it out to me, and she’s helping me investigate the circumstances."

"Ah, the Morgans! Loyal soldiers, honorable people despite their profession. Do investigate thoroughly—I’m confident it’s not what it appears. That girl’s father has close ties to Marcus—another unsavory character involved in territory disputes. I wouldn’t be surprised if this entire situation was orchestrated. They’ve always wanted Dominic to end up with her for strategic reasons. I’ve heard the father is facing bankruptcy and potential elimination by rival families too." Bee seemed remarkably well-informed about family politics.

"I’ll proceed cautiously, Bee. I promise."

"Excellent! Here comes your gentleman! My handsome son." Her face brightened instantly. "Acquire some treats for the women in your life."

Dominic smiled warmly at his mother and gently caressed my back with possessive tenderness. As he turned toward the dessert counter, I called out playfully: "The women in your life want cake too!"

His responding smile was absolutely breathtaking. Perhaps his mother was right—perhaps he truly was worth fighting for against all odds.