Waking Up in the Underworld

Before Damon could answer, the sharp click of a silver-tipped cane echoed across the marble floor.

Elena Castellano glided into the drawing room, her posture impeccable, her eyes fixed entirely on us. The rest of the staff and minor guards quickly cleared the room, leaving only the matriarch, Damon, and me standing in the center of the expansive space.

"A very impressive performance, Damon," Elena said smoothly, stopping a few feet away. She leaned on her cane, looking up at her grandson with a knowing, calculating smile. "You managed to cow Salvatore Rossi in under two minutes. But you and I both know that theater won't hold up for long."

Damon didn't break his defensive posture in front of me. "It’s not theater, Mother. It’s reality."

"Is it?" Elena arched a silver eyebrow, turning her cold gaze directly toward me. "Child, what is your name again?"

"Vivian," I managed to say, keeping my chin up despite my trembling knees. "Vivian Cross."

"Well, Vivian Cross," Elena said softly, stepping closer. "Do you have any idea what kind of family you have supposedly married into? Do you know how many enemies Damon has accumulated by keeping his boot on the neck of every syndicate in New England?"

"I work for GalaTech Solutions," I answered defensively, my voice finally finding a spark of steel. "I plan parties. I don't know anything about syndicates, and I certainly didn't ask to be dragged into your family's war."

A strange, humorless smile touched Elena’s lips. "At least she has some spine, Damon. Most girls would have fainted by now." She turned back to her grandson. "If she stays here as your 'fiancée,' she will have to be vetted by the council on Friday. If they discover she is a common event coordinator with no blood ties, no protection, and no political leverage, they will use her to break you."

"They won't get the chance," Damon said coldly. "Because by Friday, she won't just be a civilian caught in the middle. We are going to make this engagement official in the eyes of every family in the city."

My stomach completely dropped out. Official?