Chapter 68: New Blood in the Empire

The Moretti Empire did not adjust easily to Scarlett.

Some of Alexander's oldest associates respected her immediately. Others tolerated her because Alexander loved her. A few made the fatal mistake of assuming marriage had turned her into decoration.

One of them was Roman Bellucci.

Roman controlled a major construction partnership and believed women should smile during meetings and speak only when invited. Scarlett disliked him within six seconds.

The meeting concerned a redevelopment project tied to old Moretti holdings. Scarlett attended because the Isabella Whitmore Center planned to build accessible housing on part of the land.

Roman ignored her proposal for twenty minutes.

Finally, Scarlett closed her folder.

The room quieted.

Roman smiled. 'Is something wrong, Mrs. Moretti?'

'Yes. Your hearing, apparently.'

Luca coughed. Alexander's expression remained unreadable, which meant he was enjoying himself privately.

Roman stiffened. 'Excuse me?'

'I have explained the accessibility requirements twice. You keep speaking around me to my husband as if my voice is decorative. It is not.'

Roman laughed lightly. 'These projects are complex.'

'Then try to keep up.'

The smile vanished.

Scarlett placed revised contracts on the table. 'Whitmore Industries owns the adjacent access rights. Without my approval, your project loses three entry points, two tax benefits, and the public support you desperately need after your last safety scandal.'

Roman looked at Alexander. 'Are you allowing this?'

Alexander leaned back. 'Allowing what? Competence?'

Luca openly grinned.

Scarlett continued, 'Sign the accessibility clause, fund the housing commitment, and treat this project like it serves human beings rather than your ego. Or leave.'

Roman signed.

After the meeting, Alexander walked with Scarlett to the elevator.

'You enjoyed that,' she said.

'Immensely.'

'You could have warned him.'

'I dislike depriving arrogant men of educational experiences.'

The project moved forward.

Accessible housing became one of Scarlett's proudest achievements. Not glamorous enough for society pages at first, it later became the model for similar developments across the state.

Scarlett discovered that power felt best when it built doors wide enough for other people to enter.

And the Moretti Empire learned something important.

Their Godfather had married a woman who did not need his throne.

She brought her own.