Chapter 5

Two threats in one hour. Unbelievable.

No one had dared cross me since I took over the family business.

I said nothing more, pulling out my phone in front of everyone.

"Godfather, it's me."

A calm but concerned voice answered.

"Aria? It's late. Is the engagement going well?"

I gave Kyle a pointed look, then laughed coldly.

"There's a problem. The Carters turned the venue into a dog's birthday party and expect me to play along."

The voice on the line turned icy instantly.

"What did you say? The Carters dare insult the Vincent family like this?"

My anger hit its boiling point.

"I wouldn't joke about this. They also threatened to run me out of Seattle."

I summarized the situation. The line went silent, then came the sound of shattering glass.

"Who did this?"

Before I could answer, Lisa snatched the phone from my hand.

"You must be this bitch's guardian?"

"I'm Lisa, personal secretary to Mr. Kyle Carter of the Seattle Carters. Whatever complaint you have, tell me!"

My godfather—who'd never been spoken to like that in his life—paused in shock.

"You're the one who turned my family's engagement into a dog party?"

Lisa, completely oblivious to who she was provoking, kept up her arrogant act.

"So what? Cut the crap and tell me what you want!"

I could practically feel the godfather's rage through the phone.

"You'll find out soon enough."

Caught off guard by his tone, Lisa shot back immediately.

"Old man, you been watching too many gangster movies?"

"I'd like to see who in Seattle has the balls to mess with the Carters!"

She hung up and looked at Kyle with a self-satisfied grin, clearly expecting praise.

I couldn't help laughing out loud at the spectacle.

"Mr. Carter, you've got quite a secretary."

"Not many people in America have that kind of nerve."

Lisa ignored my warning entirely.

"Your so-called godfather doesn't scare me. As long as Mr. Carter's here, the Carters aren't going anywhere!"

I smiled faintly.

"You think the Carters will still exist in Seattle by tomorrow morning?"

No sooner had I spoken than someone in the crowd yelled out.

"Look outside!"

Everyone turned toward the windows.

Over a dozen Lamborghini Venenos pulled up silently outside the hotel. Men in black suits poured out in perfect unison.