The Don's Rebellion

CHAPTER 3. CAMORRA DYNASTY.

“Breathe,” Carmen whispered, inhaling. She tugged at her blouse, adjusting to make sure there was no crease.

This had been her idea, so why was she so nervous now?

She could barely breathe, it felt like her insides were going to burst at any minute, but she knew she had to go through with the plan. The other night when she had suggested it, it had been on impulse, triggered by the way Dominic Contini had spoken to her and her hatred for Bruno Segreto.

Now that the day of the interview had come, her courage was gone. All that was left were nerves. She felt like throwing up, or worse.

In her hands were her new fake ID card and recommendations letter, all provided by Jethro. She looked at the ID, it was her face on it, but her name was now Carmen Clifton. They had decided to go for an American last name to avoid any suspicions.

As she stared at her new name in fine print, the lump in her throat intensified.

“There’s no going back now,” she said again. “It’s easy, Carmen. Just walk in there and introduce yourself, then tell them why you’re right for the job.”

She swallowed. That was the hardest part. Jethro had formulated all these recommendations and referrals that she knew nothing about. Dominic had been right about one thing, she hadn’t ever worked a day in her life.

At least not in an office.

“It’s time, princess.”

She heard Jethro call out from behind her. There was just something about his voice that always seemed to annoy her. When she turned around, there was a smirk on his face. Like he didn’t think she could actually pull it off.

Jethro was one of those people who made it seem like they supported you, but secretly, they really wanted you to fail. He didn’t just do it with her, he did it with everyone. He couldn’t stand not being her father’s favorite and he constantly let Carmen and her brother know it.

Even though he wasn’t related by blood, anyone could see that Ciro Ferrari loved him like a son. He trusted Jethro more than his own children and treated him better.

“How many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me princess?” Carmen asked, slightly annoyed.

“As many times as it’ll take for it to finally stick,” he replied, then added smugly. “Princess.”

Carmen was about to retort when another figure stepped into the room. It was a tall handsome man in a black suit, with hair as dark as Carmen’s, he had an aura of danger and a commanding stare. He had a well maintained stubble just above his lips, and around his jawline to his chin. His eyes landed on Carmen and his lips twitched up into a smile.

Carmen smiled back, her face glowing with happiness. “Dante!” She yelled in excitement, rushing over to his side to wrap her arms around him. “I didn’t think you’d make it back in time.”

“And miss my baby sister’s first day of work? Never.” He replied as soon as they pulled away from each other.

“You know I’m only going to play double agent, right?”

He pouted, the outline of his face morphing into a male identical version of her. “I know, but you’re still going to be working, so it counts.”

Carmen smiled. “I’m glad you’re here, D.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, C.”

“Aunty Carmen!”

A little teenage boy ran toward Carmen and engulfed her in a tight embrace. She chuckled, breaking into a joyful laugh.

“Luca, is that you? You’ve grown so big.” She commented, hugging him back.

“Daddy says I’m tall for my age.” The little boy said, raising his hands to exaggerate his height.

“No way, you must be like sixteen,” Carmen teased.

“No, I’m not.” Luca let out a childish laugher. “I’m only thirteen.”

“What? No! But you’re so big.”

Jethro cleared his throat, drawing attention back to him. “The family reunion is cute and all, but if you don’t get going, you’ll be late, princess.”

“You will address her as Miss Ferrari or ma’am. But then, I’d rather if you didn’t speak to her at all.” Dante fired back, casting a hard look at him.”

Jethro blinked. “Yes, Mr Ferrari.”

“You can leave now.”

Jethro didn’t argue, he looked to the ground as he shuffled his way out of the room. As soon as he left, Carmen squeaked out loudly.

“Oh my God! That was the most satisfying thing ever. But you know he’s going to tell dad, right? And he’ll find ways to make my life harder when you leave.”

Dante scoffed. “I’m not leaving, mi amor.”

She paused. “What? Dante, don’t play with me right now. Are you seriously going to stay here for good?”

“Of course,” he placed his hand on her hair and began to stroke it. “I’ve been away from you for far too long, I’m here to make it up to you. Nobody’s going to mess with you as long as I’m around, I promise.”

“I’ll protect you too, aunt Carmen.” Luca chipped in, spotting an innocent smile.

Carmen’s eyes watered, she didn’t know what to say. Dante had left three years ago because he could no longer stand their father, he was like the prodigal son. And worst, he took Luca with him. He had always blamed his father for the death of Luca’s mother.

It was more mental, than physical. Ciro hadn’t murdered her in cold blood, but he might as well have. He referred to her as a gold digger trying to trap his son and always made her feel like trash. Dante was just twenty at the time, he hadn’t yet figured out how to stand up to his father and Luca’s mother paid the price.

She died shortly after giving birth to their son. The doctor said she wasn’t healthy, due to stress. In his heart, Dante knew it was because of his father’s constant nagging, and he never forgave the man for it.

“Come on, I’ll drive you to work.” Dante said, taking both Carmen and Luca’s hand.

Soon they were packed outside Camorra Dynasty, but Carmen sat still, unable to move. Her nerves were back and she was now more afraid than ever.

“You can do this, C.” Her brother encouraged, placing his hand on hers. “You can always call me if there’s any trouble.

She nodded, still feeling unsure. This was her idea, she had to do this or she’d be walking down the aisle to marry Bruno. She let out a breath, curling her fingers around the door handle.

“Thanks for the ride, big bro. I’ll take it from here.” She said, forcing a smile on her face.

“I’m proud of you.”

She turned to the back seat. “Bye, Luca. Promise to help keep your dad out of trouble?”

Luca nodded enthusiastically. “I will.”

“Good.”

With that, she stepped out of the car, the cool breeze hitting her face immediately. She took in the fresh air before sashaying towards the building.

She stepped into the grand entrance, and into the lobby. It was sleek, modern, and intimidating, but Carmen was used to luxury. She grew up surrounded by powerful men. She exuded confidence wherever she stepped foot in and here wasn’t going to be any different.

Her heels clicked against the polished marble floor as she approached the front desk, where a poised woman with dark-rimmed glasses and a sharp gaze regarded her with professional indifference.

"Good morning. I'm Carmen Clifton. I have an interview for the executive assistant position," she said smoothly, offering a polite smile.

The receptionist tapped away at her keyboard before nodding. "Yes, Miss Clifton. You’re scheduled to meet with Mr. Moretti. Please take the elevator to the fifteenth floor. His office is the second door on the left."

"Thank you." Carmen turned on her heel and made her way to the elevator, her heart pounding harder than she’d like to admit. Paranoia was slowly starting to set in as she weighed all her options.

What if they recognized her immediately? What if they saw through her façade? What if—

The elevator ride was swift, and when the doors slid open, she stepped into the corridor slowly. She reached the office and knocked lightly before pushing the door open. Inside, Mr Moretti sat behind a large mahogany desk, glancing up at her entrance.

"Miss Clifton," he greeted, stretching out his hand. "Please, have a seat."

Carmen shook his hand firmly before settling into the chair opposite him. Vincenzo Moretti studied her with an unreadable expression before glancing at the file in front of him. He looked over her resume, his gaze flickering with interest.

"Impressive credentials," he remarked. "You have experience working with high-profile individuals. What made you apply here?"

Carmen folded her hands neatly in her lap, ignoring the sweat forming on her palms. She had revised this about a thousand times. "I'm looking for a new challenge. My previous roles have given me insight into handling high-pressure environments, and I believe I can bring value to this position."

Vincenzo nodded, satisfied with her response. They continued for several minutes, discussing her experience, skills, and hypothetical workplace scenarios. All this while, both remained oblivious to their brief meeting at the Camorra club the other night.

It was understandable though, they hadn’t engaged in any conversation. He was just a pretty face standing next to Dominic, and she was the mysterious stranger who had played his friend’s girlfriend.

When the interview concluded, Vincenzo leaned back in his chair. "You’re a strong candidate, Miss Clifton. Please wait outside for a few minutes while I finish up with the last applicant."

"Of course." Carmen stood, offering a professional nod before stepping out into the hallway. The waiting area was silent, except for the faint hum of distant conversations. She exhaled slowly, trying to shake off the tension resonating in her spine.

A sudden dryness in her throat made her glance around for a refreshment station. Spotting a small table with a water pitcher and a few glasses, she walked over and poured herself a drink. But as she turned around, she collided into someone solid and imposing.

The cold splash of water followed instantly, soaking the front of the man’s pristine suit.

Her stomach plummeted as soon as she lifted her head. It was Dominic Contini, he was here, standing in front of her, soaking wet.

"You have got to be kidding me," he growled, his sharp gaze locking onto hers.

Carmen took an instinctive step back, gripping the empty glass. "I—It was an accident."

His jaw ticked as he yanked his now drenched tie loose. "Of course it was." His voice dripped with irritation. "Or maybe you’re trying to get back at me for hurting your feelings the other night."

She scoffed. “How could I have possibly known you were behind me?”

Dominic exhaled sharply, running a hand through his damp hair before fixing her with a glare. “What are you even doing here?”

“None of your business.” Carmen shot back, returning the glare.

Dominic gritted his teeth. “None of my business? This is literally my—”

“I don’t have time for your self absorbed whining,” she grabbed a rag from the table and threw it at him. “I’m sorry I ruined your suit, I’ll buy you a new one, but I have to go now.”

She heard him curse under his breath as she walked past him. She rolled her eyes in frustration, she didn’t think she’d see him here of all places.

Shouldn’t he be on some island partying and getting wasted? She shook her head.

All she ever heard about the Contini heir was that he was insanely arrogant and loved to party, it was something she could confirm all too well.

The moment she took a seat in the waiting room, Vincenzo stepped out of his office. All eyes turned to him, Carmen’s included. Her chest felt constricted and in desperate need of air as she inhaled in fear.

This was her last chance to avoid a loveless marriage.

"Alright, I've made my decision," Vincenzo announced, scanning all the candidates. "I’ve picked out three finalists, but the CEO will have the final say."

Carmen barely processed his words, her mind still reeling from her latest encounter with Dominic. But as Vincenzo listed the names, she snapped back to reality.

Her name was among them.

She was one step closer to securing the job.

And one step closer to being free of Bruno Segreto.

Vincenzo gestured for the finalists to follow him. Carmen composed herself and walked with the other two candidates down a sleek hallway toward a set of double doors. When Vincenzo pushed them open, she stepped into a luxurious office, filled with priceless antiques.

And there, behind the grand desk, sat Dominic Contini.

Their eyes met, shock flashing in hers, amusement and something unreadable flickering in his.

"You," she whispered.

Dominic leaned back in his chair, his lips curling into a slow, knowing smirk. "Welcome to Camorra Dynasty. I’m the CEO, Dominic Contini."