Accardi by allison franklin novel

You Were My Favorite Hurt, And My Hardest Goodbye by Ava Knight 35 Summary In this chapter, Michele reveals to Matteo, Alessio, and Messin that Conor is unaware of the true situation involving a woman who was forced out of his life for her protection. Michele explains that she escaped from the Irish two days ago and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Edinburgh. He vows to keep her safe and ensure she returns to school, away from the dangerous conflict they are embroiled in.

The group examines a threatening note from the Phelan family, signaling a declared war against Michele's family. The conversation turns serious as Michele seeks support from Matteo and Alessio, emphasizing the need for their best fighters and connections to counter the escalating threat. Matteo initially expresses skepticism but realizes the danger is spreading and reluctantly agrees to join the fight after considering the stakes and his upcoming meeting with O'Rhen. The tension rises as alliances form, with Matteo committing his resources to Michele's cause.

The chapter culminates in a grim confrontation where Matteo faces the man responsible for killing his mother and brother. Despite the prisoner's calm demeanor and taunts, Matteo reveals the brutal truth behind his family's deaths and expresses a cold determination for revenge. Instead of killing the man outright, Matteo plans to inflict prolonged suffering, ensuring the man experiences pain mirroring the loss Matteo endures. The chapter closes with a chilling promise of retribution and the deep emotional weight Matteo carries.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Chapter Thirty-Five "Does Conor know about this?" Messin asked cautiously, his eyes narrowing. "I'm guessing they did this to his..." "No, he has no idea," Michele cut in sharply, slamming a folder down on the table with finality. "Nor will he ever know." Matteo's breath hitched slightly, his voice low and tight with something he refused to admit was fear. "What do you mean?" "When Philip turned himself in, I made him a promise," Michele explained, his tone unwavering. "Promises that cannot be broken. One of those was to protect his family at all costs.

Conor was forced to push her out of his life, and as far as he knows-or ever will know-she's studying in London, just like we planned." Alessio frowned, leaning forward. "Where is she really, Galante?" "She escaped the Irish two days ago," Michele said quietly. "Right now, she's receiving treatment in a hospital in Edinburgh. Aside from the obvious injuries, she's stable. Once she's fully recovered, we'll ensure she returns to school and has no further involvement in this mess. That was my vow, and I intend to keep it." Matteo's jaw clenched.

"Jesus Christ, Galante," he muttered through gritted teeth. "This was an act of war," Michele continued, pulling a folded note from the folder and placing it carefully on the table. "It came with her." He shook his head, then laid the note flat. The words were simple, brutal: *Family is everything. Enjoy never growing yours.* Beneath the message was the emblem of the Phelan family-the very family Michele's wife had fled from. Michele was right. This was a clear, unmistakable declaration. Alessio's voice was steady but tense. "What do you need from us?" Matteo shot his cousin a sharp look.

"You're seriously going to jump into this?" Alessio met his glare evenly. "Don't be blind. The man who killed your family was hired by these people, Matteo. They came after the Accardis first, now the Galantes. It's only a matter of time before they come for us all." "They won't bring their war to Italy," Matteo scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Maybe not them," Alessio replied, voice low and steady, "but if my cousins lose what they've built-especially after I dismantled some of their business ties-someone else will see weakness.

Whether it's true or not, they'll test us until that weakness becomes real." Michele leaned forward, his voice firm. "Don't forget what I'm offering in return." Matteo closed his eyes and leaned back, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. After a long moment, he dropped his head forward and reached for a cigarette. Lighting it, he exhaled slowly, smoke curling from his nostrils as he mulled over their options. He rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and sighed deeply. "I'm assuming you want my men." "They're the best fighters between us," Michele agreed.

"I'll need Palladin's connections and a solid team." Matteo raised an eyebrow. "When do I get what I want?" Michele's lips curled into a sinister grin. "As soon as you say yes." Another plume of smoke escaped Matteo's nose as he savored the nicotine's rush-part adrenaline, part calm. "I have a meeting with O'Rhen on Tuesday," Matteo said, breaking the silence. "About what?" Michele asked, leaning in. Matteo shrugged, taking another drag. "He wants one of my tracks." "He knows what the Phelans are up to," Alessio guessed. "He wants to see where you stand." Matteo nodded slowly.

"I suppose I don't have much choice now. I'll let him have it, so he can push whatever drugs he wants. Keep him happy. Keep him on our side. When the time comes, I'm sure we'll be able to count on him." "So, does this mean you're in?" Michele pressed. Matteo glanced at Frankie, his right-hand man who kept a close eye on the ground realities. Frankie's arms were crossed tightly, his face set and resolute. With a firm nod, he gave his silent approval. "I'm in," Matteo declared. Rising, he shook Michele's hand firmly, matching the man's Cheshire grin.

"Now, where is he?" They moved down the damp, dimly lit hallway beneath Michele's family compound near the Jersey border. A guard ahead twirled a ring of keys around his finger, leading Matteo deeper into the shadows. "Here you go," the man said, unlocking a heavy door and pushing it open before stepping back with a mock bow. Matteo stepped inside and saw, for the first time, the man responsible for murdering his mother and brother. The prisoner was tied to a chair, hands and feet bound tightly. His head hung low, blood dripping from wounds on his limbs.

Despite the injuries, the man looked unnervingly calm. Clearing his throat, Matteo's presence made the prisoner jerk upright. His mouth was gagged, but his wide eyes locked onto Matteo's, and a cruel smile spread across his face. He loved the recognition-it meant he knew what was coming. "They told me my mother drowned when her car went off the road and into the lake," Matteo began, stepping closer and glancing at the bloodstains smeared along the wall. "They said she must have been drunk." He shook his head slowly. "My mom didn't drink.

And she sure as hell didn't leave bruises on her own neck." Matteo spotted a metal chair nearby and dragged it across the floor, the screech echoing sharply in the small room. He sat down, resting his arms over the backrest. "My brother... They said he fell from a rooftop in Paris," Matteo continued, voice cold but steady. "The same rooftop where he was top of his class, training to be a pastry chef. Funny thing was, no one could explain how the fall caused a perfect cut along the artery in his neck." He studied the man's face. "You were good...

just sloppy enough for us professionals to see what really happened. To see the warning in it. If only you'd chosen the right employer. We would have paid you better... and actually protected you." Matteo removed the gag and held up a glass of water, letting the man wet his lips. The prisoner's eyes narrowed, then flicked back to Matteo's face. Calmly, Matteo set the glass down and wiped his own lips, despite the tremor in his hand. "Why don't you just kill me already, you Italian maggot?" the man spat. Matteo smiled, a hint of pity in his eyes. "Kill you?

Do you really think I'm going to kill you?" He leaned back in the chair. "No. I have no intention of killing you. Instead, I plan to have some fun-get my fill of the scent of your blood and the sound of your screams as my knife cuts into your flesh." He paused, voice dropping to a low, chilling whisper. "Then I'll pack you up and send you off to Italy, where my cousin has a friend with a twisted sense of pleasure. He'll make sure you spend the rest of your days wishing I had killed you." "For every day I feel the pain of what I've lost...

you will feel it too." Conclusion The chapter closes on a somber yet resolute note, revealing the depth of Matteo's pain and the weight of the vendetta he carries. The raw emotions of loss and betrayal intertwine with the cold calculations of revenge, painting a vivid picture of a man torn between grief and the harsh necessities of survival. The promise to protect the innocent, even in the midst of violence and deceit, underscores the complex loyalties that bind these characters together, highlighting the sacrifices made in the name of family.