CHAPTER SEVENTY FOUR – MOBSTERS

Alessandro nodded grimly. "Yes. I can't believe Vito kept this from you. It was foolish and dangerous." Joan felt like the world was spinning. "So, those men... they work for your family?" "Yes," Alessandro replied. "And I'm truly sorry for what they put you through tonight. It should never have happened." They drove in silence for a while, Joan trying to process this shocking revelation. Finally, she spoke up. "Alessandro, what happens now? Am I... am I in danger?" Alessandro's expression softened slightly. "No, Joan. I won't let any harm come to you. But you need to understand the seriousness of this situation. You can't tell anyone about what happened tonight. Not your family, not your friends. No one. For your own safety." Joan nodded, still feeling numb. "I understand." As they approached her father's house, Alessandro pulled over to the curb. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. "This has my personal number on it," he said, handing it to Joan. "If yo