"The room fell silent as Alessandro entered. His father, a man who radiated power and ruthlessness, sat behind a large mahogany desk, his eyes like chips of ice. His uncles, equally imposing, were scattered around the room, their faces unreadable.' Alessandro,' his father said, his voice a low growl. 'You're late.''I was handling business,' Alessandro replied, his voice even. He refused to be intimidated. 'Business?' his uncle Marco scoffed. 'Or were you out chasing skirts? 'Alessandro's jaw tightened. 'My personal life is none of your concern.''Everything you do is our concern,' his father interjected, his gaze unwavering. 'You are a Moretti. Your actions reflect on all of us.''Then perhaps you should be more concerned with your own actions,' Alessandro retorted, his eyes flashing with defiance.A tense silence filled the room, broken only by the crackling of the fire in the hearth. Alessandro knew he was walking a dangerous line, but he couldn't help himself. He had always chafed under his father's control, and tonight, the resentment was bubbling to the surface.'Watch your tongue, Alessandro,' his father warned, his voice dangerously low. 'You forget who you're talking to.''I haven't forgotten anything,' Alessandro replied, his gaze unwavering. 'I just don't believe in blind obedience.'"
