Page 92 of Claimed At First Sight

Aldo’s brows lift.

“You’d have time alone,” I continue. “Space to get to know each other without three daughters and security surrounding you.”

He nods. “I have considered a few days away, and Telluride is beautiful this time of year. But it’s difficult for Caterina to leave the girls.”

“Mia can supervise her sisters. I doubt she’d mind.”

“If anything, she’d welcome the opportunity for more freedom,” Aldo says dryly.

Hmm, I hadn’t thought of that. I don’t like the idea of Mia unleashed in my city. I wouldn’t want her running too wild.

“I can keep an eye on them.”

Understandably, that earns me a look. I’d never normally offer something like this.

Aldo studies me with the kind of caution that means he’s debating whether to speak freely or not.

“What are your intentions with Mialina?” he asks eventually.

His tone remains respectful, but there’s something protective underneath it. Oddly enough, I appreciate it. The fact that he cares for Caterina’s daughters tells me his attachment is genuine.

“To marry her. Surely that can’t come as a surprise to you. My interest in her has been obvious since Sicily.”

We’ve never discussed it. Unlike my father, Aldo hasn’t once raised the subject of securing the Marco reign over Chicago through marriage, even though the strategic advantages must have crossed his mind.

I assumed he expected my interest to fade once we returned home. Now, watching the careful way he chooses his words, I wonder whether Caterina’s reservations play a larger role than I realized.

“It has,” he replies.

He’s aware of the flower deliveries and the returned gifts. And the glasshouse construction on the estate was impossible to miss.

Aldo folds his hands together on the desk. “Forgive me if I overstep, but speaking strictly as your consigliere… are you certain Mialina is the right choice?”

I say nothing. He takes that as permission to continue.

“She’s nineteen, Maximo. She isn’t thinking about marriage yet. Or children.”

“That’s irrelevant.” My voice remains calm. “The Leonardi bloodline aligns perfectly with ours politically, strategically, and socially. And her age is an advantage if I intend to have multiple heirs.”

Aldo exhales slowly. “I just wonder whether someone like Vittoria Bellandi would be better suited to the role.”

The suggestion irritates me instantly.

“She’s already established within Chicago society,” he continues. “And she doesn’t have Mia’s…” He considers how to word it. “…rebellious streak.”

“Vittoria is a social climber.”

Aldo blinks once. “Her father is. He’s been pushing for this match for years.”

“Exactly.” Giulio Bellandi has spent the better part of a decade positioning his daughter in my orbit.

It never mattered. I’ve never given Vittoria encouragement, nor any indication I considered her a serious option.

A faint crease appears between Aldo’s brows.

“Mia is—” he tries again.

“Not up for discussion,” I cut in, leveling him with a cold stare. “Do not question my choices again, Aldo.”