"Then what am I supposed to do?" Enzo's voice came out raw. "Just stop feeling what I feel?"
"No. Feelings don't work that way. But you can choose not to act on them. You can choose to protect yourself instead of sacrificing yourself for someone who sees you as nothing more than a convenient ally." Antonio paused. "You're my son, Enzo. You're intelligent, capable, strategic when you're not compromised by emotion. Build your empire. Make your territories successful. Prove that you're more than just the son who lives in Dimitri's shadow. But do it for yourself. Not for Isabella."
The unexpected support made Enzo's throat tight.
"And if she comes to me for help again?"
"Then you remember what I just told you. You remember that she's your brother's woman. You remember that helping her comes with consequences. And you make the smart choice." Antonio's voice turned final. "I'm trusting you to be better than you were this time, Enzo. Don't make me regret that trust."
