By bringing Luciano into the house, Tony created a shield for himself. He knew Matteo wouldn't dare explain why the shooting happened because it would mean admitting his feelings for Adrian. And Tony knew he didn't have to explain his own actions either; the silence between them was his greatest weapon.
As long as the truth stayed buried, the secret protected Tony just as much as it protected Matteo.
Tony stared at the door, a cold, dark smile spreading across his face. He had used Matteo's respect for his father to trap him.
Luciano's order to "settle it" wasn't just a suggestion, it was a mandate that kept Tony in the house and kept his position secure.
He had lost the fight on the rooftop, but by bringing the father into the equation, he had won the war.
He wasn't going anywhere, and there wasn't a thing Matteo could do about it without destroying himself.
Matteo's jaw tightened as he climbed the stairs.
He wasn't a fool. He knew exactly what Tony had done.
