Alessio
Ever since Dad had left the country and handed over the business to me, every day had been filled with work and meetings. I had spent the whole week visiting and getting familiar with his allies.
His partners, friends, politicians, the other families, and so on. There had been no time to rest, and even then, I was in deep conversation about our plans for revenge against the Baldinis.
Around the table sat the heads of ten different families in total. It was the second week since we had begun discussing the problem, and after a while, I had finally made my decision. “It might seem quiet for now, but that doesn’t mean it is quiet,” I said. “That’s why, after hearing everyone’s suggestions, I suggest we don’t waste any time-and just go straight to our target.”
I locked eyes with each and every person around the table, one by one. “The wedding will be soon, and trust me, we will be there-and we’ll deal with them then.”
The entire East stood behind the Fanuccis. I made sure to warn them that Leonardo wouldn’t only be our problem. If he were to succeed in taking down the Fanuccis, he would want to go after the other families next.
That was part of the reason why they were here, but the biggest reason was because of Dad. They had all respected him for years, and now their presence was a testament to that respect.
Respect wasn’t given, it was earned-and despite their support, I was fully aware that I had to show myself as a rightful leader. Most of these men were at least twice my age, and not many with power would listen to someone years beneath them.
“How do you plan to get in?” Rico, a head of another family, beyond annoying-yet undeniably loyal to the Fanuccis, asked. He had already asked too many questions for my liking. “We’re not getting an invitation to the wedding.”
“I know, thank you, Rico,” I spoke sarcastically. “I’m working on that, will have it ready before our next meeting.”
What I didn’t mention was my plan to pay Mikael a visit, the Fanucci’s old friend who had switched sides to the Baldinis, threatened to shoot us in his home, and betrayed the East in the process.
He would soon come to regret his decision, the man was most likely already shaking because he knew what kind of damage a furious Fanucci could do.
I had no doubt that man would give me a wedding date, information on the families and men they had on their side-and anything else of importance to me.
I was fully aware that visiting him directly could raise suspicions, especially since Leonardo was most likely keeping a close eye on him.
That wouldn’t be an issue because I also had a solution to that little problem. A special someone who was willing to do anything for me.
Either way, our presence at that wedding was non-negotiable. We would be there.
“If I understand correctly, you want us to kill every single one of them and their allies at the wedding?” A voice broke through.
“I’ll give them a chance to surrender but if not, yes, we’ll kill them all,” I clarified, pausing for a short moment. “Everyone but the women and the children, of course.”
One of the men at the end of the table let out a loud chuckle, expressing his disbelief as he shook his head. Because that old man was almost begging for attention, I decided to give him some.
“Please, speak!” I dared him.
“Alright,” his laughter faded, and he didn’t hold back. “Sparing someone’s life is the worst thing one could do. Last time I heard, that’s what got you into this mess.”
I immediately recognized the jab at my previous decision to spare Anson’s life, a choice that haunted me whenever I thought about it. A choice I had to live with.
“So what you are telling me-” I leaned forward, getting more heated by the second. “Is that you want us to slaughter innocent women and children who have nothing to do with this?”
“They carry the names of our enemies. They do have something to do with this…” that old piece of shit immediately stopped talking, carefully watching his words as my eyes widened. He had messed up, and he knew it.
Both Jimena and Naty were connected to our enemy. Telling me to hurt the women and the children wasn’t much different from telling me to hurt my own family-and I wouldn’t sit here and listen to that.
“If Domenico were here-” he had changed his argument, but I cut him off.
“But he isn’t, and I’m in charge now,” I stated, calmly. My goal for today was to talk about it like an adult and not throw a tantrum like a little boy. Dad never had to yell for others to respect him, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. “I don’t touch women, I don’t touch children, we will do it my way-and if you didn’t like it, you can see yourself out.”
My words were convincing enough for the idiot who had challenged me to lower his head.
“I agree with you in everything, and you have my full support, but-” Gustavo, a man known for his wisdom and wealth, spoke up. “I believe you should first try a peaceful solution.”
“P-P-Peaceful?” I repeated, stunned that he would even suggest something outrageous like that.
Despite his power, Gustavo was known as the softest among the leaders in the East. He was all about peace and, unless necessary, avoided conflicts at all costs.
“My uncle got decapitated, my brother lost a hand, my dad almost died because of a heart attack-and you think I want peace? Have you lost it?” My frustration bubbled as I really tried my hardest not to snap.
The truth was that every bone in my body had wanted to throw over this whole fucking table and everyone sitting at it. That’s how much his words had triggered me.
One of my uncles behind me leaned closer, bringing his lips to my ear. “Gustavo Caselli has as many people as us, well-respected, and great weapons,” he hissed quietly, “You know our families have been close for decades, Alessio!”
In other words, don’t lose this partner.
His words were a wake-up call to not destroy everything Dad and Grandpa had worked so hard to build.
“Fine,” I let out a sigh. “Then what do you suggest-Gustavo?”