Chapter 2 – Blood and Betrayal
The ride was silent. The engine hummed beneath the tension in the air, but no one spoke. The city lights blurred past the tinted windows, casting ghostly reflections of her own hollow expression.
Matteo gripped the wheel, his knuckles white. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by something grim—something dangerous.
She was still trying to process what had happened. Her father was dead. The words echoed in her mind, but they didn't feel real. Not yet.
The SUV turned sharply, speeding through backstreets and alleys until they reached a secluded warehouse on the outskirts of the city. Matteo killed the engine, then turned to her.
"This is where we regroup," he said. "No one knows about this place except the inner circle."
She stepped out, her heels clicking against the cold concrete. Inside, the warehouse was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of oil and metal. Weapons lined the walls, crates stacked in the corners. It was one of her father's secret armories.
As she entered, a handful of familiar faces turned to her—men who had sworn loyalty to her father.
Some of them nodded in respect. Others, however, hesitated.
That hesitation burned.
She clenched her fists. They don't think I can do this. They think I'm weak.
Matteo stepped forward, addressing the group. "The boss is gone. You all know what that means." He turned to her. "And you know who takes his place."
Silence.
Then Luca, one of her father's top lieutenants, stepped forward. His sharp eyes studied her like she was prey.
"With all due respect, she's not ready for this." His voice was calm, but laced with challenge. "We need a strong leader. Someone who can keep the other families in line."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room.
Doubt.
She had expected it, but hearing it aloud stung.
She took a deep breath, stepping forward. "You think I'm not strong enough?" Her voice was steady, but inside, rage simmered.
Luca folded his arms. "Your father spent years building this empire. Do you really think you can just step in and command respect? This life isn't about blood—it's about power."
She smiled. A slow, dangerous smile.
"Then let me prove it."
The room tensed. Luca's gaze darkened. "And how do you plan to do that?"
She stepped closer, meeting his eyes without flinching. "By making an example of anyone who doubts me."
A long silence.
Then Matteo chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, shit. She's definitely her father's daughter."
But the test wasn't over. She knew Luca wasn't just going to accept her without resistance. He was a viper, waiting for his moment.
She had to strike first.
She turned to Matteo. "Find out who was behind my father's assassination." Her voice was ice. "And bring them to me."
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