Chapter 2 (Continued) – The First Move
The room remained tense. She had made her declaration, but words weren't enough in this world.
Power wasn't given. It was taken.
She turned away from Luca, making it clear she wouldn't waste time convincing him or anyone else. If they wanted proof, they'd get it soon enough.
Matteo gave her a subtle nod, already reading her mind. "I'll get you a name."
She didn't need to tell him twice. Matteo had always been one step ahead, knowing when to strike and when to wait. If anyone could dig into the truth, it was him.
But she wouldn't just sit and wait. She had to act.
She scanned the faces in the room, locking eyes with each man who had once served her father. "If you stand with me, I'll protect what we built. If you stand against me—" she let the silence hang "—I'll make sure you regret it."
Some nodded immediately, loyalists who knew what defiance would cost them. Others hesitated, their doubt evident. And then there was Luca, who smirked as if this was nothing more than a game to him.
"Then I suppose we'll see what you're capable of… boss." His tone was respectful, but his eyes told another story.