re

tes ago entered the hall, their expressions serious. They stood in front of the o

ugh-it almost felt like he was pleading. His eyes met mine for a moment as if silently beggi

rewing behind his eyes. He tightened his grip, but before he cou

nergy just yet." He gave me a brief,

your p

e joined the others. I watched him walk away, surprised at the obedience he sho

e overwhelming the space. The room fell deathly si

ing? What're they g

master's approval. It didn't seem possible-these men, who commanded fear in the mafia world, looked l

, "I announced that I would retire soon and pass on the leadership of t

nce at each of them. None of the

ng in the pit of my stomach. I wasn't part of their family, nor a threat to them. I ha

ou've proven your worth time and time again. Your loyal

hand, his earlier coldness transforming into submissiveness.

felt a surge of disgust watching him grovel; the image of thi

to the second brother, "your work at the club and brot

meanor was replaced by humility as

had been undressing me with his eye

to show me kindness. "You've been Dante's shadow, always watch

he kneeled before the old man, but there was something else

en my most calculated son. You always think before ac

motion as he knelt, his movements stiff and preci

d his youngest son. "You've made the enemies of the R

d with a wicked grin. There was something wild in his eyes-something

, easily bowed to their father. The old man sat in the middle of the hall like a ruthless king, surrounded by tro

ren't just a family; they were warriors, fighting for the same prize. And yet, I sti

ting. "Now, as you all know, I've been observing each of you cl

ghtly, daring to speak. "

asy for me to choose. You've all shown your strengths, bu

d. What was h

widening. "The one who kneels this woman"-he pointed at me-"in front of

od ran

ped up in shock. Even th

looding my veins. I wasn't just

. "The first one of you to succeed in

I stood frozen, unable to comprehend what I had just heard. I wa

h the silence. "As you wish, Dad. We will

of destruction-Dante's calculated stare, Luca's lust-filled smirk, Marco's sympathetic yet resigne

d, and my body trembled as they moved closer, their presence suf

pressure were too much to bear. My legs buckled beneath me,