rs of the DeLuca estate reminded her of the power struggle gripping the streets. The Corsettis had retaliated sw

from still. Her mornings began with strategy meetings, where tension hung thick in the air. Her evenings

tudied a map spread across its surface. The various markings-red for Corsetti stro

gravelly voice filled the room. "Took out two of their supply routes and

r the waterfront. "These docks are their lifeline. Take them out, and we cripple their cash flo

. "What about their alliances? Have we confirmed whethe

for now, but there's chatter about the Morettis. They're hungry for

stomach twisted at the thought of another family entering the fray. This

send a message," he said, his tone cold and calculated.

tightening at the weight of hi

forget," he replied

the armrests. "We can't go too far. If we alienate

t. One strike. And it has to be public enough that

he couldn't deny the logic of his argument, but the i

y, rising from her chair. "For now, focus on consolid

rim as they filed out of the room. Only

ting," he said

a replied, meeting his gaz

ough it didn't reach his eyes. "Caution can keep you

out before her, a maze of lights and shadows. "I won't sacr

is voice closer now. "The only question is whet

ensed, but she

ingers brushing the edge of a dagger resting on the table. The cold steel was a stark reminder

her for a moment before speaking. "I've secur

ickering across her face. "You t

d. "But don't expect them to play ni

wildcard, their loyalty as fluid as the tide. If she could convince them to side

he plan?"

Luca replied. "But be prepared for anything.

gripped the dagger's hilt

the west side of the city. The Morettis had chosen the locati

The Moretti representatives arrived shortly after, their sha

exchanging pleasantries and thinly veiled threats.

voice calm but firm. "The Corsettis are a threat to all

figure named Enzo, leaned forward. "And wha

ion. Access to our networks. And assurance that when th

for any sign of deceit. "And if we dec

dangerously soft. "Then you'd bette

gaze head-on, her expression resolute. "The choice is yours. But remember this-loyalty to t

nally leaned back, a sly smile tugging at his

g a hand. "We'll c

ugh the gesture felt more

ression was unreadable as they

well," he said, though

drenaline that had carried her through the meetin

g. "You made your position clear. That's mor

to a thin line. "Bu

voice low. "But one thing's certain-the C

e distance. She knew he was right. The battle for control was far from ov

her survival, she would