e had inherited a legacy that weighed heavily on his shoulders. The expectations were high, the risks were constant, and failure was never an option. The family's influence stretched across

was the kind of man who knew how to push the right buttons. "What do you want, Giovanni?" Alessandro asked, his tone neutral, but there was an edge to it. Giovanni crossed the room and leaned against the desk, folding his arms across his chest. "Nothing. Just thought you might need a reminder that things aren't as easy as you think they are." Alessandro narrowed his eyes at his brother, sensing the unspoken challenge in his words. Giovanni had never fully believed in Alessandro's ability to lead the family. To him, Alessandro was still the reckless younger brother, too driven by emotion, too eager to prove himself. Giovanni was colder, more calculated, more patient. He had always been the one their father had relied on for the quieter, more strategic parts of the business. "You think I don't know what's at stake?" Alessandro shot back, his voice low and tight with frustration. "I'm not a child anymore, Giovanni. This is my family now." Giovanni smiled, a slow, knowing curve of his lips. "Is it, though? Because from where I'm standing, you still need to prove you have what it takes to run this empire. You're still playing at being Don." Alessandro's fist clenched at his side. He had worked his entire life for this moment, and yet his brother never let him forget the gaps in his armor. Giovanni's challenge was one Alessandro had come to expect, but that didn't make it any easier to bear. "You're a real piece of work, you know that?" Alessandro's tone was sharp, but he didn't let the anger consume him. He had learned to control it, to channel it. Giovanni didn't react to the insult. Instead, he stepped forward, his expression softening, but only slightly. "I'm just looking out for you, brother. There's a lot on the line. A lot of people are watching you, waiting for you to slip." Alessandro's jaw tightened at his brother's words. Giovanni was right. The **Morano** empire wasn't just his family's wealth or business anymore - it was a target. The moment Matteo had passed, the vultures had circled, looking for any weakness, any opening to strike. The last thing Alessandro needed was to show uncertainty. "And you think I can't handle it?" Alessandro asked, his voice colder now, tinged with the threat of violence. Giovanni held up a hand, his eyes calm and unbothere