Chapter 11 - The Shadow at the GatesPeace in a mafia household, however, is never permanent. It is merely a pause between storms.
Three days after the kitchen truce, the estate’s perimeter alarms didn't sound with a deafening siren; instead, a soft, high-pitched red pulse flickered on the security monitors in the study.
Claire, who was helping Julian and Matteo map out a new, highly sophisticated Lego fortress in the playroom, noticed the monitor flashing on the wall.
"Hey," Claire said, stopping her hand over the plastic bricks. "What’s that red light mean?"
Leo stiffened immediately. He dropped his Lego block, his eyes darting toward the window. "Code Grey."
"What’s Code Grey?"
"It means someone from the Commission is at the front gate," Julian said, his analytical voice laced with sudden, sharp fear. "Not an attack. An audit. When Uncle Vance failed, the elders stepped in."
Downstairs, the heavy oak doors opened with a formal, chilling click.
Claire didn't wait for instructions. She told the boys to stay put, grabbed her spare jacket, and marched down the grand staircase just as Henry Brandt was escorting an elderly, silver-haired man in an immaculate white suit into the foyer.
The man leaned heavily on a silver-headed cane, but his eyes were sharp as a hawk’s.
Dante stood at the foot of the stairs, his posture rigid as iron, his hand resting casually near his holster.
"Donato," Dante greeted the older man, his voice like crushed ice. "To what do I owe the displeasure of the Commission's visit?"
Donato smiled, a thin, cruel expression that didn't reach his eyes. "The Commission heard about the little... domestic disturbance last week, Dante. An active warzone in a Greenwich estate? It violates the charter. Furthermore, we heard rumors that you’ve integrated a civilian—a common waitress—into your inner circle."
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Donato’s cold gaze slowly shifted up the stairs, landing directly on Claire, who stood on the landing with her arms crossed, looking down at him with utter disdain.
"She’s not qualified to raise Rinaldi heirs," Donato continued, raising his voice. "She must be removed. Immediately. Or the Commission will take direct control of the boys."
