Chapter 9 - The Final Stand
Don Carmine exchanged glances with the other four council members. A silent vote was passed in seconds.
Carmine raised his wooden gavel. “Vincenzo’s execution is deemed lawful. The betrayal is cleared. However…” Carmine’s voice dropped. “…the child cannot inherit the throne. A female has never led the Moretti empire. The rules of 1920 still stand.”
A murmur broke out among the guards.
Clara stepped forward, her head held high, the fire in her eyes bright enough to make the old council members uncomfortable.
“Then change the rules,” Clara said firmly.
Carmine sneered. “And why would we alter a century of tradition for a little girl, Clara?”
Dominic stepped beside her, taking her hand. “Because if you don't, I step down today. And I take my entire army, my entire wealth, and my entire territory with me. You will be left with an empty throne and three rival families at your throat by midnight.”
The room went dead silent. The council members paled. Dominic wasn't just a Don; he was the tactical genius keeping the entire syndicate afloat. Without him, their empire would crumble in days.
Carmine stared at Dominic for a long, agonizing minute. The tension was suffocating.
Slowly, Carmine lifted the gavel… and brought it down hard onto the wooden block.
May you like
BANG.
“The rule is amended,” Carmine declared reluctantly. “Lily Moretti is recognized as the sole legal heir to the Moretti Syndicate.”
