Chapter 15 - The Baptism of Blood and Iron
When Niko turned one year old, the Moretti estate hosted a private summit that doubled as a formal introduction of the heir to the underworld commission.
Capos, bankers, and international syndicate leaders from Tokyo to Rome flew into Teterboro, bringing tributes, contracts, and oaths of absolute fealty. But unlike past decades, the tributes were not presented to Lucien alone.
They walked up to a dual throne crafted from dark mahogany and velvet, where Lucien and Serena sat side by side, both wearing rings of equal weight.
A powerful elder from the Sicilian commission stepped forward, bowing low before Serena. "To the mother of the bloodline, the architect of our peace, and the queen of our trade."
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Serena accepted the golden signet ledger of the commission without flinching. "Tell your men in Palermo that the routes are open, the taxes are paid, and the rules of the house will never change again. Cross us, and you burn."
The elder swallowed hard, nodded, and stepped back into the silent, respectful crowd.
