Chapter 7 - The Gathering of the Syndicate
We spent the next four days in Alessandro's private estate—a massive, heavily guarded mansion situated high in the hills overlooking the river. It was a fortress of stone and steel, surrounded by miles of private forest and guarded by three rings of heavily armed soldiers.
Despite the danger, I felt a strange, profound sense of peace within those walls.
Alessandro did not leave my side. He moved his entire operations office to the library next to my room, his Capos and advisors forced to conduct their business in low, hushed tones so they wouldn't disturb my rest.
On the fifth day, I felt strong enough to walk. I used my cane to navigate the long, carpeted corridors of the mansion, my acute sense of smell guiding me toward the scent of Alessandro’s private study.
As I approached the door, I heard voices from inside.
"The Carusos are calling for a meeting, Don Alessandro," Marco was saying, his voice tight with anxiety. "They want to discuss the northern borders. They claim the attack on the studio was a rogue operation by one of their younger Capos."
"There are no rogue operations in the Caruso family," Alessandro said, his voice cold and flat. "Emiliano Caruso knew exactly what he was doing when he threw that firebomb. He wanted to see if I would choose my business or the girl."
"And what is your decision, Don?" another Capo asked. "The men are waiting. If we launch a strike on their docks now, we risk a full-scale war with the commission."
"Then let there be war," Alessandro said, his voice carrying an absolute, terrifying finality. "I have spent ten years building this empire to ensure that no one can ever tell me what I can or cannot keep. If the Caruso family wants to burn my world, I will personally show them how to ash theirs."
I stepped into the room, the click of my cane against the hardwood entryway silencing the meeting instantly.
"Viola," Alessandro said, his footsteps rushing toward me. He caught my waist, his hands supportive, protective. "You should be resting."
"I have rested enough, Alessandro," I said, looking in the direction of his voice. "And I don't want a war fought in my name. Too many people have already died in this city."
"This is not just about you, Viola," Alessandro said, his voice softening as he looked down at me. "It is about the survival of this family. If we let them attack you without a response, we are dead anyway."
"Then let me go with you," I said.
The room went completely silent. I could hear Marco’s sharp intake of breath.
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"To a meeting with the Carusos?" Alessandro asked, his grip on my waist tightening. "No. It is too dangerous."
"They think I am your weakness, Alessandro," I said, reaching up to touch his chest, my fingers finding the familiar, comforting beat of his heart. "Let us show them that I am your strength."
