Chapter 7
The revelation struck the room like a thunderbolt. The bright, opulent setting of the gala now felt like the staging ground for a war. The capos, men who had served Alessia’s father and now served her, closed ranks around their boss.
"The Falcones," Vincent growled, his hand resting on the grip of his concealed firearm. "They’ve been quiet for two years. If they are moving on the perimeter, we need to mobilize the outer guard immediately."
"Do it," Alessia commanded, her voice steady and commanding. "Send the snipers to the roof. Arm the gatehouse. But no one fires unless fired upon. I want to know exactly what the Falcones were promised."
She turned her lethal gaze back to Evelyn. The older woman was trembling violently, her expensive designer gown offering no protection against the chilling reality of her situation.
"You stupid, arrogant woman," Alessia said, stepping slowly toward her former mother-in-law. "You sold my family to the Falcones? For what? A higher percentage of the shipping routes?"
"We... we didn't sell you!" Evelyn stammered, her fair skin completely drained of color. "The Falcones approached us! They said you were too young, too volatile! They promised Garrett a seat on the national commission if he helped them transition the territory peacefully!"
"Peacefully?" Alessia scoffed, gesturing to the ruined banquet console and the trail of water left by Garrett’s crawling body. "Your son just assaulted an elder. There is nothing peaceful about what happens next."
"Alessia, please, you have to listen to me!" Evelyn begged, tears ruining her perfectly applied makeup. "Garrett is a fool! He wanted power, and they manipulated him! If you let me go, I can talk to my husband. The Senator can call the governor, he can send the state police to secure the estate! We can stop the Falcones!"
"I do not need the state police to defend my home," Alessia replied, her voice dripping with aristocratic disdain. "And I certainly do not need the wife of a compromised politician."
"What are you going to do with me?" Evelyn asked, her voice shrinking into a terrified whisper.
"You are going to sit in the basement holding cell," Alessia said, her eyes empty of all compassion. "And you are going to write down every single bank account, offshore trust, and political contact your husband uses to launder money. If your list is accurate, I will let you live to see your son in a federal penitentiary. If you lie to me, I will hand you over to Vincent."
Vincent offered a cold, predatory smile that made Evelyn whimper in fear.
"Take her away," Alessia ordered.
The guards dragged the sobbing, thrashing Evelyn out of the ballroom, her expensive heels dragging across the marble floor.
Alessia turned back to the remaining guests. The high-society elites were huddled together, terrified of the violence and the sudden revelation of a Mafia war.
"To my loyal guests," Alessia said, her voice projecting clearly. "I apologize for the disruption. You will be escorted to the secure underground bunker until the perimeter is deemed safe. Your safety is my highest priority."
May you like
As the guests were ushered away by the security team, Miriam approached her daughter, placing a gentle hand on Alessia’s arm.
"You handle the crown well, my daughter," Miriam said softly. "But the Falcones do not attack unless they are certain of victory. They must have a man inside the house."
