The message was unmistakable. Several men shifted away from Carbone, not wanting to be caught in the crossfire of what his challenge had just earned him.
"You think killing your brother makes you fit to lead?" Carbone pressed, either too bold or too foolish to recognize the danger. "You'vebeen plotting against your own brother, waiting for your chance to seize power. And now you stand here, a kinslayer asking us to trust you?"
I remained perfectly still. "I expect you to recognize reality. The evidence I've shown you today is a fraction of what I possess. The family survives by adapting. Those who cannot adapt become liabilities."
His face flushed with anger, but before he could respond, I continued.
"To address your concerns about my commitment, I'm implementing a new structure. Enzo will serve as Underboss, handling day-to-day operations. I will maintain oversight of strategic decisions and major policy changes."
Surprise flickered across several faces. Enzo was respected but young for such a position. Still, no one dared question the decision.
"I'm not abandoning the family," I clarified. "I'm ensuring its future. The old ways brought us to the brink of destruction. The new ways will bring stability, prosperity, and security."
Inside, my thoughts turned to Sophie and our unborn child. Every decision, every move, every threat was calculated for one purpose now—building a world where they could exist safely. Power had never been my goal; it was merely the means to protect what mattered.
"Those who accept these changes will find their positions secure, perhaps even improved," I said. "Those who resist…"
I didn't need to finish the sentence. The evidence on the flash drive spoke for itself.
One by one, the Capos nodded their acceptance. Some did so eagerly, seeing opportunity in the changes. Others did so grudgingly, recognizing they had no choice. Only Carbone and two of the older members remained visibly resistant.
I stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "We reconvene in one week to discuss specific operational changes. Until then, maintain normal business activities, but suspend the special shipments immediately."
As they filed out, I noted each man's demeanor, cataloging threats and allies. When only Enzo remained, I finally allowed my shoulders to relax slightly.
"That went better than expected," he observed, loosening his tie.
"We're not finished." I glanced toward the door where Carbone had exited. "He'll be gathering support as we speak."
"What do you want me to do?"
I considered my options. Carbone's challenge had been public, deliberate. If I let it stand, others would see weakness. In this world, weakness was a death sentence—for me and everyone I protected.
"Carbone won't accept the new order," I said finally. "Make sure he understands there's no choice in the matter."
Enzo nodded grimly. "How permanent should this understanding be?"
I thought of Sophie in the nursery, her hands protectively cradling our unborn child. I thought of the future I'd promised her—one without fear, without looking over her shoulder. That future required decisive action now.
"Completely," I answered, my voice cold.
As Enzo left to carry out my orders, I stood alone in the empty room. The weight of leadership settled across my shoulders—not just of the family business, but of the family I was creating with Sophie.
For the first time in my life, power wasn't an end in itself. It was a shield, a weapon to carve out safety in a dangerous world. Everything I'd built, everything I'd become, now served one purpose—protecting what was mine.
I pulled out my phone and dialed Sophie's number. She answered on the second ring, her voice warm.
"Is it done?" she asked.
"Yes," I replied. "The transition has begun. I'll be home soon."
"Be careful," she whispered.
"Always." I paused, the words unfamiliar on my tongue. "I love you."
I could almost hear her smile through the phone. "I love you too."
As I hung up, I knew with absolute certainty that I would burn the world to ash if that's what it took to keep that smile safe. The old Vittorio had killed for power, for respect, for business.
