"So, help us stop him," Gemma says.
"You think you can stop Artem Orlov?" Igor's voice is skeptical. "Your children playing games. He's been bred for this."
"Maybe. But we have something he doesn't." I lean forward. "We have legitimacy. We have the backing of the major Italian families in New York. We have resources he can't match."
"And we have a strategy," Gemma adds. "Artem thinks we'll either fight him or fold. He doesn't expect us to undercut him. To make him irrelevant."
Igor considers this. "You want me to be your puppet. Your Russian friend who does what you say."
"No." Gemma's voice is sharp. "We want you to be Pakhan. Real Pakhan. We just want you to remember who backed you when no one else would."
"And what happens when I don't need you anymore? When the family is secure and Artem is gone?"
"Then we continue as we always have. Mutual respect. Mutual benefit." I meet his eyes. "Or we become enemies. Your choice."
The implication is clear.
Igor smiles. "Your wife is smart. Alexei was a fool. He never saw women as anything but decoration or entertainment. That's why he's dead."
The words hang in the air.
He knows. Or suspects. But he's not saying it directly.
"So," Igor says. "You back me. Publicly. Make it clear to the Bratva that the Marini family supports my succession. And in return, I forget any rumors. I maintain our current agreements. And I handle Artem."
"That's the deal," Marcello confirms.
"And if Artem doesn't back down? If he pushes anyway?"
"Then we deal with him. Together." I lean back. "You have our word."
Igor's quiet. Thinking.
Then he stands. Extends his hand.
"Deal. I'll call a family meeting. Tonight. To formally accept the Pakhan position and make it clear I have your backing."
I shake. Firm grip. Eye contact. The old way.
"Good," Marcello says. "The moment you formally accept, we'll release a joint statement. The Marini family recognizes Igor Volkov as the legitimate Pakhan of the New York Bratva. We go public immediately."
"Perfect." Igor looks at Gemma one more time. "Thank you, Mrs. Marini. For the strategy. And for the honesty."
"You're welcome."
He leaves with his men.
The three of us sit there in silence.
Then Marcello grins. "Holy shit. That actually worked."
"Did you doubt it would?" Gemma asks.
"Honestly? A little." He stands. "I'll get the statement drafted. Ready to release the moment Igor makes it official."
He leaves.
I turn to Gemma. "You did good."
