Captivating the Boss

Romano sat in the back seat of the SUV as Sammy drove him back to his villa. His thoughts drifted to how happy Karina was when Lorenzo proposed to her. He had seen the love between them from the start. He also recalled the time when Karina urged him to consider a serious relationship, but he had scoffed at the idea. He had no desire to be serious with a woman, let alone have children. It had been nine years since he even entertained thoughts of love, though it all began sixteen years ago, when he was mature enough to understand.

He and his parents traveled to Italy for his grandfather's funeral. After Ronaldo was laid to rest, the family and Ronaldo's associates gathered at his mansion. While the group discussed matters downstairs, Alfred and his wife Marian had a conversation in one of the bedrooms upstairs, with Lucian silently observing.

"Alfred, now that Dad is gone, don't you-" Marian began, but Alfred interrupted her.

"How many times do I have to tell you, Marian? I'm not interested in carrying on his legacy" Alfred said firmly.

"Honey, this is power, wealth, and influence. Why are you turning it down?" Marian asked.

"I thought you didn't like my family because we're part of the Mafia when we were arranged to marry, so why are you so interested now?" Alfred asked.

"Alfred, please do this for us" Marian pleaded as Lucian watched.

"I can't. If I'm leaving a legacy for my son, it has to be something good-not a legacy tied to a group of killers and drug lords" Alfred said.

In the large living room, seven mob members were gathered, some seated, some standing.

"I should be the one who died; he died saving me" Greco said, running his hands through his hair.

"What about Luca? We need to hear from him" Rossi said.

"Yes, he was involved in this, and that's why he ran away" Bernardo said.

"We're not sure of this until we see him. Luca couldn't have done this" Rosario said.

"Why do you trust that bastard, Rosario?" Greco asked.

"Because he's served Ronaldo since he was young, he couldn't have betrayed him now" Rosario replied.

Back in the room, Marian stood angrily in front of Alfred, confronting him.

"You're really not going to step into your father's shoes?" Marian asked.

"My answer will always be no, Marian. I won't take his place. I'm doing this for our son" Alfred replied.

"Alright, then you should go downstairs and meet our guests" Marian suggested.

"I have nothing to say to them" Alfred said.

"They're here because of your father. Your presence would show your appreciation" Marian insisted.

"And what about you?" Alfred asked.

"Honey, you'll have to excuse me. My friend is in the hospital, and I need to check on her" Marian said.

"My father just died, Marian. You should stay here with me" Alfred said.

"I won't be long, honey, please" Marian pleaded.

"She's never visited us-neither here nor in NYC. You're always the one going to see her" Alfred said.

"I told you she's a private person. Please, just take Lucian with you downstairs. I'll leave through the back door" Marian said.

"Fine. Lucian, come with me" Alfred said, and Lucian followed him. After they left, Marian took out another phone and started messaging an unknown person.

"I still don't believe Luca did this" Rossi said.

"Are you really sure the Spanish mobs did this with the help of Luca?" Rancho asked.

"I don't know, Rancho. It happened suddenly, but I'm very sure it was Luca betrayed us-they've been the ones intercepting our shipments" Greco replied.

"How is it that you don't know, weren't you there?" Rossi asked.

"We can't blame Greco. We all know he was loved by Ronaldo, he couldn't have seen his death coming" Bernardo said.

"To avoid any future war, we need to confirm the Spanish mobs really did this." Rossi said.

"What else do you need to confirm? What we should be discussing now is how to avenge the Don's death, retrieve our shipment, and choose the next Don" Greco said as Alfred and Lucian descended the stairs and joined the group.

"We have no proof they did this, we can't attack without reason or we will face dire consequences. Ronaldo was at peace with them" Rosario said.

"Last I checked, Rosario, you're only a consigliere for the leader of this family, let the soldiers decide" Greco said.

"Greco, when did you join the family that you think you can speak to Rosario however you want? Is it because you were loved by Ronaldo?" Rossi asked angrily.

"And because I am very loyal to him, that's why we must avenge his death" Greco replied, just as his phone beeped. "Excuse me" he said before stepping out.

"Alfred, we'll make sure to find out who's behind this" Rossi said.

"Thank you" Alfred replied.

A few days after Ronaldo's funeral, Alfred and Lucian were seated at the dining table in Ronaldo's large mansion, while Marian served breakfast. The mansion's workers approached Alfred, lining up in front of him.

"We are here, master" the head worker said.

"Thank you for serving my father well. I've made the payments into your accounts. You should find another job or start a new life out there" Alfred said while Marian watched and Lucian continued eating.

"Thank you, master" the workers said in unison before leaving.

"Alfred, are we really leaving for NYC? We're not staying here?" Marian asked.

"Yes, NYC is my home, and I have a company to oversee" Alfred replied as he continued eating while Marian was busy with her phone.