The Godfathers

VALENCI

, the city lights flickering like distant stars. The world outsid

where Emilio and his closest men sat. One of Dante's men. Without

ote before he picked it up, unfol

forget debts, and I don't accept apologies easily. But I'll give y

gripped

wanted a

, not just repayment-h

watched, waiting for his reaction. The messenger was a tall man, cold-eyed, who had ruthless

. The air in the room felt heavier, suffocating. His

the stone floor. He took one look at Emilio a

d. "What was I

inks you

" The words came out

e even. "Then don't let him see

s eyes. "He wants me to kneel like I'm some weakling playing

with meaning. "Not just to Dante-to everyone. You ge

s wasn't just about survival. I

king a slow sip. "And I'm

re, moved toward the fireplace, arm

He can want whateve

n't let

's fingers tighten

nothing but a reckless brat riding on borrowed power. Luca had always been a problem waiting

nte was deman

built their empire from nothing., And he doubted himself

refusing

apology? That's as good as kneel

he caved, his men would see weakness. Others w

," Ramon warned. "And if we refuse, he'll ma

. "So what? We roll over?

hand down his fac

neel," he said at last, voice ste

's the move?

e wants a meeting? He'll get one. But

Now that sounds mo

, unreadable. That unsettle

r-the great Godfather, the legend who built an

ing on

was the r

e, tucked in European universities, learning business instead of war. His fa

here h

e moment he returned, he saw the truth: no one thought he belonged here. The

a weakness and he

ghts heavy. Dante hadn't sent a phone call, hadn't come himse

was the

a threat, Emilio thought bitterly.

lass down with

an control me. Let h

uld be hi

underground parking lot. The air was thick with the scent of gaso

nd walls with guns in their hands and sharp suits. T

adable. Every footstep echoed as he made his way toward the meta

him, his voice low. "T

s no humor in his eyes. "Then let

thed in crimson light. The bass of the music grew loude

a steady, pounding rhythm that matched the pulse in Emilio's throat. His heartbeat didn

derground club. The space was a mix of dimly lit luxury and raw danger, dark lea

hen he

had an effortless authority that sent a ripple of tension through the air. He

ghtly in greeting, acknow

alen

ght toward Dante, the tension in

ep forward, he made sure

s really

***

ould happen when th

so much fo

rget to leave a vote or drop a commen

ghts make