Page 73 of Beneath the Shadows

“Antonio,” he acknowledges, his voice steady but laced with displeasure. “We need to talk about your cousin’s recent decisions.”

“I understand your concerns. Valentino’s alliances were made without consulting any of our allies. I want to assure you that this is not a direction I support.” I’m walking a fine line here, hoping this doesn’t backfire before I can put my plan into motion.

Saverio narrows his eyes. “Then why has it happened? We’ve always kept our business clean. No drugs, no humans. This alliance threatens everything we stand for.”

“I agree,” I say choosing my next words carefully. “Valentino initially believed these partnerships would bring us more power and wealth. But he now understands the dangerous path it’s put us on. That’s why I’m here—to let you know I’m fixing this.”

Saverio exchanges a look with his sons, before turning his attention back to me. “What are you proposing, Antonio?”

“I’m planning to meet with DeLuca to sever all ties.”

Saverio’s oldest son, Danilo, leans forward. “He won’t take kindly to that.”

“Possibly not,” I concede. “The TrombinoFamigliain Brooklyn is willing to allow them to move their shipments through their ports. I believe that will be an agreeable compromise for DeLuca.”

Saverio steeples his fingers, his expression unreadable. “We were at your party last month. I’ve spoken with several of the other families since then. Valentino’s instability concerns us. He’s unpredictable and reckless. That’s dangerous for all of us.”

“I agree. What happened was unacceptable. He got carried away with the celebration.” I force a relaxed smile. “I assure you it was a one-time occurrence.”

Saverio’s eyes narrow further, scrutinizing me. “And if it wasn’t? If he continues down this path? What are you prepared to do?”

I pause, weighing my next words carefully. This could be a test of my loyalty to Valentino—or an opportunity. If it’s a test, it’s one I can’t afford to fail. “One night doesn’t change my loyalty. I have faith in Valentino as our Capo. From today forward, we’ll move in the right direction.”

Danilo speaks up again. “What about Salazar? If you sever ties with him, there’ll be retaliation. How do you plan to handle that?”

“We’ll be ready for any backlash,” I say, looking each man in the eye. “Currently they’re overextended. If we strike, it’ll be swift, cutting them off before they have a chance to regroup.”

“You’re asking us to risk a lot,” Saverio says.

“I am,” I reply, meeting his gaze steadily.

“I’m not convinced but I respect your commitment. We’ll support you—for now. But understand, if this fails, the consequences will be severe.”

“I understand,” I reply, relief washing over me. “Thank you, Saverio. Together, we’ll ensure the strength of both our families.”

The meeting wraps up, and as I walk out, I’m already planning my next move. Valentino’s downfall has to be quick, decisive.

Once I’m in my car, I call Valentino.

“How did the meeting go?” he asks.

“It went well. I convinced them to get on board.”

“I knew I could count on you, cousin.”

“I’ll always have your back,” I reply.

“There’s been a development here this afternoon. I’ve uncovered some disloyalty,” Vigo says, his tone casual, like he’s talking about the weather.

My pulse quickens. “Who?”

“Dante,” he replies flatly.

“What has he done?”

“Alessia’s been selling her photos at a gallery downtown. And he’s been helping her.”

I need to shift his focus. “That sounds like an issue with Alessia, not Dante.”

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