Chapter 5 - The Council
High above the bustling streets, the boardroom was an altar of polished mahogany and panoramic glass.
Twelve men and one woman sat around the massive table, sipping espresso and speaking in hushed tones.
At the head of the table, sitting casually in the chair reserved for the boss, was Valentina.
She wore a striking crimson suit, a stark contrast to the dreary charcoal and black of the men around her.
She checked a diamond-encrusted watch on her wrist, a faint, victorious smile playing on her painted lips.
"It is ten past the hour," Valentina announced, her voice echoing off the glass walls.
"It appears our esteemed leader has met with an unfortunate delay."
Several men chuckled nervously, while others exchanged knowing, guilty glances.
They all knew about the tunnel.
They were all just waiting for the phone call to confirm the king was dead.
"Perhaps it is time we discuss the transition of power," suggested Don Moroni, a fat, greedy man from the docks.
"Nature abhors a vacuum, and our businesses need strong leadership."
Valentina nodded gracefully, resting her manicured hands on the table.
"I agree, Don Moroni."
"Alessandro served this family well, but his methods were becoming soft."
"He forgot that our strength comes from fear, not from philanthropy and patience."
She stood up, walking slowly around the table, asserting her dominance over the room.
"Under my rule, the families will unite, and we will take back the territories we lost."
"We will no longer hide in the shadows."
The council members murmured in agreement, eager to please the incoming queen.
Nobody noticed the elevator lights blinking in the private foyer.
Nobody heard the silent, swift neutralization of Valentina’s armed guards outside the heavy wooden doors.
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They were too busy carving up an empire that did not yet belong to them.
And then, the massive double doors of the boardroom slowly creaked open.
