Chapter 26 - The Queen's Ultimatum
The execution of Vincent sent a violent shockwave all the way to the heart of New York City.
Dominic was furious, realizing that Arthur was not just defending his territory; he was actively hunting the Commission.
Clara knew that Dominic would strike back with overwhelming, desperate force.
The morning after the shipyard ambush, Clara walked into Arthur’s study holding a steaming cup of coffee.
Arthur was wiping the mud and gun oil off his favorite rifle, looking exhausted but victorious.
“Vincent is dead, but Dominic still has the resources of three families behind him,” Clara warned, setting the coffee down.
“Let them come,” Arthur replied arrogantly, sliding a fresh magazine into his weapon.
“My men are ready for a war on the streets.”
Clara shook her head, her mind already calculating the collateral damage of a prolonged mafia war.
“A street war will draw the FBI, the National Guard, and the media, Arthur.”
“We cannot rule a city if it is reduced to ashes.”
Arthur stopped cleaning his gun and looked up at her, respecting her intellect above all else.
“What is your play, Clara?” he asked, completely trusting her judgment.
“We remove his army without firing a single shot,” Clara stated coldly.
She walked over to the large map on the wall, pointing to the massive union docks in New York.
“Dominic relies on the dockworkers union to smuggle his narcotics and weapons.”
“I have spent the last three days quietly buying up the debts of the union leaders through our offshore shells.”
Arthur’s eyes widened in realization as he saw the pure genius of her strategy.
“If you call in those debts, the union leaders will face federal prison,” Arthur said, following her logic.
“Exactly,” Clara smiled.
“I am going to offer them full debt forgiveness in exchange for an immediate, indefinite strike at Dominic’s ports.”
Within forty-eight hours, the largest shipping ports in New York ground to an absolute halt.
No cargo moved, no ships were unloaded, and Dominic’s illegal goods rotted in their containers.
The Commission’s income dried up instantly, causing a massive panic among Dominic’s own soldiers who were suddenly not getting paid.
Clara had effectively crippled the most powerful mafia family in America using a laptop and a cup of coffee.
Arthur watched her coordinate the financial ruin of their enemies from the comfort of their living room.
He leaned over and kissed her deeply, thoroughly intoxicated by the ruthless power of his beautiful wife.
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“You are a terrifying woman, Clara Moretti,” Arthur whispered against her lips.
“I learned from the best,” she smiled, pulling him closer.
