Chapter 9 - The Ultimatum
That evening, the mansion smelled of gun smoke and bleach.
Alessandro sat in his leather chair, a glass of amber whiskey untouched on his desk.
Rosa walked into the room, holding a sleeping Lily in her arms.
"We have to leave, Alessandro," she said softly, her voice breaking.
Alessandro stood up instantly, his heart clenching painfully in his chest.
"No," he said, stepping toward her.
"I will triple the guards, I will build a fortress, you will never be in danger again."
Rosa shook her head, tears spilling over her dark lashes.
"I cannot raise a child in a war zone," she whispered.
"Lily deserves a normal life, a safe life."
Alessandro looked at the little girl who had saved him, then at the woman who had brought light into his dark world.
He had ruled the underworld for fifteen years, shedding blood to keep his crown.
But looking at them now, the crown felt completely worthless.
"What if there is no war zone?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
Rosa looked at him, confused.
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"I am stepping down," Alessandro declared, a massive weight lifting off his shoulders.
"I am giving the territory to Enzo and walking away."
