Chapter 8 - Shadows of the Past
While the gardens bloomed with the vibrant energy of a new beginning, the dark underbelly of the city had not entirely forgotten the fall of Vincent Moretti.
Down in the industrial district near Pier 44, whispers had begun to circulate among the remnants of the South Side factions. With Vincent out of the picture and Dr. Voss disgraced, external rivals believed the Bellavita empire might finally be showing signs of structural fatigue. They didn't know about the five-year-old child; they only knew that a change at the top had left a temporary void in the logistics chain.
Two weeks after Sophia’s report card celebration, Luca strode into Rocco’s private study without knocking—a breach of protocol that immediately signaled an emergency.
Rocco looked up from his desk, his expression instantly hardening into stone. “Report, Luca.”
“We intercepted an encrypted wire transmission originating from an offshore account linked to some of Vincent’s old associates,” Luca said, his voice clipped and urgent. “They’re planning a coordinated strike on the main distribution warehouse tomorrow night. They think you’re still vulnerable, boss. They think you haven't replaced the compromised security protocols.”
Rocco didn't flinch. He didn't panic. He simply closed the ledger he was working on, laced his fingers together, and let out a cold, steady breath.
“They think an old man sitting in a mansion loses his edge,” Rocco said quietly. “They forget that an empire isn't held together by youth, Luca. It’s held together by truth.”
“What are your orders, boss?” Luca asked, resting his hand near his holster. “Do we hit their safehouse tonight before they make a move?”
“No,” Rocco said, standing up and buttoning his suit jacket. “We let them come to the warehouse. Let them walk right into the trap. But this time… we do it with absolute transparency. I want every capo present. I want them to see what happens when outsiders mistake peace for weakness.”
“Understood,” Luca nodded, a grim smile touching his lips. “I’ll assemble the detail.”
“And Luca?” Rocco added as his head of security reached the door.
May you like
“Yes, boss?”
“Keep extra security detail around the main estate. I want Mariah and Sophia completely insulated from this. They’ve brought enough light into this house; they don't need to see the shadows return.”
