Chapter 7 - DISMANTLING THE EMPIRE
Armed with the doctor's filmed confession and the stolen hospital documents, I didn't go to the police. The police were useless in our world. I went to the Commission—the council of the five ruling crime families in the city.
We arranged a clandestine meeting in the back room of an old meatpacking plant. I stood before the five Dons, men who respected blood, loyalty, and ruthless efficiency.
I played the video. I handed out the documents.
"My brother broke the sacred laws of our syndicate," I announced, my voice echoing off the tiled walls. "He attempted to murder a blood heir. He installed an imposter into my home. I am calling for a vote of excommunication."
The Dons murmured among themselves. Don Romano, the oldest and most respected, looked at the papers, his face grim. "The proof is absolute, Lorenzo. Matteo has brought dishonor. You have the Commission's blessing. His men will stand down. Matteo is isolated."
Within twenty-four hours, Matteo's empire crumbled. His bank accounts, frozen by our inside men. His lieutenants, suddenly refusing his calls. His guards, abandoning their posts. I systematically stripped him of everything that gave him power. I wanted him desperate. I wanted him terrified.
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I sat in my penthouse, looking out over the city skyline, gently rocking Leo in my arms. The boy was thriving. He had a voracious appetite and a loud, demanding cry that brought a smile to my face. He was a survivor.
"We're almost done, little lion," I whispered to him. "Just two snakes left to cut from the garden."
