Chapter 119
"Thank you all for being present," Alessandro began with a steady and clear voice that found its way to all parts of the hall. "I have called you people here for something important." He stopped, allowing each syllable to sink into the heads of his listeners, heavy with what was yet to come. "My father… is dead."
This was met by the collective murmur that swept through the room, a wave of shock and grief mixed with whispers of uncertainty. Alessandro let them have their moment, then raised a hand, and the room fell silent once more.
"His time has come and gone," Alessandro said in a ringing voice. "And with his demise, another era dawns. An era under my rule. Things will be different. We become more powerful, more controlled, and more tight-knit." He did not flinch, his eyes meeting each and every man's in turn. "From this day forward, we do things my way."
A grizzled, sceptical man stood from the front row. "And what does that translate to in these times, Alessandro? Your father was a great man. Are you going to lead us down the same path?"
Alessandro's eyes narrowed fractionally, but he didn't let the coolness of his demeanour slip. "My father led with power, yes. But this family… this organisation… has suffered under practices that have served a select few and ignored the needs of the whole. That will change. Everyone here-regardless of rank, wealth, or status-will pay their due share in taxes."
The murmur of voices rose again, some discontented, others intrigued. Alessandro raised his voice-firm, unyielding. "The wealthy among us have paid less than those with less means. This will no longer be tolerated. Taxes will be equal-no more exemptions. No more favouritism."
A younger member, a lieutenant by rank, leaned forward, brows knitted in scepticism. "And what do we get in return for paying more?
Alessandro didn't say another word. "More resources, more firepower. I am reinvesting into our weapons, our security, and into each one of you. We're gonna have the best arsenal and training there is, bar none. This family isn't gonna go unprepared into the future.".
The men turned to the others, some nodding in agreement, others a little more cautious. One of his father's former advisors, a man named Lucio, stood from his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. "You're asking us to fund changes that we're not even sure will work, Alessandro. What makes you think you can control it?
Alessandro's voice was firm as he spoke directly to Lucio now. "Because I am the one in charge now. If there's anyone here who doubts my resolve, speak now. And understand that hesitation has no place in this family."
The room fell silent once more, the weight of Alessandro's words pressing down on each of them. For a moment, Lucio held his gaze, then inclined his head and settled back in his chair.
Aside from taxes, Alessandro managed to lighten up his tone somewhat as he continued: "I will also deal with another sector, still uneven it remains. The drug market. We will regulate it strictly from now on. Any deal that does not pass by me will not be accepted. Standards we maintain, control we maintain. No more crazy trades.".
There was a murmur of responses: some happy, others leery. Alessandro plunged ahead, his vision for the future well in sight. "Moreover, we will be funding new ventures. Technology. Clean assets. We are more than a crime family-we are a legacy. And it's time we act like one.
One of his father's old guards was a thickset man with a scar running across his cheek. He raised a hand. "What about the debtors, Alessandro? Your father had a few lined up with payments due. How do you plan to handle them?
Alessandro's face hardened, his eyes like ice. "All debtors will come and speak with me in person. They can have one opportunity to renegotiate on a crystal-clear deadline. Anyone who doesn't meet it won't get any leeway. Understand?
The guard nodded. The look of satisfaction was written across his face as he leaned back. Alessandro's reputation had trickled down through the ranks; they knew he would be less lenient than his father came to respect and loyalty.
Alessandro let his gaze pan around the room one last time, his voice steady and imbued with emotion. "This is a new era, but it is one that will strengthen and protect all of us. We move forward together, as one. Those who stand in the way of this change… will be dealt with accordingly.
A low hum of agreement rumbled through the men. Alessandro's intensity, the clarity of his vision, and the unwavering tone didn't leave them much space for doubt. They were now his men, bound by loyalty and mutual tacit understanding that Alessandro's rule, though different from his father's, was absolute.
His voice was a shade softer as Alessandro paused, nearing the end of the meeting. "My father may be gone, but his spirit and his legacy live on in each of us. Honour him by embracing the future we're building-together.
He took a step back, his head nodding slightly in acknowledgment to the group; it was over. The men now began to rise, murmuring amongst their number, some already making plans while others digested the enormity of what had just transpired.
As the room was emptying out, Lucio approached him. He was much more respectful now, than he had been earlier: "Alessandro, I may have had my doubts, but… I see your vision now. Your father would be proud.
Alessandro nodded, an appreciative light dancing in his eyes. "Grazie, Lucio. It means a lot. But understand-if we're to make this work, we all need to be on board. Every last one of us.".
He nodded respectfully, and Lucio walked away, leaving Alessandro standing alone in the now-empty hall. The echoes of the conversation still echoed, but there was a quiet satisfaction that settled within him. It was his time, his rule, and he proposed to honour it with strength, fairness, and a vision that would take his family ahead into the future.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
