Chapter 23: It's for your own good, Benjamin.

All the “Capis” look at Max, observing the red blood in contrast with the white carpet of the room, some with a surprised expression, others with an inert expression as if they didn’t care:

“So, gentlemen, I asked a question and I’m waiting for the answer.” Johnny gestures with his palms up, one of his hands still holding the gun he had just used.

“If by chance no one wants this vote, are you going to kill us all?”

“Of course not, Mr. Williams. I’ll try to convince you another way.”

“As for me, you don’t need to convince me. I’m definitely going to vote for Benjamin Hahn’s removal, especially because your wife is more qualified than her brother.” Williams gives his opinion and Sebastian speaks up:

“Are you seriously going to let a woman lead you?” After Sebastian’s words, Johnny looks at his father with a disapproving look, not believing that the old man was letting his pet peeve with Bella speak louder.”

“I think I speak for everyone here that we have seen Bella Hahn in action and we know how much personality she has, even more than anyone else in this room.” Another nucle leader responds, looking at Johnny, who smiles sarcastically.

“That’s true. My wife really is exceptional, she can solve problems that that floppy Benjamin can’t.”

“Even if true, it bothers me that you say it like this. After all, he is Anthony Hahn’s son and just for that title he should be respected.”

“Sorry, but I disagree. If not even his mother gives him credibility, why should I?” Johnny looks at the one who was trying to question him.

“What do you mean? Are you using Mrs. Jimena Hahn’s name for your own interests?”

“Be careful, Mr. Peter. Don’t talk to my son like that, don’t forget where your feet are stepping right now.” Sebastian tries to take the lead.

“So far I’ve only heard threats and a conspiracy that might work. But everything will depend on what we will get in exchange for voting for Benjamin's departure.”

“Good argument, Simon. I offer you + 30% profit in the region that each of you controls.”

“If you can get Jimena Hahn to vote against her own son, I won't need that 30%, you'll have my vote for free.” Simon is so incisive in his words that the other “Capis” agree with his idea.

Meanwhile, Bella meets Susan in a Pub Bar and her faithful subordinate woman gives her some interesting information:

“I did what you asked me to do and kept an eye on your husband.” Susan pauses dramatically.

“Why don't you just say it, you know I hate drama.”

“As you imagined, Johnny left your friend Chloe's house at 1:00 pm and from there went to Sebastian Iverson's house.”

“So nothing unusual.” Bella takes a sip of her beer

“It’s not quite like that, at Sebastian’s house I observed six of the eight ‘Caps’ subordinate to your brother, but he himself wasn’t there.”

Bella puts the beer mug back on the counter and looks at Susan: “Are you telling me that Johnny and his father, are they conspiring against my brother?”

“I can’t say for sure. But when it comes to Johnny Iverson, anything could be.” Susan says, watching her female boss change her expression from friendly to completely irritated, because she needed to believe him, that’s what she promised when the two made up.

“Keep your opinion about my husband to yourself, I don’t believe he’s that dissimulated”

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Iverson. I spoke without thinking.” Susan lowers her head towards Bella, who takes a deep breath before continuing:

“Come back to New York tomorrow, I need to know how things are going there, a good boss never stays away from his company for too long and since you’re still my personal secretary I trust you to keep everything in order.”

“Thank you! I’ll do my best.”

“That’s one of the things I like about you, Susan. You never make empty promises and you always strive to do your best.” The two toast and some time later say goodbye, Susan returns to the hotel where she was strategically staying so she can move around more freely and follow her female boss’s orders while Bella goes home.

However, on the way back, the beautiful brunette can't stop thinking about what Susan said about the meeting at Johnny's father's house. She arrives home with a visibly intrigued face and doesn't even notice her mother sitting on the living room couch flipping through a fashion magazine.

“Daughter, are you okay?”

“I think so.” Bella remains thoughtful and Jimena insists

“If I know you well, there's something bothering you. Do you want to tell me?”

“Mom, do you think Johnny would be capable of betraying and conspiring against Benjamin?” Bella naively throws all her thoughts to Jimena, who thinks quickly before answering with a any lie

“I don't think so. Johnny has his flaws in his character, but conspiring against his brother would be too much even for him. I don't know where you got that idea from, but try to stay calm now.”

“I can't. There are rumors that some subordinates think Benjamin is too weak to lead the Hahn family. We could get everyone together and show them that Benjamin isn't weak, he just has a different way of commanding. What do you think?” Silence hung in the air, causing Bella to question:

“Why are you silent, Mom? Do you think Benjamin is weak for leadership?” And before Jimena could answer, Johnny entered the mansion.

“Look, your husband is here. Ask him your questions.” Jimena sneaked out, but not before warning her son-in-law by whispering the word “careful.”

“Doubts? What are you talking about?”

“Johnny, could you explain to me why six out of eight of Benjamin’s subordinate ‘Capis’ were at your father’s house today?”

“Of course I can, love. Did I tell you that my father is sick?”

“Are you telling me that six of the core leaders went to visit your father at once? Even if I had the best will to believe you, this is hard to swallow.”

“You would be right if my father’s health hadn’t worsened. In fact, I came to get some clothes. I’m going to spend a few days with him. I don’t know if he’ll make it.” Johnny pretends to be worried and Jimena listens to everything from the office and just shakes her head, finding her son-in-law's act funny.

“"Let me go with you then, if he's in such a bad shape."

"Bella, can I ask you not to go? My father is vulnerable right now and if he sees you it could make his situation worse.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“I'm loving this new phase of yours as a good wife.” Johnny approaches Bella to kiss her, but she dodges him and just continues on her way up the stairs.

“I think I spoke too soon.”

“Johnny Iverson, you're such a nerve.” Jimena appears again

“I'm glad you're here. Today's meeting was a success, let's schedule the vote next week, but I need your help.”

“Of course, dear son-in-law.”


**A few days later...**


The ‘Capis’ call a meeting with Benjamin and Bella, but Jimena insists on being present and accompanies her children and son-in-law.

“Why did you call us here?” Benjamin asks

“We talked and decided that you, Benjamin Hahn, are not good enough for the position of leader.”

“You can’t do that. It takes many votes and the consent of a legitimate member of the Hahn family, and in this case I won’t vote against my brother and I believe my mother won’t either.” Bella gets angry with Simon

“Daughter, don’t put words in my mouth. In fact, I think Benjamin is weak and insecure to take over the Hahn family and that’s why I vote for him to leave.” Jimena surprises

“Mom!?” Benjamin shouts

"Believe me, it’s for your own good, Benjamin.”