Chapter 47: More power

Ana
A few weeks have passed since Paolo and I began our rise to power as the largest mafia in Italy. The days have been long and exhausting, filled with meetings, negotiations, and sometimes violent confrontations. Expanding our empire hasn't been easy, but Paolo and I have worked tirelessly to consolidate our power.
Despite the challenges, we've made significant progress. Our operations have expanded, and our influence has spread to new regions. However, with power comes enemies, and we've made many in the process. The constant threat of betrayals and attacks is always present, and the tension in the air is palpable.
My mother has been by my side throughout this time. Her presence has been a comfort, but also a source of internal conflict. I admire and trust her because she's my mother, but sometimes her advice and suggestions leave me with doubts and concerns.
"Ana, my dear, you must be tougher with your enemies. You can't show weakness," Luisa told me one afternoon as we reviewed our operations reports.
"Mom, I understand what you're saying, but we also need allies. We can't face everyone at the same time," I replied, trying to balance her advice with the reality of our situation.
"Allies can become enemies at any moment. You must remember that in this world, only the strong survive," she insisted in her firm and authoritative tone.
I nodded, though my mind still doubted. Luisa's presence was comforting, but sometimes I felt that her ideas were too extreme. However, being such an important figure in my life, it was hard for me to openly contradict her.
One night, after a long meeting with our partners, Paolo and I retired to our room. We were exhausted, but the tension between us was evident.
"Ana, I know your mother wants the best for you, but we have to be cautious. Her methods can be too risky," Paolo said as he took off his jacket.
"I know, Paolo. But she's my mother. I trust her and I want to believe that her advice is for our own good," I replied, feeling caught between two worlds.
"I understand, love. I just ask that you don't make any rash decisions. We need to be strategic and think about the long term," Paolo said, approaching me and taking my hands in his.
"I promise to be careful. I just need to find a balance between her advice and what's really best for us."
We embraced, finding comfort in each other's closeness. I knew Paolo was right, but I also knew I couldn't ignore my mother. The situation was complex, and I needed to find a way to navigate these difficult times without losing sight of what truly mattered.
Days passed, and the pressure kept mounting. Our enemies were lurking, and every move we made was crucial. One afternoon, while I was reviewing reports in my office, Luisa entered with a serious expression on her face.
"Ana, we need to talk," she said, closing the door behind her.
"Of course, Mom. What's wrong?" I asked, setting aside the papers to give her my full attention.
"I've been thinking about our situation. I think we need to take more drastic measures to secure our position. There are certain individuals who pose a constant threat and need to be eliminated."
"Who are you referring to?" I asked, feeling a pang of concern.
"There are several, but one in particular is a serious problem. We need to get rid of him before he can cause more harm," Luisa said, handing me a report with details about our enemy.
I looked at the report and recognized the name. He was a leader of a rival mafia who had been causing trouble. I knew he was dangerous, but I also knew that eliminating him wouldn't be easy and could trigger an all-out war.
"Mom, this is risky. If we eliminate him, we could face retaliation," I said, trying to weigh the risks.
"Ana, you must be strong. This man won't hesitate to destroy us if he gets the chance. You must act before he does," she insisted.
I nodded slowly, feeling the weight of the decision I had to make. I knew Luisa was right to some extent, but I also knew that Paolo and I needed to be careful. Making rash decisions could lead to our downfall.
That night, as Paolo and I ate dinner in silence, I couldn't help but think about the conversation with my mother. Finally, I broke the silence.
"Paolo, my mother thinks we should eliminate one of our enemies before it's too late," I said, looking into his eyes.
"Who is she referring to?" Paolo asked, his face serious.
"One of the leaders of the rival mafia. She believes he poses too great a threat to ignore," I replied, feeling the tension in the air.
Paolo fell silent for a moment, thinking.
"Ana, I understand your concern, but we need to be cautious. Eliminating a rival leader could trigger a war we're not prepared for."
"I know, Paolo. But we also need to protect ourselves. We can't let someone destroy us from within."
"I trust your judgment, Ana. I just ask that you consider all the consequences before making such a drastic decision," Paolo said, taking my hand.
"I will, Paolo. I promise I won't act impulsively. But we need to find a solution soon."
The following days were a whirlwind of meetings and discussions. The pressure kept mounting, and it became increasingly difficult to maintain a balance. My mother kept insisting on the need to eliminate our enemies, while Paolo and I tried to find a more diplomatic solution.
One night, after a long meeting with our allies, Luisa pulled me aside.
"Ana, you need to make a decision. We can't keep waiting. Every day that passes, our enemy grows stronger," she said, her voice filled with urgency.
"I know, Mom. But we also need to consider the consequences. I don't want to trigger a war we can't win," I replied, trying to remain calm.
"Ana, you're a leader. You need to be strong and make tough decisions. You can't let fear paralyze you. That's not what your father and I taught you. You must always show strength, especially in the face of your adversaries."
I nodded, feeling the weight of her words. I knew she was right, but I also knew I needed to be smart. Making rash decisions could lead to our downfall.
Finally, one night, Paolo and I sat down to discuss the situation once again. The tension was palpable, but we also knew we needed to find a solution.
"Paolo, I think my mother is right to some extent. We can't ignore our enemies, but we also need to be strategic," I said, looking into his eyes.
"I agree, Ana. We need to find a balance between strength and diplomacy. We can't let our enemies destroy us, but we can't act impulsively either."
"So, what do we do?" I asked, feeling the pressure of the moment.
"I think we should gather our allies and discuss a joint strategy. We need to make sure everyone is on the same page and ready to act if necessary."
I nodded, feeling a wave of relief. I knew we had a tough road ahead, but I also knew that, together, we could overcome any obstacle.
The following days were a whirlwind of meetings and discussions, but we finally managed to find a balance. Paolo and I decided to move forward with a combined strategy of strength and diplomacy, ensuring that all our allies were prepared for any eventuality.
Despite the challenges, I knew we had the support of our family and allies. Together, we could face any challenge and move forward, strengthening our empire and protecting those we loved.
I felt a mix of fear and determination, but I knew that with Paolo by my side, we could overcome any obstacle. Life in the mafia was dangerous and complicated, but I also knew that I had people by my side who were willing to fight for me, protect me, and prove their loyalty.