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As his words settled in the air, I felt a creeping sense of unease encroaching on my earlier contentment.
"So, this is what brought you here," I surmised, a tinge of resignation lacing my tone as I glanced at Carlo.
His gaze met mine. "Yes, Emilio. I came to discuss the potential of incorporating those vehicles into our operations," he clarified, his voice edged with a touch of earnestness. "I see their value and how they could benefit the family."
‘Our’ operations? Hadn’t I made myself clear when I had told him that I wanted nothing to do with the mafia again?
I regarded him with a cool composure, the weight of my newfound independence fueling my resolve.
"Carlo, my business and the vehicles are not of your concern," I replied, my tone measured but firm. "I have my ventures now, separate from the affairs of the family. Have you forgotten that I am no longer interested in the mafia?"
Carlo's brows furrowed, his gaze unwavering as he probed further.
"But think about the profits, Emilio. We could benefit greatly from integrating those vehicles into our operations," he argued, his voice tinged with a hint of persuasion.
"It's not about the profits, Carlo," I asserted, my voice tinged with a sense of finality. "I've made my decision, and my focus is on building a legitimate business. The vehicles have no place in your family's dealings. "
Carlo's expression hardened, a flicker of frustration crossing his features.
"You've changed, Emilio," he murmured, his words laden with a mixture of disappointment and resignation. "I just hope you know what you're doing."
Carlo's gaze remained steadfast, but there was a hardening in his expression, an edge of frustration in his eyes.
As the weight of his statement settled in the room, I met his eyes without a single ounce of fear. "Carlo, I'm the one who handed you the position," I reminded him, my voice firm yet tinged with a hint of caution. "Don't let that go to your head. I can take it back just as easily."
Carlo's response was laced with a subtle challenge.
"You think you can just reclaim it whenever you want?" he inquired, a note of skepticism coloring his tone.
I leaned in closer, the tension between us palpable. "Don't get cocky, Carlo. You wouldn't be where you are if I hadn't let it happen," I warned, my words laden with an unspoken threat. "And if you ever try anything, I won't hesitate to take action. You know how formidable my men are."
Our exchange brimmed with the unspoken tension of brotherly rivalry. Carlo took a step back, his expression a mix of frustration and acceptance.
"Fine, Emilio," he conceded, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation and annoyance. "We'll go our separate ways from now on. We can pretend the other doesn't exist and live our own lives."
There was a finality in his words, an acknowledgment of the rift that had grown between us, and I didn’t even feel bad about it. I just felt free.
When had he ever treated me like a brother?
I felt like another burden was lifted off my back.
With a final, lingering look, Carlo turned and left my office without another word. I watched his retreating figure. I hoped that this would, indeed, be the last time our paths crossed and that I could finally distance myself from the world of the mafia.
No longer wanting to think about Carlo, I took out my phone from my pocket, swiftly dialing Enzo's number. As the call connected, I wasted no time in getting to the point.
"Enzo, how's the progress with the Joe and Burrows Law Firm acquisition going?"
Epilogue
Griselda
I stared at the documents in my hands, my mouth agape in utter shock. Emilio stood before me, a wide smile playing on his lips. I couldn't believe what I was holding. My voice quivered as I attempted to form a coherent question, trying to understand when, how, and why he did this.
"Oh my God, Emilio, how did you... when did you... why?" I stammered, my voice barely audible as I struggled to comprehend the magnitude of the situation.
Emilio shrugged, his expression smug as he explained. Despite all we had been through, he hadn't forgotten about my boss and the injustices I had faced. I glanced down at the papers again.
They were the acquisition documents of the law firm where I used to work.
