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I could sense their discontent, their reluctance to comply. But they knew deep down that they had no choice. The power we wielded was undeniable – the Bratva alone could wipe them off the face of the earth.

“If there are no more questions, then you can all leave and do as I have ordered,” I commanded, my voice resonating with authority. They turned to leave. “Oh, and someone clean that up,” I casually gestured towards the man I had shot, my gun still trained on him. “Yes, Don,” they replied obediently as they hurriedly walked away.

As the last person departs, Vlad enfolds me in his embrace. The room is hushed, the air heavy with anticipation.

“You are magnificent, my love,” he murmurs, his voice tinged with admiration. I cast a glance at the men lingering in the room, their expressions determined.

“We have much work ahead of us. And we must uncover the whereabouts of the women. I refuse to leave them stranded. Even if it means taking matters into my own hands.”

A mischievous smile dances on Vlad’s lips as he pulls me closer, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. “Naturally, my Queen. I adore your assertiveness,” he whispers, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. “Now, let us chart our course and restore order to this chaos.”

Chapter 48

Rose

"Firstthingsfirst.Whereis the body of my father?" She asks as we walk back into the office.

"It's already been disposed of, boss," one of the men to the side answers.

"Thank you." I nod at them and look at Aldo. "We should start making a list of the men that have been loyal to my father. We need to keep an eye on them. I hate to say it, but I think we will need to use them as examples of what will happen if they don't fall in line. It's not how I want to do things, but it's how it will have to be. If they cross the line, they will die. We need to make that clear."

"I can't agree more. But what do we do now?"

"First, let's make a plan to help the women who have been taken and get the family back in order. Vlad and Demetrius, I'm going to have to depend on you both for guidance and support. I have led nothing in my life, and this is a huge job."

“Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’re here to help in any way we can,” Demetrius reassures, taking a seat and reaching for his phone, presumably to call Luna. “Count me in for assistance as well. Luna would definitely want to lend a hand, too. We’ve been running the Bratva together. As for you two,” he points at Vlad and me, “work on a plan, and once it’s ready, we’ll put it into action. Meanwhile, let’s spread the word that we’re going to attack the warehouses. You’ll need to gather the men and send them to the designated locations. Let’s get this done quickly and discreetly.”

Vlad nods in agreement, saying, “I agree. We need to solve this situation swiftly. Those women need help, and the sooner we can get our men there, the better. If they’re still alive.”

"I think the first order of business is to set up a meeting with the other families," Aldo suggests

“I completely agree,” I nod, the air heavy with tension. “Before anything else, we need to meet with them face-to-face. They must know that my father has …. moved on, and I am now in charge.” The room’s dim lighting casts long shadows across the table as I lean forward, my voice determined.

As I continue, the sound of papers rustling fills the room, the noise a stark reminder of the weighty matters at hand. “In the meantime, let’s discuss the warehouse and the trafficking operation. I know this won’t be an easy road, but I am already envisioning the days when we can work together without suspicion.” My eyes scan the room, envisioning a future where unity prevails.

“The fate of our city hangs in the balance, and we cannot afford a war between our families any longer,” I state firmly, my voice resonating with conviction. “It’s time for a change, for us to stand united. The Bratva and the Mafia need to work together.”

Standing up, Demetrius interrupts, the sound of his chair scraping against the floor. “The first order of business will be the Don’s funeral,” he declares. I furrow my brows, questioning the significance. “Why is that important? My father isn’t worthy of a grand send-off.”

Demetrius meets my gaze, his expression somber. “We must maintain appearances, Rose. Some things just have to be done, regardless of personal feelings. However, if you’re concerned, rest assured, it will be a paltry affair, and you won’t be required to attend.”

I shake my head vehemently, a mixture of frustration and defiance coursing through me. “I want no part in associating my name with him. None at all.”

He places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “No one will fault you for that, Rose. You have earned the respect of our men.”

I scoff, the sound bitter on my lips, and shake my head. “It’s clear they don’t appreciate a woman taking the reins.”

“Well, the men will just have to learn how to accept it,” I said, his voice filled with determination. The room was dimly lit, casting shadows on the walls. I could hear the crackling of the fire in the fireplace, adding warmth to the tense atmosphere.

“They will come around,” Aldo replied, his voice steady. The scent of burning wood mingled with the faint smell of gunpowder, reminding me of the recent violence that had taken place.

“I hope so. But if they don’t, we will just have to end them,” Aldo said, his tone turning cold. The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. I felt a shiver run down my spine.

“My own men will not backstab me,” I declared, my voice laced with determination. I could feel the anger building within me, a fire burning deep in my chest. The room seemed to grow smaller, suffocating. “And if they have no loyalty, I have no use for them,” I continued, my voice filled with conviction. I could taste the bitterness of betrayal, the metallic tang of revenge on my tongue.

“They will fall in line or they won’t. It’s how it works,” Demetrius stated, his voice firm. I could hear the distant echo of footsteps outside, the sound of men moving with purpose. “Even I had to take out men who weren’t happy with the way I handled my brother after what he did to Luna,” Demetrius confessed, his voice tinged with regret. The memories of that fateful night flashed before my eyes, the pain still fresh in my heart.

“Killing a few always sends a message,” Vlad added, his words chilling my bones. I could feel the weight of the gun in my hand, the cold metal pressing against my palm. The room fell silent, the tension palpable.

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