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And as I turned back to my computer screen, I couldn't help but wonder what other surprises Matteo had hidden beneath his enigmatic exterior.
Chapter 10
Matteo
Ileanedbackinmy leather chair, studying Antonio's face with a contemplative gaze. The soft hum of the air conditioning was the only sound in the room as we engaged in our hushed conversation.
"So, what did you manage to uncover?"
Antonio's demeanor was serious, his eyes steady as he met my gaze. "I delved into the matter you asked about. Your uncle, Francisco, appears to have plans that could disrupt the delicate balance we've achieved."
A frown tugged at my brow. "What plans are we talking about?Cosa intendi (What do you mean)? "
His words were measured as he continued. "It's about Vitalin, that miracle drug that's been turning heads in both the underworld and legitimate circles. The families have found a new avenue of power and reputation through it. The distribution of Vitalin has led to a period of relative peace and prosperity, a departure from the conventional illegal activities we engaged in in the past."
I absorbed the implications of his words, feeling the weight of his revelations. "And my uncle?"
Antonio's gaze didn't waver. "He seems dissatisfied with the current trajectory. He's eyeing a more drastic change, a return to the old ways of doing things."
My jaw clenched as I processed the information. "I vecchi modi (The old ways)?"
"Yes," Antonio confirmed. "The more ruthless approach. It seems he wants to monopolize the Vitalin market, reverting to the methods that brought us power in the past."
My mind raced, the cogs turning as I considered the ramifications. "So, he's plotting a power move and seeking funds to fuel it."
Antonio nodded. "It appears so."
The gravity of the situation settled over me. If my uncle's ambitions were realized, the newfound stability we had achieved and the unity we had cultivated would crumble, leading us back into the chaos we had worked so hard to escape.
Antonio's voice drew me back. "He's been gaining support from those who share his vision, the traditionalists who believe in the old ways."
I leaned forward, my fingers intertwined as I pondered the puzzle before us. "This is a dangerous game he's playing."
"Yes," Antonio agreed. "And it's a game that could have far-reaching consequences."
Antonio's presence lingered in the room, a silent acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation.
We shared a tense moment, both aware of the impending storm that my uncle's ambitions could unleash.
"We can't let his power play disrupt our progress," I finally spoke, breaking the silence.
Antonio's gaze met mine; his expression was resolute. "Concordato (Agreed),but how do we counteract his move?"
I leaned back in my chair, my mind working furiously to devise a strategy. "We might need to expedite our plans. If Francisco is becoming more ambitious, we can't afford to wait. We have to be proactive."
Antonio's brow furrowed, considering the implications. "Speeding up could mean risks.
I nodded, fully aware of the potential consequences. "SÌ, but calculated risks. We'll have to assess the situation carefully, gather information, and make our moves strategically."
As I contemplated the situation, frustration and bitterness washed over me.
My thoughts drifted to my father, who had once led our family with a different set of principles.
These principles were now being disregarded and discarded by my uncle's insatiable thirst for power.
Francisco's ambitions were steering the mafia onto a path my father would vehemently reject.
My father believed in balancing the fine line between power and responsibility.
