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I ended the call and took a deep breath before accepting Matteo's call.
"Matteo." What did Matteo call me for? I wondered as I took his call.
"I've been thinking," he began, his words coming out measured. "The tech gala is approaching, and I believe it would be beneficial for us to attend together."
Chapter 12
Matteo
Thetensionintheroom was stifling, a heavy cloud of discord that hung between Francisco and me. Our eyes locked in a silent battle of wills, his ambition clashing with my father's principles.
The old wooden table that had witnessed countless family discussions now seemed like a battlefield, the lines drawn in our opposing stances.
I had just learned about Francisco's decision to cut the orphanage funds through Antonio.
Information was gotten from the men I had ordered him to dispatch to watch Francisco’s every move.
The news hit me like a sucker punch to the gut, igniting a fiery rage. Without hesitation, I stormed over to Francisco's imposing abode, my footsteps echoing with a purpose that matched the intensity of my emotions.
The mansion's grand entrance seemed to sneer at me as I approached, the imposing facade reflecting the man who resided within.
The ornate double doors, polished to a gleaming shine, swung open to reveal the elegant interior.
Francisco stood there, his posture exuding a false air of calm authority, but his eyes, those calculating eyes, betrayed the tension that simmered beneath the surface.
I wasted no time with pleasantries, the anger that fueled my steps now propelling my words.
"I can't believe you cut the funding for the orphanages," I stated, my voice a mix of disbelief and anger.
"Those were the ideals my father held close to his heart, a way to give back to the community.Ha iniziato quando era ancora vivo (It started when he was still alive.)"
Francisco's lips curled into a cold smile, reflecting his indifference." I tempi cambiano (Times change), Matteo. We can't afford sentimentality when it comes to the family business. Your father's ways are a relic of the past."
I felt my fists clench involuntarily at his callous words. The orphanages had been my father's way of making a positive impact, ensuring that the family's influence extended beyond the realm of power and wealth.
He believed in providing a haven for those who needed it most.
"Those 'ways' were built on values and ethics. They're part of the legacy he left behind."
Francisco waved a dismissive hand as if brushing away an insignificant matter.
"Legacy won't secure our future, Matteo. Our rivals are growing stronger, and we must adapt to survive."
My gaze bore into his, a mixture of frustration and disbelief.
"Adapt by getting into heroin and human trafficking? That's a betrayal of everything our family stands for."
His response was a cool chuckle that sent a shiver down my spine.
"Business evolves, and we evolve with it. The drug trade offers profits we can't ignore and human trafficking. There's always a demand."
The room seemed to close in around us as his words echoed. My father's voice, the lessons he taught me, and his unwavering dedication to upholding the family's name all felt like distant echoes in the face of Francisco's ruthless words.
"Have you forgotten the miracle drug that's revolutionized our income?" I retorted, my voice tinged with exasperation.
"We don't need to stoop to these levels. The families have united under the new venture."
Francisco's eyes gleamed with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.
