Chapter 1 - the engagement ring
The grand ballroom of the Moretti estate hummed with the quiet, tense energy of New York's elite. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over mahogany tables, where politicians, socialites, and crime bosses clinked glasses of vintage champagne.
In a quiet private parlor off the main hall, Celeste Moretti stood near a velvet settee. Her extravagant ivory engagement gown shimmered under the wall sconces, her diamond necklace sparkling against her pale skin.
Standing inches from her was Adrian Cross, leader of the rival Cross family, looking effortless in a perfectly tailored navy tuxedo.
Celeste leaned in, pressing her lips against Adrian’s in a slow, lingering kiss. As she pulled back, she slid a heavy gold ring—stamped with the ancient Moretti crest—into Adrian’s waiting palm.
"Before midnight, the Moretti empire will belong to you," Celeste whispered softly.
The double mahogany doors swung open.
Victor Moretti stepped into the doorway. Broad-shouldered, muscular, and terrifyingly composed in a custom midnight-black tuxedo, the legendary Mafia boss filled the frame. Gold cufflinks glinted at his wrists as his icy grey eyes took in the room.
Celeste froze, her face draining of color.
Adrian slowly turned around, unbothered, and casually slipped the heavy gold signet ring into his suit pocket. A cruel smirk touched his lips.
"She simply chose the more powerful family," Adrian said.
Victor didn't utter a word. He moved across the room in three heavy, deliberate strides. He lunged forward, grabbing Adrian by his lapels, and violently threw him backward onto the banquet table.
The wooden table split down the center with a loud crash. Silver platters, crystal decanters, and red wine scattered everywhere, soaking Adrian’s navy tuxedo.
Before Celeste could take a step back, Victor turned and delivered a hard, open-handed slap across her face. The force sent her crashing to the carpet.
Silence descended on the room.
Celeste slowly pushed herself back to her feet. Her hand rose to touch her left cheek, where a dark red bruise was already forming against her fair skin. Yet, as she looked up at Victor, a venomous, triumphant smile spread across her lips.
"Touch me again," Celeste hissed, her voice dripping with poison, "and your daughter will disappear."
Victor’s composed expression hardened into absolute granite. His grey eyes narrowed as he took one slow step closer.
"Why should I be afraid," Victor said, his voice ice-cold, "when she’s already safe in a secret location?"
Celeste’s triumphant smile vanished instantly. She stared at him in utter shock.
Before she could speak, Victor’s encrypted cell phone buzzed loudly in his inner pocket. He pulled it out and tapped the screen.
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His chief of security’s panicked voice blasted over the speaker: "Don Victor! The Westchester safehouse was just breached! They took the little girl!"
Gunfire echoed over the line, followed by deafening static.
