Chapter 17
Dawn broke over the city, casting a pale, gray light over the smoldering ruins of the Falcone estate's western gate. The gunfire had finally ceased, leaving behind a profound, ringing silence. The Cole family's assault had been utterly crushed, their bodies littering the manicured lawns like discarded toys. Domenico stood in the center of the atrium, surveying the aftermath. His dress shirt was ruined, his knuckles bruised, but his posture remained impeccably straight and commanding. He gathered his surviving capos, their faces grim and exhausted. "They tried to take my home," Domenico said, his voice a quiet, terrifying murmur that echoed off the marble walls. "Now, we take their city." He unfolded a map on the ruined banquet table, circling three primary locations in red ink. "These are Silas Cole’s financial hubs. His casinos, his distribution centers. I want them hit simultaneously within the hour. No warnings. No survivors. We do not stop until the Cole name is completely eradicated from the ledger." The silver-haired capo nodded, a cold light of vengeance in his eyes. "It will be done, Boss." Domenico looked up toward the second floor, his gaze softening for a fraction of a second as he thought of his sleeping daughter. "Protect the blood," he whispered to his men. "Burn the rest." The syndicate mobilized, descending upon the city like a plague of retribution.
