Mafia or You - A Romance Novel

Chapter 11 The Offer

The factory's grimy windows allowed the first rays of dawn to filter through, casting long shadows across the room where Cassie and Debbie remained bound. Exhausted, they clung to each other, sharing what little comfort they could in their dire situation.

Meanwhile, Moretti, always the manipulator, had devised a sinister plan to exploit the deep-seated animosity between the Davis and Moretti families. He decided to make them an offer they couldn't easily refuse.

---

Richard Davis paced in his living room, anxiety etched on his face. The failed rescue attempt weighed heavily on him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that they were running out of time. The sudden ringing of his phone jolted him from his thoughts.

"Richard Davis speaking."

"Mr. Davis," Moretti's oily voice came through the line. "I think we need to have a little chat. Meet me at the old warehouse on Birch Avenue. Alone. And I suggest you don't keep me waiting."

Before Richard could respond, the line went dead. He clenched his jaw and grabbed his coat, determination setting his features into a hard mask.---

At the same time, Anthony Moretti received a similar call. Maria's worried eyes followed him as he prepared to leave. "What does he want, Anthony?"

"Whatever it is, it's about Debbie. I have to go."---

The old warehouse on Birch Avenue was a relic of the past, its crumbling walls a testament to years of neglect. Richard and Anthony arrived almost simultaneously, their eyes locking in a shared moment of apprehension before they stepped inside.

Moretti stood in the center of the vast, empty space, a smug smile on his face. "Ah, right on time. I appreciate punctuality."

"Cut the crap, Moretti," Richard snapped. "What do you want?"

Moretti's smile widened. "Straight to business. I like that. Here's the deal: I'll let your daughter go, Richard, if you hand over Debbie."Anthony's eyes narrowed. "And what's the catch?"

"No catch," Moretti replied smoothly. "I'm offering you the same deal, Anthony. Give me Cassie, and I'll release Debbie."

Richard's face twisted in anger. "You're asking us to sell out our own family? That's not going to happen."

Moretti raised an eyebrow. "Is it really such a hard choice? Save your daughter or the daughter of a family you despise. Think about it."

Anthony looked conflicted, his mind racing. "How do we know you'll keep your word?"

"You don't," Moretti admitted with a shrug. "But what other option do you have? Another failed rescue attempt? More bloodshed?"

Richard's fists clenched at his sides. "We won't be part of your sick game."Moretti's expression turned cold. "You'd better think carefully. Your daughters' lives depend on it."---

Back at the Davis household, the tension was palpable. Maria sat with Michael, their worry mirrored in each other's eyes.

"They're not back yet," Michael said, pacing the room. "What's taking so long?"---When Richard and Anthony returned, their faces were grim. The families gathered, waiting for an explanation.

"What did he want?" Maria asked, her voice trembling.

Richard exchanged a glance with Anthony before speaking. "Moretti offered us a deal. He'll let 

Cassie go if we give him Debbie. And he made the same offer to Anthony for Debbie's release in exchange for Cassie."

Gasps and murmurs of shock rippled through the room. Michael's eyes widened in disbelief. "He wants us to betray each other?"

Anthony nodded. "That's exactly what he wants."

Maria's face hardened with resolve. "We can't do it. We can't sacrifice one to save the other."

Richard sighed. "We have to find another way. We have to work together, truly this time."

The room fell silent as everyone processed the gravity of the situation. The old grudges seemed trivial now, compared to the lives at stake.---At the factory, Moretti paced, confident that his plan would sow further discord. Cassie and 

Debbie watched him warily, their hope dwindling with each passing moment.

"What do you think they'll do?" Debbie whispered.

Cassie squeezed her hand. "I don't know. But whatever happens, we have to stay strong. We'll find a way out of this."

Moretti stopped his pacing and turned to them, a satisfied smirk on his face. "I've made your families an offer. Let's see if they love you enough to make the right choice."

Cassie glared at him, refusing to show any fear. "They won't play your twisted game."

Moretti's smile didn't falter. "We'll see. We'll see."

As the hours dragged on, the weight of Moretti's offer hung heavy in the air, a sinister cloud over the two families. They knew the decision they faced was impossible, but one thing was clear: they had to put aside their differences, once and for all, to save their daughters from the clutches of a madman.