Rising in Ruins

One will live, one shall die.

The meeting room featured a substantial brown wooden table at its center, exuding an air of timeless sophistication. Its polished surface glinted under the soft overhead lighting, casting a warm and inviting ambiance. Surrounding it, plush leather chairs stood ready for occupants, their deep hues harmonizing with the rich wood to create an atmosphere of understated elegance. Marco was the first man to enter, his appearance was changed, more targeted, and more professional. He was wearing a black suit as he had managed to restore the communication and carry with him by the means of a very small discreet cord that curled up inside his left ear finding its destination back to the end of his suit's collar.

He had selected three new pistols from Bella's armory and two spare mags for each, before being prepared for all possibilities. Only five minutes remained, so he checked on more time just to make sure there were no traps. Once he was satisfied, he left, going to collect Giorgio from where he was being held. He walked Giorgio into the room, his face impassive and intact aside from a small gash above his eye that he got while being held by Vincenzo's men.

Bella entered the meeting room with an aura of controlled confidence. Her commanding presence was accentuated by a tailored black pantsuit that fit her form perfectly, exuding authority. The sharp lines of the jacket emphasized her shoulders, while the straight-leg trousers added an element of sleek professionalism. A scarlet silk blouse peeked out from beneath the jacket, a bold statement against the monochrome ensemble. Her raven hair was pulled into a sophisticated bun, and a single strand of pearls adorned her neck, adding a touch of classic elegance. As she walked, her patent leather heels tapped softly against the floor, each step echoing her unwavering determination.

The faces that stood among her were familiar. Those who had left were known and someone could say almost all her men were untouched. She looked up at them as Giorgio sitting in his chair cuffed, a silver shotgun was placed across her seat pointing to where Giorgio was.

"Hello everyone, you may sit" She instructed them to stop standing as she sat herself on her black leather chair "Vincenzo Romano has been caught and captured. The small camp of his men was also captivated and executed paradigmatically. Your plan didn't work Giorgio. I told you; you couldn't save him but because I'm very kind I will give you a choice, one will live, one shall die. You can choose to save yourself or him. In case you want to save him, the terms are simple. He will be treated as a common low-standard worker, with no position and no protection. If he dies on the street so, be it none will kill for him, none will run after him."

"That is not a life Bella, that is slavery " he answered in realization.

"I am granting you a choice, a very compelling choice and that is your answer? Better slave than dead. It will be the right punishment for what he has done. If I give no punishment I will have no word, no respect, and no honor and I'm trying to build a name sir. A name isn't built without hard decisions" She crossed her legs waiting for his reply.

Giorgio meticulously weighed his options before finally mustering the words, "I will save my son's life," marking his concluding statement. Bella promptly stood up, seized the firearm, and advanced towards him. Placing the gun directly against the left side of his head, she declared, "Giorgio Romano, your service has been valuable, but it is no longer required. May your soul find peace." With a swift pull of the trigger, she ended his life, placing the weapon in a transparent, shielded bag. Her associates rose and carried his body away for a hasty departure. "Everyone, exit the room except you, Marco," she instructed. One by one, her subordinates stood and left, leaving them alone.

"I was certain he would choose his son. With someone like him alive, my empire could never flourish. His inclinations toward rebellion and protests were the last things I needed. Vinnie lacks strength, and few would stand by him, especially now that Giorgio is dead," she conveyed, fixing her gaze on him. "Share your thoughts."