My First, My Last, My Everything

Chapter 11

Gabriella

The following morning, Jeremy, Liana, and I drove over to my parents' house, where all the members of our Mafia were gathering for the meeting Dad had mentioned the previous night.

As we headed there, my mind was still tangled up in thoughts about last night's events, especially concerning Anthony. I couldn't shake off the memories and thoughts about him, and honestly, it was driving me insane. Sometimes, I felt like screaming out loud in frustration just thinking about him.

It's like he's taken over my mind!

Jeremy pulled the car into the spacious parking lot adjacent to the mansion. Yep, my parents' place had its own parking lot. We stepped out of the car and exchanged greetings with some of the members who were already arriving.

Making a beeline for the conference room, we noticed everyone taking their seats around the long oval table. Just as we settled in, Mom and Dad walked in, prompting everyone to stand briefly and nod in acknowledgment.

Once we were all seated again, we waited for Dad to say something. However, he remained slouched in his chair, one hand covering his face, lost in thought.

A quick glance around confirmed that others were noticing Dad's unusual demeanor too. This was so unlike him. Normally, he'd be brimming with energy during meetings here. But today, it seemed like he hadn't slept at all.

Eventually, he straightened up, cleared his throat, and looked up.

"Last night, we had an unexpected encounter right in our own bedroom," he declared. The room erupted in surprise, and I even jumped up from my seat, surprising Liana and Jeremy beside me.

"What?!" I blurted out. Mom shot me a stern look, which made me offer a hasty apology and sit back down.

"Anthony Castillo's words at the gala last night ruffled some feathers on our side. For those not with us, they're working independently, all with the same goal: to take us down individually. We can't distinguish who might be working for Castillo or who's plotting against us. Though I'm no longer leading this mafia, I assure you, your leader Gabriella will ensure these outsider attacks won't disrupt us."

Dad's gaze flicked in my direction, causing the rest of the room to look my way too.

"We'll handle these issues, but our main concern is The Black Army Mafia. We need to brace ourselves by enhancing security at all California mansions, fortifying warehouses, doubling guards at fighting arenas, hotels, restaurants, you name it. We're placing orders for more armory, intensifying security for shipments. All arms must arrive back intact. If they want war, we'll be ready. We'll defend our title."

After the meeting, when everyone else left the conference room, only Mom, Dad, Liana, Jeremy, the twins, and I remained seated.

"So, what really happened last night?" I finally inquired about what had been bugging me.

"After we returned from your place last night, your mother and I got back home. As we were about to turn in, we found five intruders in our bedroom. No worries, no one got hurt. Two managed to escape, but the other three are no longer a threat. I need to check on the bedroom renovation – they turned it into a five-minute tornado. I'll be off to check the cleanup," Mom said.

With a quick peck on Dad's cheek, she exited the room.

"So, do we know who they were, which gang?" I directed my question to Dad.

"Some rogue gang from Chicago," he briefly replied before resuming his distant gaze.

"Well, they've just jumped to the top of my hit list – attacking my parents in their own home? They've made a grave choice. Liana, tell the pilot to prepare the jet. We're heading to Chicago tonight," I asserted.

Catching Dad's weak smile and nod, I got up, ready to leave. But my attention snagged on the two figures engrossed in their phones across from me.

"And where were you two when all this went down? Weren't you both gone before Mom and Dad returned?" I eyed Noah and Marco, prompting them to glance up in surprise.

"We swung by the gala to ensure everything was okay there," Marco answered.

"Yeah, and we didn't crash here. We stayed over at a friend's place," Noah chimed in, giving Marco a low high-five.

"Alright, we're leaving. You two are responsible for assisting Mom and Dad and keeping watch over everything and everyone. If there's another attack, call me immediately. You're in charge here, so prove you're up to the task until I return."

With that, Jeremy, Liana, and I left the room without waiting for their protests. I had more important matters at hand. Even if I had to scour all of Chicago to hunt down that gang, they'd soon learn they'd crossed the wrong person.

Anthony

"Boss, Jack's here." I looked up from my laptop, shutting it down as I nodded at my bodyguard stationed outside my office.

"Let him in," I responded.

Jack Martin, one of my most dependable assets, entered the room with a faint smile. He looked ordinary – messy brown hair, green eyes, and average height. But when he slipped into any disguise and wandered enemy territory, suspicion never arose. He excelled at his job and was unwaveringly reliable.

"Hey, Jack. How's it going?" He took a seat across from me, offering his characteristic tight-lipped smile and let's-get-down-to-business demeanor.

"Good, thank you, Mr. Castillo," he curtly replied, and I nodded.

"So, what do you have for me?" Leaning forward, he rested his folded arms on the table.

"The Antonios held a meeting at Zayn and Lucy Antonio's mansion this morning. Gabriella was present too. They discussed last night's gala events and your threat against them. Security's been doubled, and they're ready to retaliate against any attacks."

I scoffed, sipping my whiskey before placing the glass back down.

"There was also an attack on their mansion last night," Jack continued. My lips curled into a pleased smile as I set down my empty glass.

"An attack already? Seems I'm not the only one vying for the Antonios' throne. Who am I kidding? Everyone's after that title, and the moves are starting."

"Yes, they've identified the gang responsible for the attack, and Gabriella is headed to Chicago to confront them. The twins are in charge of all operations in her absence."

I rose from my seat, crossing the room to gaze out at the mountains visible through the floor-to-ceiling window, where the sunset painted the sky.

"Well then, looks like we're headed to Chicago as well," I murmured.