Rivals at the Door

Rivals at the Door


IZZY'S POV

A few days later, I heard the sound of tires on gravel which made me glance up from the papers on my desk. I’d barely had time to breathe after today’s council meeting, and now there were more people at my door. Matteo was already there, standing by the window with his arms crossed. He didn’t look worried.

The front door opened, slow and deliberate. Three men stepped in, suits crisp, shoes polished, but their eyes were sharp, too sharp and too calculating.

“Good afternoon,” I said, standing straight. “Can I help you?”

One of them, tall with a thin mustache, gave a faint smile. “Izzy. We’re here on behalf of the Marconi, Ricci, and Valente families. We’d like a word.”

“Of course,” I said. “Walk this way.” I led them into the sitting room, Matteo following silently behind me.

They took the seats I indicated. I stayed standing near the fireplace, letting them feel the weight of me being in charge.

The second envoy, broad-shouldered, spoke first. “Your father built a strong empire. That much we respect but the world’s changed, and young leaders… Well, they have to prove themselves.”

I raised an eyebrow. “And you’re here to see if I can?”

“Something like that,” the third man said, leaning forward. “We want to know who we’re dealing with now.”

I didn’t answer immediately. Instead, I circled the table slowly, letting my eyes meet each of theirs. “I’m dealing with them,” I said finally. “Whoever you are, you’ll speak to me, not Matteo or my father’s ghost. Me.”

They exchanged glances. The tension in the room thickened. Matteo stayed back, watching, letting me handle it.

The tall one smirked. “Confidence is rare. Most in your position would be shaking right now.”

I laughed softly. “Confidence doesn’t mean I’m not aware of the stakes.”

“Awareness is good,” the broad one said. “It’s better when it’s backed by experience.”

“Experience,” I repeated. “Experience comes with time, right now, what I have is authority and a clear understanding of what’s mine and what’s not up for negotiation.”

They tilted their heads, intrigued.

The third envoy leaned back. “You’re direct, I like that. But let’s see how long that lasts, being a boss isn’t just words. It’s making decisions that will piss people off, sometimes violently.”

I didn’t flinch. “Then I’ll make decisions that protect what’s mine. That’s my choice, you can leave if you don’t like it.”

There was a pause. Even Matteo raised his eyebrows slightly. He knew I could handle words, but now it was time to really assert control.

“You understand,” I said, “that this is my house, my empire, and my people. If anyone tries to undermine that, the consequences will be real and immediate.”

The tall man chuckled. “Bold. Most young leaders are bold until they face real pressure.”

“Pressure is my reality,” I said. “It’s always been and I don’t back down.”

The second envoy leaned forward. “We came with offers,” he said carefully. “Mutually beneficial arrangements. We’re not here to fight. But…” His eyes flicked to the tall man, “It’s wise to know who’s strong enough to lead.”

I looked at him steadily. “Offers can be considered but they don’t dictate terms, not here, not now. I set the terms in this room.”

The tall man’s smirk faded slightly. “You’re learning fast. I’ll give you that.”

“I’ve been learning since I could walk into this room. Don’t assume I’m starting now,” I said.

The third envoy spoke quietly. “Your father… he had ways of dealing with people like us. Do you intend to follow the same path?”

I leaned back against the edge of the desk, keeping my posture relaxed. “My path is mine but make no mistake, it’s just as effective. Different doesn’t mean weak.”

The tall man’s eyes narrowed. “Different doesn’t scare me, weakness does. Don’t show any of it.”

“I won’t,” I said, voice steady. “You want a show? Go somewhere else. This is business, respect it.”

The broad envoy chuckled softly. “You’ve got fire. I’ll give you that but fire can burn you as easily as it burns others. Don’t forget that.”

I met his gaze. “Then I’ll make sure it only burns those who deserve it and don’t forget, I’ve got fire on my side too.”

The third envoy leaned forward, voice low. “We’ve heard rumors that the daughter can’t lead. That the empire is up for grabs, that some of your own are questioning your ability.”

I didn’t move, didn’t blink. “Let them question. I won’t answer to whispers, only to facts and every move I make will prove I’m the one in charge. Mark my words.”

There was a beat of silence. Matteo shifted behind me, subtle, silent. His presence was grounding without being overbearing.

The tall man sighed and stood slowly. “We came to test you, Izzy, we wanted to see if you were worth talking to. Consider that passed for now.”

“For now is a long time,” I said. “If any of you push past that, you’ll find out what happens when you underestimate me.”

They exchanged glances again, some nervous, some calculating. The broad one stepped forward. “We’ll leave you to your empire for now but remember… people are always watching and always testing.”

“I’ll be watching too,” I said. “And I never miss a test.”

They left without another word. The door closed behind them, echoing through the hall. Matteo exhaled quietly.

“You think that went well?” he asked.

I crossed my arms. “I think they know not to push me, at least for now.”

Matteo nodded. “Good, but keep your guard up. That target on your back just got bigger.”

I smirked faintly. “Then let them aim. I’ll make sure none of their arrows hit me.”

He gave a small nod. “Exactly. Just don’t forget that being a boss isn’t just standing tall. It’s knowing when to strike, and when to let people think they have the upper hand.”

“I’m ready for both,” I said softly. “And I won’t let anyone tell me othe
rwise.”

Matteo stayed silent, letting me have that moment. This was just the first test.