Chapter 199: The New Order

The burial of Don Vincenzo Russo was as solemn as it should have been.

There was no music.

No unnecessary conversations.

Only silence, mourning, and the heavy presence of men who understood exactly what the death of a Mafia Don meant.

Black vehicles filled the driveway and lined the surrounding streets.

Men in dark suits stood at every entrance.

Armed Moretti soldiers were positioned along the perimeter, on the balconies, near the gates, and even among the trees surrounding the estate.

Nothing was being left to chance.

Don Roman wasn't willing to take any risks.

Every person who entered the estate had been searched.

Every vehicle had been inspected.

Every guard had been given strict instructions.

There would be no surprises.

Not today.

The invited Mafia Dons arrived one after another.

Some came with only a few trusted men.

Others arrived with entire entourages.

They stepped out of their expensive vehicles wearing black suits, dark glasses, and expressions of solemn respect.

But behind their composed faces were calculating minds.

Everyone knew that Vincenzo Russo and Viktor's death had only meant one thing.

Don Roman Moretti was fully back as the Mafia King.

And now the Russo empire was no longer controlled by its former Don.

And everyone wanted to know what Don Roman Moretti intended to do with it.

No one dared ask.

Not yet.

The coffin is surrounded by flowers, rested beneath a large canopy in the garden of the estate.

The atmosphere was heavy.

Bianca stood nearby, dressed in black.

She looked pale.

Her shoulder was still bandaged beneath her clothing, and every movement caused her discomfort.

But she refused to stay away.

This was her father.

Whatever had happened between them...

Whatever betrayals had occurred...

He was still her father.

Nico stood beside her.

He hadn't left her side since learning about Russo's death.

Aurelia stood a short distance away with her mother.

Her eyes were fixed on Bianca.

She couldn't imagine what Bianca was feeling.

Losing a parent was painful enough.

But losing one under such circumstances...

Aurelia's hand instinctively moved toward her stomach.

Her mother noticed.

She placed a comforting hand over Aurelia's.

Don Roman stood at the front.

He wore a black suit.

His face was unreadable.

He didn't look like a man attending the funeral of an enemy.

He looked like a king attending the funeral of a fallen subject.

The minister stepped forward and offered prayers.

Scripture was read.

The minister spoke about life, death, forgiveness, and the importance of remembering the man beyond his mistakes.

Everyone listened silently.

Then came the moment Bianca had been dreading.

The minister stepped aside.

Bianca slowly walked toward the coffin.

Nico remained close behind her, as she stood before her father's coffin.

For several seconds, she couldn't speak.

Her lips trembled.

She looked down at the man who had once carried her as a little girl.

The same man who had taught her how to defend herself.

The same man she had betrayed.

Tears filled her eyes.

"My father..."

Her voice broke.

She swallowed and tried again.

"My father was many things."

A painful silence followed.

"He was strong."

"He was stubborn."

"He could be ruthless."

A few of the Dons exchanged glances.

Bianca continued.

"But he was also my father."

A tear rolled down her cheek.

"He wasn't perfect."

"Neither was I."

Her voice trembled.

"There were things between us that I wish had been different."

She looked down at the coffin.

"There were things I said that I wish I could take back."

Her breathing became uneven.

"But if I could have one more moment with him..."

She wiped her tears.

"I would simply tell him that I loved him."

Bianca stepped closer to the coffin.

"I'm sorry, father."

She whispered the words.

"I'm sorry I couldn't save you."

She closed her eyes.

"Rest now."

Then she stepped away.

Nico gently placed a hand against her back.

The minister returned to complete the final prayers, and then Don Vincenzo Russo was laid to rest.

\---

Shortly after the burial, the Mafia Dons took their seats around a long table.

Don Roman Moretti sat at the head of the table.

His men stood behind him.

Armed.

Silent.

Watching.

Don Roman slowly looked around the table.

"I appreciate you all coming."

Nobody spoke.

Don Roman continued.

"You all know why you're here."

Don Lombardi nodded.

"Don Russo is dead."

Roman leaned back slightly.

"And with his death, some of you may be wondering what happens to the Russo estate."

His eyes moved from one man to another.

"So let me make something perfectly clear."

The room became completely silent.

"The Russo estate already belongs to me."

Several men exchanged glances.

Don Roman continued.

"So do the properties that belonged to Russo."

He rested his hands on the table.

"I didn't take them because he died."

"I took them before he died."

A Don across the table shifted in his seat.

Don Roman noticed.

"Those properties were taken as punishment."

"For his betrayal."

Don Roman's expression hardened.

"Russo betrayed me more times than I care to remember."

"He was given opportunities to correct his mistakes."

"He refused."

"So I took what he valued."

No one dared interrupt.

Don Roman's voice became colder.

"And I will do the same to anyone who makes the mistake of crossing me."

The message was unmistakable.

This wasn't merely an announcement.

It was a warning.

Don Roman looked directly at the men.

"You've all seen what happened to Viktor."

Silence.

"You've seen what happened to Enzo."

Silence.

"And you've seen what happened to Russo."

He paused.

"I don't want another war."

"But don't mistake that for weakness."

His eyes hardened.

"If any of you betray me..."

He leaned forward.

"...what happened to Russo will look merciful."

The room remained completely still.

Don Lombardi spoke again.

"No one here intends to challenge you, Don Roman."

Roman stared at him.

"I hope not."

Another Don nodded.

"The Moretti family has our respect."

Don Roman's expression remained unreadable.

"Respect isn't what I want."

He looked around the room.

"I want loyalty."

One by one, the men nodded.

"You have it."

Don Roman listened.

Then he raised one hand.

"There is one more matter."

Everyone became attentive.

"Bianca Russo."

The room fell silent again.

Don Roman continued.

"From today, Bianca will remain under my protection."

"She is still a Russo."

Roman's voice carried authority.

"And that name will be respected."

He paused.

"But understand something."

His gaze became sharp.

"She is also under the protection of the Moretti family."

No one spoke.

"Anyone who threatens her..."

Roman's eyes moved slowly across the table.

"...is challenging me."

The warning was clear.

Bianca's enemies would become his enemies.

Soon, every man around the table stood.

They raised their glasses.

"To Don Roman Moretti."

Don Roman remained seated for a moment.

Then slowly stood.

He lifted his glass.

"To the future."

The glasses clinked.

The sound echoed throughout the room.

The rebellion had been crushed.

And the Mafia Dons had just sworn allegiance to the man who had emerged from the bloodshed stronger than ever.

Don Roman Moretti.

The Butcher.

The Mafia King.