Chapter 111
Matteo's POV
Italian Don, Riccardo Vitale place did not feel like home. It actually felt like a trap. I could smell gunpowder and blood in the air.
I understand the concern of the mother and Serena. This meeting would not only bring me to the front but also put me on the radar of many mafia dons, especially if I get this deal, which I am sure I will.
Mr. Pearson would have definitely lasted it. His tactics and strategies are old. People in the Mafia world, respect him only because of his age and prior experience.
But now it is time for things to change. I would have to finalize this deal because it is the key to getting what I want.
The conference hall in which I was sitting was made of dark wood. The lightning was low and a long oval table was placed in the middle.
There are five mafias, which means five empires. Every man carried power and experience for more than 20 years. And every single one of them hated the fact that I was here because they knew my potential.
Not even the pleasantries were exchanged between us. All I got were cold stares and subtle warnings as if they would scare me.
I could feel their eyes on me as I sat on the chair with my chin resting on my tented fingers. For them, I was just a boy who dared to step into Italian territory and ask for a seat among kings.
I sat anyway because hesitation is the first sign of weakness.
I am going to be the king, one way or another.
The head chair was occupied by Don Riccardo Vitale. He was silent yet his presence felt commanding. To his right sat the Romano syndicate, a sharp-eyed man who was quiet yet dangerous. To his left, the Moretti brothers, carrying loud arrogance masked as confidence. Across from me were men whose names carried enough blood to stain generations.
The most dangerous man in the world was sitting inside this hall. And I am sure, along with the deal, I am taking enemies home.
Soon the deal for which all of us were here was placed on the table without ceremony.
Don slid a thick black file across the polished wood, stopping right at the center.
“This agreement,” Don Vitale finally spoke, in a calm yet heavy voice, “will decide who controls the eastern European routes for the next decade.”
A deep silence followed his words. The kind of silence that pierces through you.
I leaned back slightly and scanned the room. Everyone's eyes were on that file. We all knew where this deal could take us, so everyone wanted to have their hand over it. It was not just a deal, it was a test of dominance.
“The routes include ports from Sicily to Marseille,” Vitale continued, “Distribution points in Eastern Europe, weapon shipments, narcotics, and money laundering channels through three banks.”
He briefed us but I am sure everyone already knew the depth of it. Of course, they came here well prepared.
After a long silence, Romano spoke, "I believe it would be better to divide the control"
"Or each family can get a percentage based on the contribution," one of the Moretti brothers proposed.
Ok!
So all of them were here as a team, to have a portion of the deal. I am sure if Mr. Pearson were here, he would have agreed to this; that's why they were looking at me as an enemy, because I am not him.
If I claim something, then it's mine alone. I don't believe in sharing.
Vitale was thinking about it when I almost laughed, not letting him think too much about it, and let the deal slip from my hands.
When all the eyes were on me, I placed my palms on the table and leaned slightly forward.
“Divided control is exactly why deals like this collapse.” I turned my head sharply to Mr. Vitale "Don't you think, Don?"
Eyes narrowed at me and the room held its breath. But I didn't waver, not even an inch. I know how dangerous these men can get, but if I am stepping into this, I am already taking the risk of my life.
"Careful, young boy," Romano said, "You’re not in New York. This deal comes with a huge responsibility. You know..."
"I am aware," I said calmly, cutting him off in the middle, “That’s why I’m saying this.”
After a long moment of stillness, Vitale lifted a finger and signalled me to speak.
"Don, if you divide power among 5 empires then it will create rivalry"
He tilted his head slightly showing intense interest in what I was saying.
"Is there a shipment delayed or route sabotaged, or a betrayal that will be blamed on another family"
Vitale leaned back slowly and tapped his fingers against each other. His eyes were narrowed at me as if he was reading me. His face was stoic and very hard to read. He barely gave anything going on in his head.
"I agree with you on this" he finally spoke "Rivalry weakens even the strongest bloodlines"
I smiled internally while everyone watched me as if they were going to kill me with their mere gaze but it didn't matter to me.
"But then, only one of you will get the deal"
"Then it must be me" Romano said, sounding a bit desperate "I am the most experienced one"
"I don't think experience matters here" I said "what matters is the strategy that you use and it definitely needs a new outlook"
"We can bring that efficiently," Moretti's brother said. "Don, we have made deals in the past, too. You already know how we work"
Pathetic.
Vitale turned his gaze to me, expecting me to speak. He looks a bit interested in me.
Nice.
"Don, if you finalize this deal with me then you will have access beyond Europe too. Ports, private logistics, shell corporations, and officials, everything is under my control. In return for this deal, I can offer you my loyalty and support in my area too. You may visit my place and we can have a discussion over a cup of tea"
Vitale studied me for a long moment, and a smirk of amusement appeared on his face for a fraction of a second.
“You want to be king of your underworld."
“I already am,” I said quietly. “This just makes it official.”
A dangerous smile tugged at Vitale’s lips; this time, it was quite noticeable.
"I like your confidence. It will definitely take you to places. I was exactly like you when I was young"
I could see pride in his eyes that was enough to tell everyone where the deal was going.
"I like to work with this ambition and youthfulness"
A smirk of satisfaction spread across my lips. Everyone was watching me like my biggest enemy.
I was about to make my final offer to get the deal when suddenly the room was burst with chaos.
I heard a metallic click and before I could react or know what happened, the room was filled with the piercing sound of gun shot.