Chapter 242 The Calderon Empire is dead.
Chapter 242 The Calderon Empire is dead.
CHAPTER 242
The Calderon Empire is dead.
SCARLETT
It takes a full month after Emiliano’s death to begin anew.
“We’re thinking of turning it into a farm,” Liam tells me that morning.
My belly is rounder, and my jeans no longer fit. Who cares, though? I’m carrying two healthy children, and it changes how I see things. I’m less conscious of my body and more focused on keeping it healthy. I care about the children I am growing.
“A farm?” I look at him, stunned.
We’re on the balcony, staring at the open yard in front of us. We are still in Poland, even though they all travel to their places, but they always return. We seem tethered to a joint now, and it is sweet that we have built an empire, a dynasty, something Emiliano never could.
“Yes, the land is there, and it is fertile. It has always been fertile. We could turn it into a hospital, if you want – that was Jun’s initial idea, by the way, but I think enough lives have been lost there and we shouldn’t add more. The foundation is damaged, and a building wouldn’t flourish on it, but if we tend to it just a little, run a bulldozer over it a few times, it’ll turn out to be steady enough for a farm. We could plant whatever we want there: creating opportunities and generating revenue. Of course, whatever profit we see there after paying the workers will be sent to the survivors.” He explains carefully.
Sadness wells deep in me, but it is bittersweet. Everything truly has changed, and we are never going back to how it used to be.
“What do you think, Rosalina?” He asks softly.
“I think …” My voice is thick with emotion. “I think a farm is a really nice idea. Dad loved planting things there, and he’d be happy to know his legacy continues. Maybe we can plant oranges, too?”
“We will plant everything.” He assures me tenderly, and I exhale shakily, grief lodging deeply in my throat.
It never gets easy. I will always miss my parents. I will always miss them, but I will carry them everywhere I go. Everyone I love will know and love them, too.
“I think it is time, don’t you think so?” I turn to him, smiling.
“Time for what?” He frowns, brows furrowed.
“You shouldn’t have to ask me for permission about these things, Liam. It is yours. The Cartel belongs to you, not me, not anymore, and it is time I make it official.” I decide and stand up.
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I am wearing a pretty floral dress that falls over my belly beautifully. Roman is beside me, and our hands are linked together. I smile at him, and he kisses my forehead. We are in Sicily, and it is just as beautiful as the last time we were here. A lot has changed since then, so much has changed.
“We are gathered here to honour our fallen.” Luca begins, tone firm, sounding every bit like the Don he is. Adeline is beside him, seated while he stands. She looks beautiful too, and relaxed. We all are.
We are having the meeting in the courtyard, and everyone is present – Luca and Adeline’s family, Mei and Jun, Celeste, Caleb, Eve, Bastian, Damian and Elena, as well as representatives from the other mafia families: from the Albanians, the Bratva, the Ndrangheta, the Irish Mob, the Chicago Outfit and even the Dogs of Hell. This is a gathering of families.
“Emiliano Calderon was a monster who stole people from us, people who should still be with us. He killed Scarlett’s parents and stole her throne. Now, years later, the throne is hers, and Emiliano is dead, but Scarlett – Rosalina Diaz has made a decision that we are all here to witness. She has decided to hand over her inheritance to Liam Calderon, Emiliano’s son, who has his own words to say. I implore us to be respectful and attentive as history is being made today.” He concludes calmly.
I step forward, holding on to Roman, who is willing to follow me everywhere.
“For the longest time, my family has been at a disadvantage because I am not a son.” I express passionately. “My parents tried to have other children after me, but they weren’t blessed, so the responsibility fell on my shoulders, and I did my job diligently. I did everything I was asked to. When Emiliano and his men came in the middle of the night, and my father told me to run, I obeyed. If I had known I would never see them again, maybe I would have hesitated.”
My tone sharpens, and I continue. “Emiliano has taken too much from us, and it is fitting that his name dies with him – the Calderon name needs to die, and Liam agrees. It was his idea. I will not be handing over my father’s legacy to Liam Calderon because there is no more Liam Calderon. I will be handing it over to Liam Diaz. Everything Emiliano Calderon has is gone, and his name will die with him. He leaves no legacy behind. He leaves nothing behind. He is nothing.”
I look at Liam, and my heart swells.
“As you can see, I am entering into a new world,” I place my hand on my belly, and glance at Roman. “Into the happiness that I deserve, one we all deserve, and I am going to guard it with everything in me. Today, I lay Liam Calderon to rest and bring forth Liam Diaz, a continuation of my family’s name, of my father’s legacy. Through Liam, the Mexican Cartel will rise again and will flourish this time. People all over the world look at us as if we are animals, barbarians, and monsters, but that is no longer true. Under Liam, I know the right decisions will be made, and he will always have a seat at the table of powerful men. Please, welcome Liam Diaz into the world with me.”