59

59
Marshall’s eyes darted around the dimly lit room, tension crackling in the air like electricity.

“I still don’t understand why you’re taking all this so lightly,” he hissed, gripping the armrest of the leather chair. “Francesco is smart. Too smart. Do you really think he hasn’t figured out that we are working together?”

Alessia smirked, swirling the dark liquor in her glass before taking a slow sip. “So... you are that terrified of Francesco, huh?” Her eyes narrowed as she leaned forward, voice dripping with disdain. “Pathetic. I expected more from you, Marshall.”

Marshall’s jaw clenched. “I’m not scared of him. I just do not want to die before that sick bastard does.”

Alessia’s expression hardened, her voice turning icy. “Then work harder. Bring him down.”

Marshall let out a bitter laugh. “Really? You think I haven’t been doing enough?”

“Enough?” Alessia’s eyes darkened with sinister amusement. “You are barely scratching the surface. Maybe... it’s time I tell you the truth behind The Dark Night.”

Marshall’s breath hitched. He shot up from his seat, heart pounding as dread crept over him. “What... What do you mean?”

Alessia chuckled darkly, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. “I never knew a day would come when I would have to tell the truth. Well, let me tell you. At least you are a friend and not a foe.”

“You are wasting time. Will you fucking tell me the truth already?” Marshall urged then he kicked the sofa hard with a loud thud.

“Desperation… That’s what kills every man.” Alessia said while she stuck a finger out.

“You are going insane by stressing me. Just fucking spill it out. What role did you play that night?”

“Do you think it was mere coincidence when the four Mafia families turned on each other five years ago?” Alessia’s voice rang out.

Marshall’s eyes narrowed as he tried to piece it together. “It... wasn’t a coincidence?”

A wicked grin stretched across her face. “Of course, it wasn’t. It was me. I orchestrated it all.”

Marshall’s laugh erupted, filled with disbelief and shock. “You? Alessia, you expect me to believe that you were behind the bloodbath that nearly wiped out the entire underworld? I know you are pretty good with making up stories but at least, don’t spice things up.”

“Believe it or not, I did it.” Her voice dropped to a chilling whisper. “I sent a letter to the Russo family that the Santini’s would be in charge of assassinating the President five years ago. We all know the Russos to be a greedy family. Since they and the Santinis are both in charge of assassinations in our underworld, the Russos would not want to be kept out of such an important deal. And just like that... chaos erupted.”

Marshall’s blood ran cold. “But... How did my family get involved?”

Alessia smirked. “I put a call to your father and pleaded that he should please save my father since they were friends. Your father, being the honorable man he was, canceled dinner with you that night and stormed in with his men.”

Marshall’s breathing quickened as memories of that dreadful night flooded his mind. “I... I was locked in my room.”

Alessia’s laughter echoed through the room as she stood, slowly circling him. “Guess who locked you in there?” She leaned closer, her breath brushing against his ear. “Me!”

Marshall’s eyes widened in horror.

“I was in love with Francesco,” Alessia admitted, venom lacing her words. “At that time, I was in love with Francesco and would do anything to have him but… He wasn’t home. He was all over his little jerk, Brinda. I vowed to make him pay. To lose everything his family once worked for then he would come begging at my feet when he returns. And what better way than letting the Fernandez and the Santini family own it all.” 

Marshall’s fists clenched, rage burning through him. “You started a war... for revenge?”

“And power,” Alessia’s eyes gleamed with malice. “I framed the Dante family, knowing the others would unite to crush them. But Francesco... Unfortunately, that bastard returned that night. He changed everything and I watched him plunge a dagger into my father’s chest. He also took The Black Book and The Syndicate Ledger from me. That’s in the past anyway. Now, I will finish what I started.”

Marshall sank back into the chair, struggling to process the darkness of the woman before him. “But... the Russo family is gone. My father is dead. The Santinis are weakened. Francesco still holds power. What is your next move?”

Alessia leaned in, her voice low and menacing. “To destroy the last standing empire... the Dante family. But I need you, Marshall. You have lived in Francesco’s shadow for too long. It’s time to rise. It’s time to show him that you are a real man and you are better than him in… Every. Fucking. Way.”

Marshall’s gaze darkened as he poured himself another glass of wine. “What do you need me to do? I hope our cooperation this time around brings out something useful.”

A twisted smile curved on Alessia’s lips. “Follow my lead... and watch Francesco fall just like Lucifer did.”

Marshall extended his hand, and Alessia clasped it firmly. The deal was sealed.

As Marshall stormed out of the room, Alessia made her way down the dim hallway. She pressed her fingerprint against the scanner, and the heavy door creaked open.

Inside, a woman sat in the shadows, her face concealed behind a gold mask.

“Was the plan executed?” The woman’s voice echoed coldly.

Alessia smirked. “Yes. What is next?”

“Wait till my next command. Don’t act till I say so. The mistake you made five years ago allowed Francesco to snatch The Black Book and The Syndicate Ledger from you. Ensure you do not make any more mistakes, okay?”

Alessia’s eyes burned with hatred. “I won’t. This time, Francesco dies... and the underworld will bow to us. Moreover, we have the same agenda, old friend.”