"For now. They need to build capital, establish legitimacy, prove themselves to the Volkovs." Dimitri closed the laptop. "In a year, maybe two, they'll test the limits. But by then, they'll have too much to lose. They'll negotiate instead of fighting."
"You're giving them a future."
"I'm giving them a leash that feels like freedom." Dimitri looked out at the city. "Enzo's my brother. I don't want to kill him. And Isabella...she's dangerous, but she's not inherently evil. They just need direction. Purpose. Something that's theirs."
"And if they don't stay in their lane?"
"Then I'll remind them why I'm called the Devil." Dimitri's voice was absolute. "But I'd prefer not to. Killing family is messy. This way, everyone gets what they want. They get independence. I get peace. Antonio and Lorenzo get their children out of direct competition with me."
"And Eve gets to keep her hands clean."
Dimitri smiled. "That too."
His phone rang. Eve.
"How did it go?" she asked immediately.
