Morning came faster than usual, the household was already alive with quiet movement. The dining room was already set up.
Isabella was seated at the side of the table tapping something on her phone.
Alessandro walked into the dining room in an ash-colored three-piece suit and a black tie. He looked sharp and oppressive, he moved to the head of the seat, dragged the chair and settled in.
"Good morning father." Isabella greeted her father with a wide grin on her face, her voice sickly sweet.
He nodded curtly.
The maids moved quietly and quickly not disturbing the father and daughter so they wouldn't risk drawing attention to themselves
"I see you're already setting your plan in motion" Alessandro said, glancing at his daughter who seemed to be in an extremely good mood this morning.
Isabella lifted her head to look at him and nodded slowly before saying. "Yes father, you probably saw it in your office." Then she smiled again before giggling. "It would be grand"
Alessandro only looked at her then nodded. "Do well, and don't disappoint me." His voice was full of authority but the pride in it couldn't be concealed.
Isabella turned to cross her legs together as she held her father's gaze. She put her elbow on the table before resting her chin on her loosely clenched hand. "Oh father, when have I ever disappointed you?" Her expression now unreadable, her beautiful green eyes would send chills down anybody's heart but not Alessandro's. He was her father.
Alessandro smirked, his eyes softened slightly. "Good." Before he resumed his breakfast.
Morning passed in a blur.
Alessandro sat behind his desk in his office which was quiet with a strong smell of cigarette, his fingers steepled beneath his chin as he listened.
When the report ended, a slow smile touched his lips. "such a smart move." His voice was smooth. Calm. Cold. "It's a good thing you didn't kill that boy."
The man standing before him straightened slightly, relief flickering across his face. "Of course, Signore. It was only a warning."
Alessandro didn't respond immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting—calculating. Suddenly, as if he remembered something. "And the children?" he asked, his voice was dangerously calm.
The man stiffened, his throat tightened, breathing turning shallow. His eyes widened, pulse hammering wildly as sweat gathered along his skin.
He stood, took a step forward. The man's breathing grew uneven. "About how you starve them…" Another step. "…and take what isn't yours to take."
The man's face was drained of color. "Si—Signore, I—" He never got to finish his words. His back slammed against the wall—hard. Air punched out of his lungs. He couldn't breathe, his hands shook as they flew up, his body locking in place.
"Bruno..." Alessandro's voice dropped, his fingers tightened around his neck, cutting off his breathing instantly. Bruno's eyes widened in pure terror. His hands flew to Alessandro's wrist, weak, clawing, desperate to break free." Alessandro's face was inches from his now. His expression hadn't changed, but his eyes were cold. "If I hear another complaint…" he said softly, his voice dropping deadly, devoid of any emotion as his fingers dug deeper, "I will feed you alive to my dogs, Bruno."
"P-please—" .His vision blurred, his fingers twitched, he was about to pass out when Alessandro released him.
Bruno collapsed to the floor, coughing violently as he dragged a mouthful of air like a drowning man, his eyes were red.
Alessandro adjusted his sleeve, calm and composed. "Do you understand?"
Bruno nodded frantically as he stood up, unable to speak.
"Good."
Alessandro turned away as if nothing had happened. "I don't want damaged goods," he continued coldly. "And I don't tolerate incompetence."
He walked back to his desk, resting his hands against the surface. "Bring me the names of everyone handling shipments." His eyes darkened slightly. "I think it's time I remind them who this territory belongs to." His eyes glinted ruthlessly. "After all," Alessandro added, his voice almost thoughtful, "a kingdom does not run itself." His lips broke into a wide grin, the type that gives you an eerie feeling making anyone instinctively stay away from him.
And somewhere in Milan… A storm was already beginning to rise.