Chapter 08
Tiziano Constanzo
The next day…
The room was steeped in reverent silence when I walked in. The members of the Council, the most powerful and influential men in our organization, were seated around a heavy wooden table. Every gaze seemed to measure my worth before I even said a word, but they weren’t man enough to challenge me.
I walked to my place and sat in the leather chair at the center of the table while Luigi positioned himself beside me.
“So, Tiziano,” Giovanni Ricci began, the oldest among them, a man with wrinkles as deeply etched as his experience. “How did your meeting with the governor go?”
The question wasn’t casual. They wanted results.
“It was productive,” I replied, lacing my fingers together on the table. “He reaffirmed his loyalty and agreed to the conditions we established. The infrastructure contracts will go through the companies we designate, and the tax benefits are guaranteed.”
Murmurs of approval went around the table.
“And what about control of the port?” another leader, Massimo, asked.
I leaned forward.
“The governor agreed to turn a blind eye to what happens at the port, as long as we keep up appearances. In return, he’ll receive his usual percentage.”
Once again, the Council seemed satisfied. I was almost beginning to feel relieved when Giovanni cleared his throat, signaling that the subject was about to change.
“All of this is favorable for the famiglia, Tiziano. But there’s another matter we need to discuss.”
I already knew what was coming. I crossed my arms, my patience evaporating before he even continued.
“Marriage.”
“I don’t see how that’s relevant to the business we just discussed,” I shot back impatiently.
“It’s relevant to the future of the family,” Massimo interjected. “We need stability, continuity.”
“Continuity is already guaranteed,” I countered. “I am the stability.”
A tense silence followed, broken by a low whisper, but loud enough for me to hear.
“I knew a spoiled brat would cause problems.”
My gaze swept across the table, searching for the man who had made the comment. My muscles tensed, and rage rose like fire through my veins.
“Who said that?” I demanded, shouting. “Who here has the courage to question my leadership, but not enough to say it while looking me in the eye?”
The room fell completely silent, every eye turned toward me.
“Tiziano, control yourself,” Luigi said beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder.
I took a deep breath, trying to regain control. The Council needed to see strength, not impulsiveness, and I knew it.
“What irritates me most isn’t the insinuation that I’m incapable, but the hypocrisy of whoever suggests it while enjoying the fruits of my work.”
Giovanni gave a restrained smile, as if trying to calm the situation.
“No one is questioning your ability, Tiziano. We’re only demanding what any responsible leader would do. An heir. A solid alliance.”
“And who decides the timing of that?” I shot back, looking directly at him. “Me or the Council?”
“Decide soon, Tiziano,” Giovanni replied ironically. “Because the Council can decide for you if necessary.”
Luigi placed his hand on my shoulder again, squeezing lightly.
“This is an issue that has been under discussion,” Luigi said, taking over. “And I’m sure my nephew will do what’s necessary when the time is right.”
I shot him a furious glance, but swallowed the words I wanted to say.
“Very well,” I muttered, standing. “If that’s all, I have more urgent business to deal with.”
Without waiting for an answer, I left the room. Luigi followed me in silence, and I knew he would have something to say.
“You need to think about this, Tiziano,” he finally said as we walked down the corridor.
“Not now, Luigi,” I shot back, my patience already at its limit.
“It needs to happen soon, or the Council will make sure it happens their way, not yours.”
I didn’t answer. I just kept walking because, deep down, I knew he was right.
“Throw a lavish event, with every possible candidate,” I said mockingly.
Luigi stopped in the hallway, staring at me as if he wasn’t sure whether I was serious or just being sarcastic.
“Every possible candidate?” he repeated, raising an eyebrow.
I stopped too, turning toward him with a cold smile.
“Exactly. A parade of rehearsed smiles and people hungry for power. Isn’t that what the Council wants? A wife like some kind of trophy? Fine. We’ll give them a show.”
Luigi took a deep breath, crossing his arms.
“That’s one way to mock the situation, Tiziano. Bringing all those families together to parade their daughters around.”
“No, Uncle. It’s a way of showing them who’s still in charge. I choose the time, the place, and the woman. I’m the one who’s going to fuck her fucking pussy, not them.”
Luigi stepped closer, lowering his voice the way he always did when he wanted to make sure I understood the situation.
“You know this could get out of control. A lot of these families will see it as an opportunity to apply even more pressure. Deep down, they all think they’re worthy.”
I leaned slightly forward, looking him in the eye.
“And who said I’m not prepared for that? Just do what I ordered.”
He slowly shook his head, as if he already knew arguing with me at that moment would be useless.
“Very well. It’ll be an event worthy of your name. But I hope you’re aware this will only raise expectations, so you’re going to have to choose the fucking pussy you want to fuck, not them.”
“I never run from expectations, Luigi. Just make sure everything is flawless. I want the Council to see how willing I am to please them, up to a point.”
Luigi nodded, but not without giving me one last warning look.
“And what will the criteria be for the candidates?”
I let out a dry laugh and started walking again.
“Beauty, obedience, and usefulness, of course. Not very different from what the Council values in their own wives.”
Luigi followed me in silence, and I knew he was weighing every word. The event would be a game, and I had already decided the rules would be mine. If they wanted a spectacle, then I would give them one they would never forget.