Chapter 4

With half of the Volpe family under my control, I was now one of the most powerful women in New York’s underworld.

But I didn't rush to take over my new turf. Instead, I went to a Fifth Avenue casino that the Moretti family had a stake in.

I used to come here and watch Fiona throw away Lorenzo’s money at the tables.

Tonight, I wanted to try it myself.

The moment I walked in, I heard familiar voices.

“Don’t be sad, Fiona. Mama will get you another million in chips. Just be happy.”

It was my mother, Carmela.

And next to her, a sunglasses-wearing Fiona, trying to hide how haggard she looked.

Speak of the devil.

The casino manager was fawning all over them. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Moretti. We’ll make sure Miss Fiona has a wonderful time tonight.”

I walked over and sat down at a high-stakes table, crossing my legs.

“I’m playing. I’ll take all the chips on the table.”

The manager paused, turned to me, and his fawning smile turned into a sneer.

“Excuse me, miss, this is the VIP section,” he said coldly. “And the minimum buy-in here is a million dollars. Are you sure you can play?”

Carmela and Fiona saw me then.

Fiona flinched and ducked behind Carmela.

Carmela’s face darkened. “Victoria, you dare show your face here? Weren’t you so proud when you left? What, run out of money? Trying to win it back at the tables?”

She looked me up and down and sneered. “Dressed like that, in a place like this? Don’t embarrass yourself. Get out.”

Fiona peeked out. “Sister, if you’re out of money, I can lend you some… Please don’t fight with Mom…”

“Lend me some?”

I smiled, pulling a solid black card from my purse and spinning it on my fingertip.

“Give me fifty million in chips, to start.”

The manager’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.

It was the legendary, invitation-only, black Centurion Card from American Express. The one with no limit.

“Ma’am… you, you said fifty million?” his voice trembled.

“Are you deaf?”

I tossed the card on the table. “And while you’re at it, call your boss. Tell him I’m buying this casino.”

Carmela froze, then burst out laughing. “Are you serious? You think you can fool people with a fake card? Victoria, when did you become so desperate? Manager, call security! Have her arrested!”

The manager hesitated, but he took the card and swiped it.

Beep. Payment approved.

The casino fell dead silent.

The color drained from Carmela’s face.

Fiona’s eyes were wide with disbelief. “How is that possible… Sister, how could you…”

“None of your damn business.”

Soon, the manager brought me the casino’s ownership papers. I signed them without a second thought.

“This casino is mine now.”

I turned to the manager behind me. “But I don’t like my things being tainted by garbage.”

I gestured around the room. “Especially when it’s been touched by trash.”

“Clear everyone out.”

As Carmela and Fiona watched in horror, I picked up a lighter.

“And burn it all down.”

I flicked the lighter and tossed it onto a table piled high with cash and spilled alcohol.

Flames erupted instantly.

Carmela was shaking with rage. “You’re insane! A complete lunatic! This is Moretti property!”

“Not anymore.”

I dusted my hands off. “What’s wrong, Mrs. Moretti? Upset? Too bad. You don’t even have the right to be.”

I stepped closer to her, my eyes like ice. “If you lay a single finger on me, I guarantee the Moretti mansion will burn even brighter than this place.”

Carmela’s hand froze in mid-air. She couldn't hit me, and she couldn't back down.

My pure, unhinged madness had terrified her.

“We’re leaving!”

She shot me a hateful glare and dragged a pale, shell-shocked Fiona out of the burning casino.

Watching their retreating figures against the backdrop of the fire, I laughed.

They couldn’t handle this?

The real show hasn’t even started.

In a few days, the Volpe family is hosting its annual gala. As the new head, I’ll be there. And I know the Morettis and Falcones will be there too, desperate to curry favor.

I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they see me.