Chapter Eight: Anticipation

Two days later…

The room was filled with an air of anticipation as everyone patiently waited in their seats for Dominic, the new Don, to make his entrance. The atmosphere crackled with a mix of excitement and tension, as the family members and the elders of the Rinaldi family exchanged hushed whispers, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new leader.

"Dominic is a tad bit late, don't you think, Madam Emily?" Madam Emily, the late Don’s advisor, remarked in Italian. Her voice carried a hint of concern, tinged with a bit of annoyance.

"Yeah, it appears so. But we all know of Dominic's love for making grand entrances and as the new Don, I think he has not only earned it but is entitled to it as well." Marco replied with a look that shut up any further questions about Dominic's late arrival.

Luna, ever the voice of reason, gave her brother a hard look then turned to Madam Emily with a reassuring smile. “He'll be here soon, I'm sure there is a good explanation for his lateness.” Madam Emily nodded, glancing at her wristwatch.

"Great, he hasn't even been officially recognized as the Don, yet he thinks he can call for a meeting and show up anytime he wants." Vanaken, Dominic's uncle, scoffed with a venomous edge to his voice.

Neither of the two siblings responded to their uncle's words. They were well aware of the depth of his animosity towards Dominic.

‘Dominic is the don and you're not so you're going to have to suck it up sooner rather than later.’ Marco thought in annoyance, only managing to not say the words out loud when he caught the look Luna was giving him; the look that said, ‘Don't even think about saying what you're thinking.’

Just then, the doors swung open, and Dominic stepped into the grand hall, accompanied by his loyal butler. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, exuding an air of confidence and authority. The room fell silent as all eyes turned towards him.

"My dear family," Dominic announced in Italian, his voice commanding attention as he made his way towards the front of the table.

As Dominic took his place at the head of the table, a tension-filled silence settled over the room.

"My dear family, I stand before you today as your new Don," Dominic began, his voice resonating with authority. "However, before we can all move into a new era, we must first ensure that all of our late Don's affairs are properly settled. We owe it to him to honor his memory and secure our family's future in the drug game."

Among the faces of expectations, Vanaken could not conceal his resentment. With a venomous glare, he cast his eyes on Dominic, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Well, it's about time." He sneered, his words laced with bitterness.

Dominic, unmoved by his uncle's hostility, maintained his composure. With a calm yet commanding tone, he addressed his uncle directly, his words carrying an air of gravitas.

"Uncle, I understand your reservations. And I can assure you, I am prepared to lead our family into a new era. My father’s legacy will be honored, and our family's power will only grow stronger under my rule.”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, as Dominic's words resonated with those who believed in his vision. And Luna, who supported and deeply believed in her brother, smiled proudly.

‘I hope you can see this dad. Vin is going to make you proud.’

Luna's thoughts swam in her mind as she locked eyes with Marco, who was analyzing the expressions of the people present.

"For now, my fathers method of sealings deals and conducting business will still be adopted." Dominic stated.

"I am the new Don and that is self-explanatory. I expect unwavering loyalty and commitment from each and every one of you, any attempt of mutiny or disrespect will be met with swift and severe circumstances. And unlike my father, I am not keen on forgiveness. Consider this my one and only warning.” Dominic gave each member a look to ensure they got his message that they'd better think long and hard before attempting to cross him.

There were a few who might have thought about his message, but it was predominantly directed to his uncle and his followers. He knew regardless of what he said they would still attempt something crazy but he still needed to make it clear he wasn't to be trifled with.

Satisfied with what he could see, he straightened up and turned to his uncle.

“Now to conclude this meeting, I will now appoint my right-hand man as it is traditional to appoint someone who shall have all power second only to me. Without further ado, I would like you all to congratulate my uncle, Vanaken Griffo, a man of great esteem and integrity, on his new appointment.”

“Uncle, for as long as I can remember, you have been among the high ranks of this clan since the days of my grandfather's reign, and I can't imagine anyone better to have by my side as I take on this huge responsibility. I look forward to learning from you.” Dominic's tone was respectful yet assertive and his smile revealed nothing of his thoughts.

But he and his uncle had a good idea of what he was thinking. He had referred to Vanaken's ranking to mock him, as everyone knew that for decades, Vanaken had been trying to become Don and had remained unsuccessful. Appointing Vanaken as his right hand man was like a slap in the face and Dominic had formulated this great strategy to undermine his uncle's plans because mutiny against the Don as the second in command was considered an unforgivable crime within any mafia clan.

Everyone in the room went silent at Dominic’s declaration. They all knew about the bad blood between the two. Had it not been for his recent marriage which solidified his position, they were all certain that Vanaken would have succeeded in his ambition to become the new don. Dominic's actions were strange and unprecedented, leading many to wonder what his intentions were and what was to unfold.

Dominic could tell that many were confused, he had expected it. So he turned away from his uncle to address the crowd once again.

“I know my decision might seem puzzling to many of you, but it is disrespectful not to applaud and congratulate your new consigliere.” He said with a stern expression.

Immediately, rounds of hesitant applause were heard and Vanaken was forced to paste a smile and accept the reluctant congratulations.

Dominic gave a satisfied smile then continued. “It's within my knowledge that some of you believe that my uncle and I rivaled for the position of don and given that I, the younger one won, it is odd that I elect him as my second in command. But let me be clear, the role of Don has always been mine by birthright and my uncle is well aware of this which is why we will work well together. And I will not accept any questions or opposition to this arrangement.”