Chapter 3

"Don Costa, Camilla is clearly just bluffing, so there's no need to take it to heart. She's been sheltered by the family for five years, yet she's accomplished nothing herself.

"She's probably afraid you'll punish her, so she's making excuses to cover up her own incompetence and just wants to give up entirely," Riccardo added.

Marco chimed in at just the right moment. "Camilla, no offense, but you really are too petty and always making a fuss over every little thing.

"Isn't helping each other out what being part of a family is all about? That's how it works here. Just apologize properly to Don Costa, settle down from now on, and don't ruin Donna's special day by upsetting him."

They took turns reprimanding me, each word sharper and more cutting than the last.

The very people who had drained me dry and picked me clean were the ones hailed as heroes within the family.

Moreover, all those sleepless nights I spent organizing data and risking my life on the most dangerous deals were now dismissed by them as just coasting along.

Looking at these familiar, hypocritical faces and Don Costa's growing impatience, I felt the fiery anger burning inside me suddenly turned ice cold.

I rose slowly once more. Then, with my back straight, I spoke with a smile.

"Don Costa, esteemed Capos, thank you for your insightful remarks. In my five years with the family, I started by serving each of you iced long blacks every day.

"Then, it evolved into planning smuggling routes, managing security at transaction sites, and even securing deals worth billions of dollars in drug distribution rights.

"Every single one of those tasks was something I pulled off for you, working around the clock without rest. When things went wrong or danger arose, I was the one on the front line, risking everything.

"In your eyes, perhaps these were trivial matters. But they brought immense profit to the family. Yet, this is what you call just coasting along. As for Donna's birthday party, I indeed have no right to attend.

"I no longer need to learn, nor do I need to train anymore. Leaving the family is neither a joke nor a threat. It is my formal notice."

I turned my gaze once more to Don Costa, Francesco, and all the Capos present.

"For the remaining week, I will only handle the most basic tasks assigned by the Underboss. I hope that after I'm gone, every deal you make still goes as smoothly as before—no bloodshed, no hard work. Good luck to you all."

I then looked straight at Don Costa. "Don Costa, thank you for letting me work here for the past five years. It's a pity I was never truly meant to enjoy it."

With that, I bowed slightly to Don Costa. Then, I turned and walked out of the conference room.

Back at my workstation, I began packing up what little personal belongings I had. I set aside the handful of notebooks and the mug I used daily, then casually opened my laptop.

I found the family group and drafted an email, formally stating my departure in one week.

"To all the Capos in the family, for this final week, I will only handle my assigned duties. There are no specific matters requiring handover. Please do not trouble me further. Thank you."

Less than five minutes after sending the email, I saw the Capos begin to emerge from the conference room. They huddled together, their voices rising and falling in waves of dismissive chatter. It was a constant, buzzing hum that seemed to fill the air.

Sitting next to my laptop, I could hear Riccardo's voice clearly. "Talk about being ungrateful. Who does she think she is? We gave her an out, and she still wouldn't take it. Let's see how long she can keep up this act."

"Give her the title of Executive Director, and she starts getting too big for her boots. She doesn't even hold a real position," Marco cursed.

Pietro's cold voice followed. "All she ever did was serve us coffee. She couldn't handle real work if she tried. It's only out of Don Costa's kindness that she even had a place here. And now she dares to leave the family?"

The others smirked and echoed in agreement, "All attitude and no skill, yet she's acting like some big shot. Let's see how long she lasts. I bet she'll be crawling back to Don Costa for protection soon enough."

After returning to my seat, I opened my laptop and clicked on the project folders I had compiled through countless sleepless nights. I selected the entire folder and confirmed permanent deletion without hesitation.

In less than eight seconds, it was done. A wave of unprecedented relief washed over me. It was the first real moment of relaxation I had felt in five years.

I took off my headset and shut down the laptop. Then, under the bewildered gazes of the Capos, I walked out of the family office with my head held high.

For the first time in five years, I left the family office on time.

The evening breeze outside felt surprisingly fresh and soothing.