BETROTHED TO THE CRAZY DON
A massive map of New York covered the center table, its surface crowded with colored pins, handwritten notes, and strings weaving between docks, warehouses, judges' offices, politicians' homes, shipping routes, and businesses.
Alessandro stood at the head of the table, sleeves rolled to his forearms, one hand resting on the map.
Lorenzo and the captains listened without interrupting.
"If Moretti loses the Brooklyn route," Alessandro said calmly, sliding a black marker across the map, "he'll pressure the Bronx instead. He won't attack us directly... not yet."
No one questioned him.
No one argued.
They simply adjusted the markers as he spoke.
Valentina's breath caught.
She had always imagined