Chapter 4 Four

Luca's POV

As I strode back to my office, the weight of my responsibilities settled heavy on my shoulders. I'd built my empire from the ground up, and its rapid growth had left everyone stunned.

Now, I couldn't let anyone - the Ivanos or anyone else - threaten to dismantle it. My office, a fortress of steel and glass, loomed above the city, its floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view. But today, the panorama was nothing more than a distraction. My mind was consumed by the challenges ahead.

I poured myself a glass of whiskey, watching as the amber liquid swirled in the glass. I took a sip, feeling the burn settle in my throat as I began to formulate a plan.

First and foremost, I needed to secure Astrid's loyalty. Her history of evading high-ranking captors suggested she could easily slip away from me if she chose to. I had to find a way to keep her invested in our partnership.

As I pondered on this, there was a knock on the door. "Come in," I called, setting my glass down.

The door opened, and Vincent stepped inside, his expression calm and serious at the same time. Unlike the rest of my men, he dressed more casually with his black shirt and trousers. From the air surrounding him, I could tell he had something important to say.

"What is it?" I asked, leaning forward slightly against the table.

"We've received intel on their plans," Vincent said, his voice barely above a whisper. "The Ivanos are making a move to intercept the shipment, but I don't think that's all they're after. They're planning a coordinated attack, aiming to hit us where it hurts and leave a lasting mark."

"They've got nerves," I sneered, anger coursing through my veins. Had I been too lenient? Just because I'd stopped expanding my territory, did they think I was no longer a force to be reckoned with? Vincent's sources were always spot on, so if he said it was happening, I had no doubt it was.

I rose from my seat, making the decision in an instant. "Then we hit them hard. I want all our businesses shut down for the night and defended. Find out where they'll be meeting. If they want war, they'll get war. I'll make sure to send the head of whoever's leading the Marcellos to their leader, courtesy of Lucas Santoro.

Vincent nodded, already moving to carry out my orders. "I'll handle it."

As he turned to leave, I stopped him. "One more thing: Astrid. If things go sideways, make sure she's protected. I still need her skills."

Vincent gave a sharp nod at the command. "Yes, boss."

I downed the last drop of whiskey, the amber liquid igniting a fierce blaze within me. Let them bring their worst. I was a force to be reckoned with, a storm brewing on the horizon. When the dust settled, I'd be the one left standing, my empire unscathed and my power unrivaled.

The Ivanos and Marcellos would be reduced to nothing but smoldering ashes, a cautionary tale of what happened when you dared to cross Lucas Santoro. I would unleash a wrath upon them, a merciless reckoning that would leave no survivor, no witness, and no doubt as to who ruled these streets.

The night air was unusually calming as I stood on the rooftop, gazing out over the city's twinkling landscape. Amidst the darkness, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, a feeling I rarely showed. Ten years of building my empire, and it still stood unshaken.

Every attack, every challenge, had been met with swift and ruthless force. My reputation was built on steel, and those who dared to test me had been dealt with swiftly and severely. The city below was mine, and I was its unseen ruler, always watching, always waiting.

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I answered it without hesitation. "Report."

"We're in position. Lockdown complete and we've got eyes on The Ivano," Vincent's voice crackled through the line. "They are moving towards the warehouse in G district."

I erupted into laughter at the absurdity of their attempt to hide. Did they really think they could evade me by holing up in some distant district? I knew every inch of this city, every hidden alleyway, every secret handshake. Nothing moved without my knowledge, without my permission.

"Fools," I chuckled, shaking my head. "Let them think they have the upper hand. Let them think they're safe. But when the time is right, we'll strike. And when we do, there will be no survivors. No mercy. No quarter."

"Understood boss." Vincent replied, quite pleased. "And the leadership? Ivano and Marcello sent both underbosses. I think they've got some crazy plan underneath."

"I'll take care of them. Whatever it is they're planning, we get rid of it." I said before ending the call. I pulled out a cigarette to take a smoke while counting down to minutes.

My phone buzzed once more, and I glanced at the screen to see a text from one of my scouts. The message was brief, but its implications were significant: Kyle Ivano, the underboss of the Ivano family, and Tai Marcello, a high-ranking member of the Marcello clan, had been spotted arriving at the warehouse.

They were flanked by their top lieutenants, a clear indication that they were preparing for something big. My gut told me that this was it – the moment I'd been waiting for. The moment to strike.

I texted Vincent to initiate the strike, then slipped my gun into its holster and headed for the stairs. I'm getting this done.

Despite the district being far away, it was a short drive since I knew my turf better than anyone. And it was foolish of them not to take that into consideration first.

I parked my car a few blocks away, blending into the darkness before making my way through the labyrinthine alleyways. I stuck to the shadows, my eyes scanning the rooftops and doorways for any sign of movement. As I approached the rendezvous point, I slowed my pace, taking in the layout.

Two guards stood outside, trying to look nonchalant, but I knew better. There were many more inside, a small army waiting to strike. My focus, however, was singular: Kyle Ivano.

Taking him down would give me the upper hand against the Ivano family, and I was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen. I took a deep breath, my mind racing with strategy, as I watched the guards, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

I focused on Kyle Ivano, my mind locked on taking him down to gain the upper hand against the Ivano family. I watched the guards, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Slipping through the side entrance, I moved silently through the dimly lit corridor. The warehouse's vast space was heavy with the smell of metal and oil, soon to be accompanied by the stench of blood.

I leaned against the wall, listening in on their conversation. "We have Intel on Luca Santoro, but not much–"

I interrupted, smirking. "Isn't it sweet to walk in on you conversing about me?"

I swiftly engaged the group in a silent shootout, my Beretta CX4 Storm firing with precision. My movements were fluid, each shot finding its mark before the next was fired.

The element of surprise was on my side, and I exploited it mercilessly. The opposition barely had time to react, let alone return fire. My shirt remained spotless, untouched by even a single retaliatory shot. It was a hallmark of my expertise, a sleek and deadly execution that left no room for counterattack.

Stepping out of the warehouse, the city's neon lights reflected off the wet pavement. My shirt was drenched in Kyle Ivano's blood, with splatters on my face. Vincent stood before me, arms folded, as I dumped Kyle's almost lifeless body at his feet.

"Mission accomplished," I said, lighting a cigarette. "Next time, boss, can you beat him to a better condition?"

Vincent replied, "Just take him to the doctor and make sure he doesn't die."

"Yes, boss. And there's news from Astrid."