Page 7 of Monster in Disguise

"Last time I checked, you were under my guardianship, Venezia. And now that I am the head of this family, you will do well to respect my authority."

Venezia's face pales as she realizes the weight of my words. She opens her mouth to protest, but I continue speaking before she can.

"You're right. I did send your sister away. And it would be quite easy for me to do the same to you," I say with a calm demeanor, although inside I am seething with anger and frustration.

I watch as Venezia's features contort with fear and rage. "How much easier everything would be if I didn't have to worry about you," I muse aloud, almost taunting her.

Panicked, Venezia stumbles over her words in an attempt to defend herself.

"But...you can't do that!" she exclaims, taking a step closer to me.

"Oh, but I can," I reply coolly, enjoying the control I hold over her.

"It's up to you, really," I state matter-of-factly. "You can either behave and we can all get along, or..." I trail off suggestively.

Venezia looks at me with defiance in her eyes for a brief moment before finally admitting defeat.

"Yes," she mutters grudgingly.

"Yes what, Venezia?" I prompt sternly.

"Yes, sir," she adds meekly before turning and running up the grand staircase in a huff.

Turning to Amelia, who has been watching our interaction silently, I expect to see fear or submission in her eyes like Venezia's. But instead, there is only disappointment as she looks at me.

"I thought you were different, Sir," she says, her tone laced with disappointment and disapproval before turning and following Venezia up the stairs.

Left alone in the grand hall, I let out a heavy sigh. Was this truly who I had become? A tyrant who used fear to control those around him?

No... I had thought I was different too...

Until I wasn't.

The house is stillas I remember it... And that's the problem.

I enter the guest room on the ground floor, my small luggage in tow. It's a modest space, but it will have to do for now. I've never been one to accumulate many possessions.

It's become a habit since the day I ran away from home. As I unpack my few belongings—some shirts and pants, and a small bag of toiletries—I can't help but feel a familiar urge to flee.

But I push it down, reminding myself of why I'm here. This isn't just for me anymore. It's for my sisters. Tino's death has left a dangerous power vacuum, and my sisters could easily become pawns in any potential takeover. Especially with Venezia being so young and Assisi still a novice in the convent, their safety is my top priority.

And then there's Vlad's proposal... the thought alone sends shivers down my spine. But for now, I must focus on securing my sisters' future above all else.

Despite my dread, there are tasks that must be completed. As much as I despise the role thrust upon me, I cannot deny its necessity for the resources it provides. To jumpstart the succession plans, I have met with Tino's lawyers and accountants.

They have provided me with a plethora of documents to sift through and analyze. Along with these materials, I have been given a comprehensive list of all the people who were previously under Tino's command.

Being the Capo doesn't just entail taking charge of the business side of our famiglia. It also means gaining the respect and loyalty of those within our ranks. My profession as a lawyer has prepared me for the legal aspects of running a business, though my focus has mainly been on criminal law.

However, my experience with the corporate side should prove useful in this new role. Yet, it is not my knowledge that concerns me most. It is the weight of earning the trust and acceptance of my new family members that weighs heavily on my mind.

Tino, may he rest in peace, had taken care of everything before his untimely passing. He knew his end was near and meticulously planned for every possible outcome. His succession order has enough loopholes to ensure that I am the most viable option to take over as capo. But that does not mean there won't be opposition from within.

A formal meeting must be held within the famiglia where I will officially introduce myself as their new leader and hope they accept me as such. Though Tino saw to it that all preparations were made, there is no guarantee that everyone will welcome me with open arms.

As I pore over the intricate list of names involved with the infamous famiglia, my eyes immediately land on my uncle Nicolo's name, listed as the Consigliere. He may not have been the ruthless monster that my father was, but he was far from being an angel. I couldn't let my guard down around him.

Lost in thought, I am abruptly pulled back to reality by a sharp knock at the door. With a hesitant creak, it opens slowly and Amelia peeks her head inside. She hesitates for a moment before making eye contact with me, silently asking for permission to enter. I give a small nod and she enters, her hands nervously fidgeting in front of her.

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