Page 19 of Dark Mafia Vows

Two creditors raise their hands. I recognize the both of them. The first man, Taylor Johnson, is a seasoned Australian investor who just recently hit billionaire status. That’s the thing about making money solely from investing. The market is volatile, and even if one is an expert, unforeseen events could still happen, leading to severe financial loss.

Who would have predicted that the almighty Bianchi empire would face such a severe crisis? No one but me. I almost feel bad for Mike. He was one of the biggest investors in the project. Now, it seems he won’t be a billionaire for too long.

He leans forward, rubbing a hand over his jaw.

“Lorenzo, what specific steps are you taking to ensure that future projects adhere to safety standards? We need assurances.”

Lorenzo nods, looking almost relieved at the question. “We’ve implemented stricter oversights and are working with new contractors who have proven track records,” he explains in a firm tone.

Another creditor, a young owner of a tech startup, chimes in. “And what about the financial impact of the Riverside collapse? How are you planning to address the losses?”

“Rest assured, we are negotiating with several investors who believe in our vision, and we’re exploring new financing options,” Lorenzo replies, his voice clear and unwavering.

The crowd murmurs, some appearing convinced. I scoff inwardly. They’re too placated for my liking.

I flick a glance at my Rolex and realize I can’t wait any longer.

Clearing my throat, I step forward, walking down the aisle in slow, steady steps. Heads turn to look at me.

I keep my gaze fixed on Lorenzo, who has an unreadable expression on his face. But the eyes—the eyes always give them away. He tries to hide it, but even several feet away, I see the fear glistening within his black orbs.

“Is that truly the narrative you want to present?” I say, my voice smooth and confident. The room falls silent, all eyes shifting between the both of us. The tension in the air gets thicker. “Because I happen to have evidence that suggests otherwise.”

Lorenzo’s eyes widen slightly in a mixture of anger and surprise before he masks it with indignation. “Dario, this is not the time--”

“Not the time?” I interject, a grin spreading across my face. “I think it’s precisely the time. Would you like to see the financial statements from your own firm? The ones that clearly show your debt has accumulated beyond what you’re willing to admit?”

A sliver of satisfaction rolls through me when his body stiffens ever so slightly.

“It seems yourtemporary challengesare far more severe than you’d like to admit.”

A roar of questions erupts, capturing the unfolding drama.

He turns away from me to address the murmuring crowd. “As many of you are aware, Dario and I have a longstanding personal disagreement. This is just one of his ploys to sully my name and my legacy.”

A harsh chuckle leaves my lips before I pull out a few pages from my file and hold them up for everyone to see.

“These documents reveal something far more alarming than just budget cuts. You’ve not only tried to siphon money by using substandard and counterfeit materials, but you’ve also misrepresented your financial situation to secure loans. I have copies of the fake financial statements you falsified.”

That’s when the room bursts into chaos. Cries of disbelief and anger mix with the sound of shuffling papers and fists slamming on tables.

Lorenzo stammers, trying to regain his footing. His fingers grip the podium like a vice.

“That’s not true...that’s fabricated. He’s fabricated this to paint it on me!” he exclaims in exasperation. But of course, no one pays him any mind.

“The fact that you’ve used future projects as collateral without informing your creditors isn’t just a risky move,” I call out over the chaos. “It’s outright deceitful.”

Lorenzo’s face turns red with fury as he steps away from the podium, coming to the edge of the stage.

“You can’t just?—”

“Can’t just what?” I challenge, stepping forward. “Can’t just reveal the truth? Your creditors deserve to know that the Bianchi family is neck-deep in financial ruin, and your assurances are nothing but empty promises.”

“Dario!” he booms, stepping down from the stage and storming towards me. “This is... this has gone too far. You could have told me this in private!” He hisses, and I hear the desperation that has crept into his voice. I relish the distress I see in his face.

“Private?” I laugh loudly, crossing my arms and enjoying the spectacle. “You made it public the moment you decided to mislead these people. You’ve cost them millions, and they have every right to know every single thing that’s happening and demand answers.”

The tension in the room is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Anger and palpable emotions crackle in the air, buzzing right beneath all the ruckus. While some of them are hounding Lorenzo for an answer, some exchange anxious glances, and I can see the tide turning. They’re realizing they’ve been played, and now they want blood.

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