Chapter 17 - The Unseen Shadow
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Two weeks passed since Ethan started school.
The house had settled into a new, quiet routine.
But peace in Chicago was always a fragile illusion.
Victor sat in his study, reviewing the quarterly financial reports of his legitimate businesses.
The door opened, and Marcus stepped inside.
He did not knock.
When Marcus did not knock, it meant the past had returned.
“We have a problem,” Marcus said, his voice flat.
Victor closed the file folder slowly.
“Define the problem.”
“Dante Rossi is back in the city.”
The name hung in the air like poison.
Dante was a ghost from a decade ago.
A rival who believed blood was the only currency that mattered.
Victor leaned back in his leather chair, his expression unreadable.
“He was exiled. The commission made it clear.”
“The commission is old,” Marcus replied. “Dante is young. And he is hungry. He has been gathering men on the south side.”
Victor looked at the framed photograph of Lily and Ethan on his desk.
Five years ago, Victor would have mobilized his men immediately.
He would have sent a violent, unforgettable message.
He would have burned Dante’s safe houses to the ground before midnight.
But he was no longer that man.
He had a family to protect.
A legacy to clean.
“Does he know about my son?” Victor asked.
“Everyone knows you have a son,” Marcus said honestly. “But Dante hasn't made a move. He is just making noise.”
Victor stood up and walked to the large window overlooking the gardens.
“Noise is for the weak, Marcus. Power is silent.”
“What are your orders?”
Victor stared at the glass, seeing his own reflection.
The face of a father.
“Send word to the south side,” Victor commanded.
“A warning?”
“No,” Victor said softly. “An invitation. Tell Dante Rossi I want to meet him for dinner. Tomorrow night.”
Marcus looked surprised.
“A sit-down? With him? He will think you are weak.”
Victor smiled.
It was a cold, terrifying smile that Marcus had not seen in years.
“Let him think whatever he wants,” Victor said. “I don't need to break his bones to break his spirit. I just need to remind him exactly who I am.”
Marcus nodded, turning toward the door.
“I will make the arrangements.”
Victor turned back to the photograph of his family.
He would not let the violence of his past touch their future.
He would protect them.
May you like
With words if possible.
With fire if necessary.
