Chapter 16 - The Defiance
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The war was fought in the shadows, far away from the quiet halls of the Valenti estate.
For two weeks, Dominic unleashed hell on the Rossi syndicate. Warehouses were raided, shipments were seized, and Rossi’s lieutenants suddenly found themselves bankrupt or missing. Dominic was systematically dismantling his enemy’s financial infrastructure, proving to the rest of the Commission that he was not weak, not distracted, but more dangerous than ever.
Cassidy stayed at the estate with Bella, protected by Marcus and a small army of loyal men. She didn't flinch at the violence happening outside her doors. She understood the cost of peace in this world.
Finally, Rossi sued for peace.
He called a parley at a neutral location—a highly publicized charity gala hosted by the mayor. It was a place where weapons were strictly forbidden, and public appearances meant everything. Rossi wanted to humiliate Dominic publicly, to force a compromise in front of polite society.
“You don't have to come,” Dominic told Cassidy as he adjusted his tuxedo in the master suite.
“I’m coming,” Cassidy said firmly, zipping up a stunning emerald gown. “If they want to see the woman who caused all this trouble, they’re going to look me in the eye.”
Dominic smiled, a dark, proud expression. “You are terrifying, Miss Tate.”
“I learned from the best, Mr. Valenti.”
They arrived at the gala like royalty. The flashbulbs of paparazzi blinded them as they stepped out of the SUV. The entire ballroom fell silent when they entered. The elite of Chicago—politicians, CEOs, and mafia bosses—watched the notorious king walk hand-in-hand with his rumored weakness.
Don Rossi was waiting near the center of the room, surrounded by his capos. He looked older, tired from the financial bleeding Dominic had inflicted.
“Dominic,” Rossi said tightly, offering a fake smile for the cameras.
“Emilio,” Dominic replied smoothly.
May you like
Rossi looked at Cassidy, sneering. “So, this is the woman who is worth a war. I must admit, she cleans up well for a servant.”
Before Dominic could respond, Cassidy stepped forward, completely unfazed by the most feared boss in the city.
