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The others keep silent, most surely thinking they’re cornered, not understanding how this could have happened. They’ve always had people to do their dirty work. They’re so high on their own superiority that they’ve thought themselves to be untouchable.

Marco, the other member who was my father’s best friend, says, “It’s Enzo’s right to claim his seat back.” The intent glare he sends my way shows he’s not happy that I played him. But like the smart man he is, he sides with us, surely thinking of ways to claim his favor.

“His father renounced it,” another mumbles.

“A seat is for life, transcending generations,” Marco insists.

“You don’t live here,” someone else chimes in.

I bend slightly over the table, steepling my hands and sweeping a hard look over each of them. “And I won’t. I’ll come here when my presence is demanded, but we have something new called technology. I am sure you must have heard of it.”

There’s a silent mutter weaving through the room at my jab, but I hear insolent and arrogant.

“Why would we accept her?” another one says, narrowing a nasty look at Luciana, but fear is clear in his voice.

She leans back, appearing unaffected and in control. “Augustus doesn’t have heirs. His name died with him just likehis influence and power,” she says calmly and in a self-assured way.

Around the table, I see some nodding in obvious relief while others mumble under their breath before she continues, “But let’s be very clear. You will listen to me. While the majority will have the say, I will have the veto right.”

All of them rise to their feet and she does the same. I don’t have to interfere. My woman can deal with these entitled assholes on her own. She will have to, as she will be present more often than I.

“Don’t forget who you’re talking to. I know things about you I will release to the media to ruin you for generations to come.”

“This is blackmail.”

She waves him off. “No. This results from thinking no one would dare come after you. Well, I dared, so what’s it going to be? Destruction or submission?”

“Will you make sure our power and influence will only grow and what happened today will never happen again?” the eldest member asks.

She nods. “You want total immunity. Granted. Augustus’s death was personal. The past is buried.”

“Let’s vote then,” Donata says, giving in after sensing the shift in the room.

After a moment of pause, they lift their hands one after the other. It doesn’t matter whether it’s due to fear or self-preservation.

Luciana looks at me, and I dip my chin, accepting her role and power. She was born to be a queen and after all that asshole did to her, it’s poetic justice that she will be the unofficial ruler.

After they sit, she takes her seat last, crossing one leg over the other.

“What about the Syndicate?” Donata asks.

“I will deal with them,” I assure them.

One fucking problem at a time.

When the doors open, the guards notice the table arrangements and they drop their guns to the side, bowing their heads to Luciana.

I stand up and so does she.

“Bring me a car,” she demands, and one guard rushes out to comply with her order.

“What are you doing?” Donata asks.

“I am flying back home. You will be in charge until I return.”

I have never respected my woman more than I do now when she gives her biggest competitor a chance to shine. I know exactly what she’s doing. Donata would never rest until she gets the power, but this will appease her hunger.

After Luciana’s success, they will simply have to accept the new status quo. What is a life of luxury and privileges if you’re dead?