Chapter 8
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I sat in the chair at the head of the long table—the seat of power.
Behind me stood America's premier criminal defense team.
The television broadcast live news:
"Former Sterling family heir Brandon Walker has been arrested. Police discovered substantial evidence of money laundering and murder-for-hire recordings at his residence. Sources claim he was the central figure in the family's criminal network…"
Footage showed Brandon being escorted to a police car in handcuffs, looking utterly disheveled. He screamed "I'm innocent!" but no one listened.
Tiffany, as his accomplice, was also taken into custody.
Awaiting her was the "special attention" from the female prison's most notorious inmates.
In the conference room, twelve family elders regarded me intently.
I produced the birth certificate of Bella's daughter and the appointment letter Arthur had given me.
"Ladies and gentlemen."
"Brandon has taken all the blame for the family. Our business operations are now clean."
"The child in my womb carries Arthur's only bloodline. Until this child comes of age, I will occupy this chair."
"Who approves? Who opposes?"
I slammed a Colt pistol onto the table.
After a moment of dead silence, all twelve elders rose and bowed their heads:
"Boss Lady!"
One year later.
Sicily, private beach.
The sun blazed overhead as waves crashed against the rocks.
Bella and I lounged on beach chairs, sipping ice-cold limoncello.
International news played on a nearby television.
Brandon had been sentenced to life without parole for multiple felonies.
Rumors circulated that his previous arrogance had earned him enemies—other gang members had broken his legs in prison.
Tiffany had been disfigured in prison and subsequently lost her mind.
"Catherine, look."
Bella removed her sunglasses, pointing toward the sea.
A luxury yacht approached the shore. Eight Italian male models with perfect physiques disembarked, their smiles dazzling.
"The dreams we talked about back in the slums have become reality."
I clinked my glass against hers, gazing at the azure sea and sky.
"Cheers."
"To this fucking beautiful life!"
