Chapter 4 4

The evening air was sharp with tension as Sofia stood on the balcony of her father's estate. The distant hum of the city created a low buzz in her ears, but her focus remained on the figure standing a few steps behind her. Luca's presence was as steady as ever, a constant in the chaos that had become her life.

"They'll be expecting us to stay defensive," he said, his voice cutting through the silence.

Sofia turned to face him, her arms crossed against the chill. "You're suggesting we take the fight to them."

"I'm saying we need to set the tone," he replied, stepping closer. "If we wait, we're showing weakness. If we act now, we control the narrative."

Her gaze shifted to the city below, lights twinkling like stars against the dark canvas. "What kind of message are we sending?"

"That we're not to be underestimated," Luca said, his tone firm. "And that anyone who crosses the DeLucas will pay the price."

The cold logic of his words hit her like a bucket of ice water. Sofia had never been one to condone violence, but this was no longer about personal morals. It was about survival-for herself, for her family, and for the legacy she had unwillingly inherited.

"Tell me the plan," she said finally, her voice steady despite the unease twisting in her gut.

Luca nodded, a glint of approval in his dark eyes. "We target their operations-subtly, at first. Their supply lines, their businesses, anything that weakens their hold without drawing too much attention. Once they're vulnerable, we strike where it hurts most."

The weight of the decision settled heavily on her shoulders. "How long do we have?"

"Not long," he admitted. "The Corsettis are already moving pieces into place. We need to act before they solidify their advantage."

Sofia straightened, determination hardening her features. "Then let's get to work."

The following days were a blur of preparation. Sofia immersed herself in the details of Luca's plan, absorbing every piece of information he and the captains could provide. She spent hours poring over maps, memorizing the Corsetti family's assets and weak points.

Luca, ever the strategist, was relentless in his training. He drilled her on everything from negotiation tactics to how to spot an ambush. His patience never wavered, even when she stumbled or questioned his methods.

By the time the night of the first strike arrived, Sofia felt a strange mixture of anxiety and resolve. She stood in the estate's underground garage, watching as the team prepared for the operation. Luca was already dressed in black, his movements efficient as he checked his gear.

"Are you ready for this?" he asked, glancing at her.

"Ready or not, it's happening," she replied, her voice steadier than she felt.

He handed her a small earpiece, his expression unreadable. "Stay close to me. Watch, listen, and learn. This isn't the courtroom, Sofia. There are no second chances out there."

Her fingers brushed the edge of the earpiece as she nodded. "I understand."

The team moved with practiced precision, their vehicles slipping through the city's streets like shadows. Sofia sat beside Luca in the lead car, her pulse quickening as they approached the target-a Corsetti-controlled warehouse on the outskirts of town.

The plan was simple: disrupt their operations without leaving a trail back to the DeLuca family. It was a calculated move, designed to sow confusion and weaken their foothold in the city.

The warehouse loomed ahead, its exterior unassuming but heavily guarded. Luca parked the car a safe distance away, and the team exited silently, weapons at the ready.

Sofia followed close behind, her nerves jangling with every step. The cool night air prickled her skin, and she forced herself to focus on the task at hand.

Luca motioned for her to stay back as the team moved into position. She crouched behind a stack of crates, watching as they neutralized the guards with swift efficiency. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she couldn't look away.

When the path was clear, Luca signaled for her to join him. She stepped carefully over the unconscious guards, her stomach churning at the sight.

Inside the warehouse, the scene was chaotic. The Corsettis had stockpiled weapons and contraband, and the team wasted no time in dismantling their operation. Explosives were placed strategically, set to detonate once they were clear.

Luca turned to her, his voice low but firm. "This is the part where we leave."

Sofia nodded, her legs moving on autopilot as they made their way back to the vehicles. The team was already loading up when the first explosion shook the ground beneath them. Flames erupted from the warehouse, the firelight casting eerie shadows against the night sky.

Luca's hand gripped her arm, pulling her toward the car. "Move!"

They sped away from the scene, the roaring flames fading into the distance. Sofia's pulse was still racing when they reached the estate, her mind struggling to process what had just happened.

In the safety of the garage, she turned to Luca, her voice unsteady. "Was it enough?"

"It's a start," he said, his expression unreadable. "But it's only the beginning."

The Corsetti family's response came faster than expected. By the next morning, reports of retaliatory attacks began to trickle in. Businesses associated with the DeLuca family were targeted, and tensions in the city reached a boiling point.

Sofia spent the day in constant meetings, coordinating with the captains and gathering intelligence. The weight of leadership pressed down on her, but she refused to falter.

That evening, Luca found her in the study, her head buried in another stack of reports. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding her.

"You're doing well," he said, his tone softer than usual.

She looked up at him, exhaustion evident in her eyes. "It doesn't feel like it."

He crouched beside her, his gaze steady. "Leadership isn't about feeling in control. It's about making decisions when everything feels like it's falling apart."

For a moment, the vulnerability in his voice caught her off guard. She wondered how many times he had been in her position, forced to make impossible choices.

"We'll get through this," she said, surprising herself with the conviction in her voice.

Luca's lips curved into a faint smile. "You're stronger than you think, Sofia. Don't forget that."

His words lingered in her mind long after he left the room. The battle with the Corsettis was far from over, but for the first time, she felt a spark of hope. She wasn't alone in this fight, and she was determined to prove that she was more than just her father's daughter.