FROM THE FRONT of Elijah's manor, all of Senza's ranks stood assembled before him—soldiers, under-capos, and associate leaders who would carry his word back to their men.
Behind him stood Vito, Taddeo, Casimiro, and Lorenzo—his most trusted lieutenants.
"I have called all of you here today to issue a final warning," Elijah's voice cut through the silence, cold and unyielding. "Anyone who dares abandon Senza through betrayal will face the death penalty without exception. There will be no room for termites in this organization—not now, not ever. No one will undermine me or my leadership."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Whispers of suspicion passed from mouth to mouth: Had someone truly betrayed their boss?
"Bring Tieves here," Elijah commanded. Lorenzo moved at once, leading Saul forward—his wounds freshly dressed, drawing more quiet speculation from the ranks.
"Il Capo—did Tieves betray the organization?" a man called out. Elijah's gaze shifted to Saul, who stood with his head bowed.
"Think about it, twin," Taddeo muttered to Casimiro. "The boss didn't kill him, but it looks like he's about to make an example of him in front of everyone."
"Humiliation isn't Il Capo's way," Casimiro replied sharply, earning a nod from his brother. "For him, treason has only one price: death."
"You're right… but why is he making Tieves face the whole organization, then—" Taddeo's words died as his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen: Samara.
"Be right back, twin," he said, stepping away just as another voice rang out from the crowd.
"What dishonor did Tieves bring to Senza, Il Capo? And why does he still draw breath?"
"Tieves was hurt by Congressman Dimaano because he is mine," Elijah declared, and Saul's head snapped up in shock—he had never told the truth of what had happened. "In the future, if any enemy harms one of my people, there will be no mercy. You have Senza Pietà—use every connection we have to crush them."
"Dismissed."
Elijah turned and strode away, heading for Congressman Dimaano's residence.
"I-Il Capo…" Saul hurried after him, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you. I swear—my loyalty is yours and Master Casimiro's, until my last breath."
"I don't want promises that can be broken," Elijah said flatly. "Show me your worth. Earn your place back."
"Yes, Il Capo!"
"If you're ready, let's go get your daughter."
Elijah continued walking until he reached Vito, who stood by their vehicles.
"The soldiers I selected are ready, Il Capo," Lorenzo reported. Elijah's brow furrowed slightly—he did not see Taddeo.
"Where is your twin, Miro?" he asked Casimiro.
"Someone called him away."
"Let's move out," Lorenzo grinned darkly. "No sense letting Congressman Dimaano enjoy another moment of peace."
"Our vehicles are prepared, Penelton," Vito added. Without a word, Elijah began walking toward the waiting cars.
Vito, Casimiro, Lorenzo, and Saul followed close behind. They took the side gate—and there, Elijah spotted Taddeo standing near the entrance, his back to them as if speaking to someone.
"Is that your damned twin, Miro?" Elijah said, and Vito turned to look.
"Hey! Penecarte the First! What the hell are you doing there?!" Lorenzo shouted. Taddeo spun around—and as he did, Elijah caught a glimpse of a woman beside him, and his chest tightened violently.
Did I just see her? he thought, watching Taddeo lead the figure toward them.
"Wait—Is that Silas?" Vito breathed, recognizing the woman as she stepped out from behind Taddeo.
Elijah's eyes never left Samara, who hovered slightly behind Taddeo as if trying to stay out of sight.
"Il Capo—" Taddeo began, but Samara cut him off.
"Tieves!" she gasped, spotting Saul. She broke free from Taddeo's hold and rushed to the man's side, her movement drawing Elijah's full attention.
Samara took Saul's hands in hers, and Saul stared up at her in surprise. Elijah's gaze fixed on where their skin touched.
"Sorry, Tieves," Samara said, her voice heavy with regret. "I didn't know you were meeting that congressman in secret for a reason. If I'd known… I wouldn't have told Taddeo. I would've helped you get your daughter back."
"You don't need to apologize, Silas," Saul replied gently. "It's your job to report what you see to the organization. I knew you'd tell Sir Taddeo—that's why I met Dimaano there."
Samara opened her mouth to speak more, but a shadow fell over them both. Elijah had stepped between them, his presence so imposing that Samara instinctively let go of Saul's hands.
"Leave us," he ordered. Without question, Vito and the others climbed into their van. Taddeo guided Saul inside, leaving only Elijah and Samara standing alone in the driveway.
"What are you doing in my manor?" Elijah began, his voice low. "Associate members are not allowed—"
"I know the rules, Mr. Penelton," Samara interrupted firmly. "But can I come with you? I want to help rescue Tieves' daughter."
"Why do you care so much about helping him?" Elijah's jaw tightened. "Do you have feelings for a man who already has a child?"
"No!" Samara shook her head vigorously, gesturing with her hands. "I judged him wrong—I thought he was betraying us for his own gain. But he was doing it for his daughter. Any parent would put their child first… I'm glad you didn't kill him, Mr. Penecarte."
"You talk too much," Elijah cut her off, moving toward his car. "You're an associate—and a woman. You're not coming with us. Return to the club and do your job."
He reached for the car door, but Samara's hand shot out and rested on his arm. A jolt of electricity ran through him at her touch, and he froze.
"Let me come," she pleaded. "I promise I won't be a burden. I can fight—you've seen what I can do."
"You're still just a woman. Just an associate."
He didn't understand why he didn't pull his arm away.
"Don't dismiss me because I'm a woman," she shot back. "Yes, I'm female—but I can hold my own. And I want to contribute, even if I'm only an associate. I know I'm not a recognized member of Senza, but—"
"Then become part of my wing," Elijah said abruptly, cutting her off. "Then you'll have a voice in matters like this. It's a privilege I don't offer lightly."
Samara slowly dropped her hand from his arm.
"I'll think about it… but can't I choose which of the twins to serve under? Why do I have to be under you? Mr. Penelton—I'm not worth being in your wing."
"My wing is your only choice," he said firmly. He saw the words she wanted to say die on her lips.
"I'll think about it," she repeated. "But please—let me come with you today."
Elijah felt a flicker of satisfaction he couldn't name. She might actually say yes.
"You have one week to decide."
"One week? That's not enough time!"
"Get inside," he said, opening the back door of his car.
"Huh? In your car? I can ride in the van with Taddeo and the others—"
"The van has no space for you," he lied smoothly. "If you want to come, get in. Otherwise, stay here."
He didn't want her trapped in a van full of men.
With no other choice, Samara climbed into the backseat. Elijah closed the door behind her, walked around to the other side, and slid in beside her.
"Let's go," he told his driver.
The car pulled forward, leading the way as the van carrying Vito and the others followed close behind—along with a second vehicle full of Senza soldiers.
They were on their way to pay Congressman Dimaano a visit. And he had no idea death was coming for him.