DANGER

The city had been tense for weeks, with the media swirling with reports of a new wave of government crackdowns on organized crime. Raids on ports, surprise inspections, and an increase in undercover operations were crippling criminal enterprises across the board. The Romanova and Yelena families had always thrived in the shadows, weaving their empires into the fabric of the city's underworld. But now, the light was starting to shine too brightly, and their grip was slipping.

Nikolai Romanova stood at the edge of one of their lesser-known docks, watching as crates of goods were hurriedly loaded onto trucks. His jaw tightened as he scanned the horizon, his ears alert to the sound of sirens. "They're getting bolder," he muttered, addressing Dmitri, his trusted lieutenant.

"It's the new task force," Dmitri replied grimly. "They're not like the others. This isn't about bribes and turning a blind eye anymore. They're coming for blood."

"Let them come," Nikolai said, though his voice lacked conviction. The Romanova empire had withstood countless storms, but this felt different. It wasn't just about money or power anymore—the government was targeting their very existence.

Across the city, in the dimly lit office of the Yelena family's nightclub, Katya Yelena paced like a caged tiger. The club, a hub of their money-laundering operations, had been raided the night before. Though the authorities hadn't found anything incriminating, the message was clear: they were being watched.

"We need to shut it down," her consigliere, Viktor, suggested cautiously. "At least for a while."

Katya stopped mid-stride, fixing him with a glare. "Shut it down? Do you know what that will signal? Weakness. Vulnerability. We might as well invite the wolves to feast on what's left."

"Katya," Viktor began, his tone measured, "this isn't just about us anymore. The government is using our operations as an example. If we don't adapt, we'll be crushed."

Katya clenched her fists, her mind racing. For years, she had fought to prove she was as capable—if not more—than her male counterparts. Retreating now felt like a betrayal, not just to her mother's legacy, but to herself. Yet Viktor's words lingered, a grim reminder that pride could be fatal.