chapter 9

The Plan for Vengeance

The Romano mansion was a hive of activity as Luca assembled his most trusted men in the dining room, which had become the unofficial war room. A map of Chicago lay on the table, marked with key Mancini strongholds and known hideouts. Luca stood at the head, his presence commanding the room.

Enzo entered quietly, leaning on his cane as he took a seat at the far end of the table. He didn't speak, allowing Luca to take the lead. It was a silent acknowledgment: this was Luca's fight to steer.

"We can't sit back and wait for the Mancinis to strike again," Luca began, his voice steady but filled with urgency. "They want us to play defensive, to react. That ends tonight."

The men around the table listened intently, their faces a mixture of anger and determination.

"We're going to dismantle their operation piece by piece," Luca continued, pointing to several red circles on the map. "Their gambling den in Bridgeport, their chop shop on 47th, and most importantly, their supply chain running through the industrial district. Without those, they're crippled."

Vito, the burly enforcer, leaned forward. "That's a lot of ground to cover, boss. You sure we can pull it off?"

"We don't have a choice," Luca said. "But we won't hit it all at once. We strike fast, one target at a time, before they can regroup."

Antonio, the strategist, nodded. "Divide their attention, stretch their resources thin. It could work—if we're precise."

"We will be," Luca assured him. "Vito, you'll lead the team hitting the gambling den. Take Nico with you—his inside connections will get you close without raising suspicion."

Nico smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Finally, a chance to put those Mancini rats in their place."

"Tony," Luca continued, "you'll handle the chop shop. Hit them hard, but don't leave a mess. We want them scrambling, not knowing where the next blow is coming from."

"And the supply chain?" Vito asked.

"That's mine," Luca said firmly. "I'll lead the team on that one. It's their lifeline—if we cut it, they'll bleed out."

The room fell silent as the weight of the plan settled over them. It was bold, ambitious, and dangerous. But everyone knew it was their best shot.

Enzo finally spoke, his voice calm but deliberate. "Luca, this is your war now. But remember: a cornered animal is the most dangerous. The Mancinis will come at us with everything they have."

Luca met his father's gaze, his resolve unshaken. "Let them. By the time they realize what's happening, they won't have anything left to fight for so we should always be ready."

Enzo gave a slight nod, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "Then make it count."

As the men dispersed to prepare for their missions, Luca lingered by the map, his mind racing through every detail of the plan. He knew the stakes were high—not just for the family's survival, but for his own.

This was more than retaliation. It was a statement: the Romanos weren't just fighting to defend their empire—they were fighting to dominate them.