a world where loyalty is a currency and betrayal is always lurking, she realizes just how dangerous the truly is.

Finally, Bella speaks, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm going to do it."

Maria raises an eyebrow, a question in her gaze. "What exactly are you planning to do, Bella?"

"I'm going to take control," Bella replies, her voice firm now, as if she's trying to convince herself as much as Maria. "If I don't, everything will fall apart. My father's empire. Roberto's actions. Everything."

Maria steps closer, her eyes flicking to the papers scattered on the desk before returning to Bella's face. "You know what this means, don't you? Once you step into the game fully, there's no turning back. You'll have to play as ruthlessly as they do."

She knows Maria's right. This isn't just a game anymore. It's a battle for survival.

"I've always known what it takes," Bella says, her voice low. "But I've never had to face it head-on until now."

Maria steps beside her, her eyes scanning the city with a hint of understanding. "I can't tell you what to do, Bella. But I can tell you this, once you've crossed that line, you'll never be the same."

Bella turns to face her, her eyes dark but resolute. "I'm already not the same."

Bella moves back to her desk, picking up the phone and dialing a number she hasn't called in years. The sound of it ringing is like a countdown in her head.

"Hello?" the voice on the other end answers, sharp, professional.

"I need your help."Bella says, her voice steady but betraying none of the fear churning beneath the surface. 

The person on the other end doesn't ask questions. They know exactly what Bella is asking for. And they know what it means.

"I'll make it happen," the voice replies, and the line goes silent.

Bella hangs up the phone and takes a deep breath, looking once more at the papers in front of her. She's not just taking control of the empire her father built. She's preparing for war.

Roberto is slipping further from her reach with every passing day. And Vito, Bella's brother is a wildcard, too unpredictable for her to fully trust. In a world where loyalty is a currency and betrayal is always lurking, Bella realizes just how dangerous the path she's chosen truly is.

But it's too late to turn back now.

With a deep breath, she pulls out a new sheet of paper, she starts to write, her hand moving quickly as the plan begins to take shape.

Each word she writes is a step toward the abyss.