“It will be redistributed,” I said, keeping my tone flat and professional.

“To places where it can no longer cause harm,” I added.

I thought of the charities, the rebuilding funds in the south, and the legal restitution accounts I had already drafted on my laptop.

I would strip this empire down to its bare, clean bones.

I would leave nothing for my father to exploit, and nothing for the syndicate to fight over.

“You are risking a great deal,” Moretti said, rising slowly from his chair.

“I have nothing left to lose,” I replied.

Moretti looked at Matteo, then back to me, before giving a single, stiff nod.

“The council will respect the late Don’s wishes,” Moretti said. “For now.”

He turned and walked toward the exit, the other council members following him in silence.

The heavy door clicked shut, leaving only Matteo and me in the cold, dim room.

Matteo reached out, his fingers gently touching the edge of the leather binder.

“You actually did it,” he whispered.

“I had to,” I said, looking at the bruise on his cheek. “Are you alright?”