CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN – THE NEW DEAL

As the meeting broke up, Don Cesaro called Marco back. "Remember, son," he said softly, "family is everything. But family can grow. It's up to you to make sure that growth doesn't tear us apart." Marco left the room, his mind racing. He had won a victory, but he knew the real work was just beginning. Across town, Vincent Carrera was facing his own crisis. The news of the Moretti family's withdrawal of support had hit Starlight Restaurants hard. Without their backing, the rival bistro project was floundering. Vincent paced his office, running his hands through his hair. He had underestimated Jasmine Delacroix, and now he was paying the price. But Vincent hadn't gotten where he was by giving up easily. If he couldn't beat them, maybe it was time to join them – or at least, to make peace. He picked up his phone and dialed a number. "Mr. Reeves? It's Vincent. We need to talk about the Cesaro project. I think it's time we considered a different approach." Thomas Reeves, CEO of Starligh