CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND FORTY FOUR – THE GENERAL COMES TO TOWN

Don Cesaro's voice echoed through the dimly lit room, his weathered face etched with concern. "Family, associates, I've called this urgent meeting because General Castillo has arrived in Albuquerque." A collective gasp rippled through the gathered members of the Cesaro family and their closest confidants. Marco, seated beside Jasmine, tensed visibly. "Who's General Castillo?" Jasmine whispered, leaning towards her husband. Marco's jaw clenched. "The mutually agreed-upon mediator of the cartels in New Mexico. His word is law in our world." Don Cesaro raised his hand, silencing the murmurs. "Castillo's presence is both an opportunity and a threat. We must tread carefully." Luisa, Don Cesaro's wife, spoke up. "What does he want?" "To assess our operations, no doubt," Don Cesaro replied. "Particularly our newly rebuilt Bistro." All eyes turned to Jasmine and Marco. Jasmine felt a chill run down her spine. "Marco, Jasmine," Don Cesaro addressed them directly. "You two are in charge