CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY EIGHT – THE FIVE FAMILIES

For the next two hours, Joan found herself at the center of a storm of questions, accusations, and heated debates. She navigated the complex web of alliances and grudges with the same skill she used to untangle her patients' psychological knots. When Alessandro proposed his plan to deal with the Bianchis, Joan subtly guided the conversation, addressing concerns before they were voiced and offering compromises that appeased all parties. As the meeting drew to a close, Don Carmine raised his glass. "To new alliances and old wisdom. And to you, my dear," he nodded at Joan, "for bringing a breath of fresh air to our stuffy old world." The other dons raised their glasses, their earlier suspicion replaced by grudging respect. As they filed out of the room, Joan overheard Don Russo muttering to his consigliere, "Maybe it's time we started bringing our own women to these meetings. Seems we've been missing a trick." Once they were alone, Alessandro pulled Joan into a fierce embrace. "You we