CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY EIGHT – A FAILED INITIATIVE

The meeting with the Russo family had not gone as planned. Joan sat in Scipione's study, her heart heavy with disappointment and fear. The tension in the room was palpable as Scipione paced back and forth, his face contorted with anger. "I can't believe this," Scipione growled, stopping to glare at Joan. "Your brilliant plan has backfired spectacularly." Joan swallowed hard. "I'm sorry, I thought--" "You thought?" Scipione sneered. "You're not here to think, girl. You're here because we allowed it." Marco, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "Father, to be fair, we all agreed to this plan." Scipione whirled on his son. "And look where it's gotten us! The Russos now see us as weak, desperate. They're preparing to move against us as we speak." Joan's mind raced, trying to find a way to salvage the situation. "Perhaps if we reached out to them again, explained--" "Enough!" Scipione roared, slamming his fist on the desk. The room fell silent. "You've done enough damage. Get out