Chapter 148 Approaching the don

For the first few weeks, Mariama threw herself into the work with a fervor that surprised even Vito's most loyal lieutenants. She worked tirelessly, using every skill and connection at her disposal to piece the operation back together. She started with the street-level dealers, many of whom were still loyal to Vito out of fear if nothing else. Mariama offered them protection and increased profits in exchange for their renewed allegiance. Slowly but surely, the network began to reform. Next, she turned her attention to the supply chains. Using a combination of bribes, threats, and carefully cultivated relationships, Mariama reestablished the routes that had been disrupted by the police raids. She even managed to open new channels, expanding Vito's reach further into the heart of Sicily. Perhaps most impressively, Mariama succeeded in turning several key police officials who had been instrumental in the raids. Through a mixture of blackmail and generous payoffs, she ensured that futur