Chapter 149 Follow the scheme

Over the next few weeks, Mariama threw herself back into running Vito's Syracuse operation with renewed vigor. She expanded the network further, increased profits, and solidified Vito's control over the city's underworld. All the while, she carefully gathered evidence – documents, recordings, anything that could prove useful to Don Salvatore. Her reports to Vito were glowing, filled with details of her successes and plans for further expansion. If he had any lingering doubts about her loyalty, they seemed to be fading in the face of the tremendous progress she was making. But beneath the surface, Mariama was a bundle of nerves. Every phone call, every unexpected visitor sent a jolt of panic through her. She found herself jumping at shadows, constantly looking over her shoulder. The stress began to take its toll. She lost weight, dark circles forming under her eyes from sleepless nights spent planning and worrying. But she pushed through, driven by the promise of freedom that now s