Chapter 187

FEW DAYS LATER>>> AT THE CAPITAL

The Mafia men stepped out of the meeting room, dressed in black suits that fitted their muscular bodies perfectly. Their faces were expressionless, hidden behind dark sunglasses as they stepped out of the Capital, disappearing into waiting black vehicles. 

As the rest of the men left, Alberto hung back, helping Ville and Enzo with some tasks. Within the past few weeks, he had gotten along with Ville and Alfonso, but things were tougher with Enzo. 

No matter how hard he tried, Enzo either ignored him or gave him a menacing glare that left him shaken. Still, Alberto refused to give up. He was determined to make amends for his past mistakes and earn forgiveness and acceptance, especially from his half-brothers Sergio and Enzo.

"You should head back home," Ville said to him three hours later. "I'll finish up from here"

"Yeah... About that... I've got nothing else to do. I'd rather finish up with you than return to that cold empty house"

Ville chuckled and looked up at him over the rim of his vodka glass. "You know places like strîp clubs, bars, and brøthels do exist over here"

"Not a fan" When he didn't get any response, he added. "But we could go together"

"Not a fan either"

Alberto nodded and paused for a while before asking. "Got a girl?"

"None of your fucking business, Mr. Billionaire"

"Alright, alright, you don't have to tell me shit. Was just curious. I've never seen The Underboss with a girl either. Word on the street is that he had one, a pretty dancer. But they haven't been seen together in a long time" 

Ville looked at him with amusement in his eyes. "Digging your fucking nose into people's private lives?"

"No-fuck, no! Was running an errand and heard some men talking about it."

"I would say you be careful of the fucking things you hear. You could lose your fucking head"

They worked in silence, each focused on their task. Alberto was accustomed to this pattern, having never been one for small talk unless it was business-related. But here in the Mafia, he had to swallow his pride and try to make amends, no matter how difficult it was.  

Having surrendered everything—his pride, freedom, and wealth, he now worked under Sergio's watchful eye, regarding himself as a slave who had to work hard to please his Master. Unknown to him, Sergio was using that as an opportunity to keep him close and educate him about the organization's history, traditions, and key events.

His duties were designed to test his loyalty, build trust, and help him understand the organization's inner workings. He ran errands, delivering messages and packages to establish communication networks. He gathered information on business interests, rival families, and key players, and also worked closely with experienced members.

He was also given skill-building assignments like financial management, strategic planning, debt collection, enforcement, and networking which involved attending social events, building relationships with associates, and gathering intel. He also had training sessions and participated in high-stakes meetings and negotiations.

For over a month, Alberto had been disconnected from his normal business life. In his absence, Carlotta and his personal assistant took charge of his various companies, keeping him updated on their daily progress.

But despite the changes in him, people still struggled to trust him. They kept questioning his true motives, wondering if he was genuinely devoted to serving the Mafia Lord or secretly plotting another uprising to reclaim power and his status.

*****

Alberto left the Capital and returned to his mansion, a grandeur he was fortune to still call his own. Sergio had leniently allowed him to keep the estate even after his rebellion and had also assigned maids to attend to his needs.

As he entered, one of the maids took his coat and offered a quiet greeting. Alberto nodded in response and made his way to the spacious bathroom, shedding his clothes as he went. After taking a cold shower, he put on his bathrobe and padded into the bedroom. 

The day had been long and hectic and all he needed was a good night's rest. But as he settled on the bed and picked up his phone, his fingers hovered over the screen as his mind drifted to something else.

It had been weeks since he'd last spoken to Carlotta, and the number of her unreturned messages and calls hung heavy on his conscience. With a deep breath, he dialed her number and just as he had expected, she picked up immediately. 

"Alberto! Oh my god, I've been trying to reach you for weeks! How are you? Are you okay? What's going on?" Her voice burst through the line, a mixture of worry and excitement. Alberto couldn't help but smile as he listened to her rapid-fire questions. He missed her infectious energy and her caring nature. 

"Carlotta, slow down," He said, chuckling. "I'm fine, really. I just...needed some time to focus on things over here."

But Carlotta wouldn't be deterred. More questions tumbled out, each one layered with concern. "Focus on what things? What's going on, Albert? You're scaring me. Is everything okay? Did something else happen?" 

Alberto's smile deepened as he listened to her. He missed her so much, missed the way she cared for him, the way she always put his needs before her own. He hated to admit it, but he should've listened to her.

"Carlotta I'm fine," He reassured her. "I just...needed some time."

After Sergio granted him a second chance, Alberto had reached out to Carlotta, confessing everything, including his willingness to sacrifice everything to make amends. The disclosure had shattered Carlotta's heart, and since then, Alberto had cut contact, until now. 

"All those times I couldn't reach out to you, I thought something bad had happened." There was a pause on the other end of the line, but then Carlotta's voice came back, softer this time. "And when I saw your call... And heard your voice once again, I felt so much relief."

"How is your health? You sound a lot better"

"My blood pressure was high a week ago, but I'm okay. I've been taking my medication and visiting the Doctor"

"That's good to know. As for me, I've been working pretty hard, but it seems it's not enough." He went ahead to tell her about all that had happened. "I'm nothing more than a fucking slave here, Carlotta"

"No, dear. From all you've said, you're more than that. They would've killed you a long time ago. They would have eliminated the Russian army even after you pleaded on their behalf. They would've done so much worse, Albert, but they didn't. Your apology is not meaningful to them. It doesn't even make up for all the damage that was caused. But do you know what is more meaningful?"

There was a pause.

"It's you, Alberto," Carlotta said finally. "You're one of them, you possess the same blood flowing through their veins. I may not know what plans they have for you, but I do know death isn't included"

Alberto reflected on Carlotta's words, and he couldn't deny the truth. Sergio and the Mafia could have easily killed him, but instead, they didn't. Sergio had not only welcomed him into the Mafia but also included him in important meetings, giving him a chance to air out his opinions on key matters. He had also spared the Russians, demonstrating a level of compassion that was hard to ignore.

As they continued to chat, Alberto casually rose from the bed and wandered over to the window. With a subtle movement, he pushed the blind aside and looked out into the night. The moon cast an eerie glow over the manicured lawn, illuminating the guards that patrolled the perimeter of the mansion.

Alberto's eyes narrowed as he watched them, his mind working overtime. He knew Sergio had assigned them to keep a close eye on him, to monitor his every move and prevent any rebellion. The maids weren't an exception either. But what he didn't know was that Sergio had appointed the guards to protect him against the many people who harbored grudges against him.

"So... Has any Signorina gotten your attention over there?" [Young lady]

Alberto's gaze lingered on the guards for a moment before he turned back to the conversation, his expression neutral once more. "Mi dispiace, ma no" [I'm sorry, but no]

"There are so many beautiful girls in Italy, Alberto. I do not believe none of them have caught your attention"

"Carlotta, I'm glad we caught up," He said, his voice smooth. "I'll talk to you soon."

"Is this your way of ending the conversation? I'm concerned about you. If you cannot find someone for yourself, I could help you"

He chuckled lightly. "Get some rest, Carlotta"

"Everyone's been asking about you," Carlotta said, concern etched in her voice. "The press is relentless, but surprisingly, they haven't uncovered any information about your involvement with the Mafia. Do you think Sergio is behind the cover-up?" 

Alberto hesitated, unsure. He had never thought about it. "I don't know...we don't speak that much."

"Stay safe, Alberto, and be strong. I miss you so much, and I'm counting down the days until you return to the States." 

Alberto's lips curved into a gentle smile. "I miss you more, Carlotta. Get some rest."

As the call ended, Alberto settled on the bed, his eyes drifting up to the ceiling. Information about him should have surfaced by now, given the press's vast network of sources around the world. And if they ever found out about his involvement with the Mafia, the consequences would be severe and far-reaching to his businesses and him, personally. 

While Sergio was revered and feared as the Mafia Lord, Alberto's situation was distinct. As a billionaire and businessman, his reputation and influence extended beyond the underworld.

His mind began to wander, questioning Carlotta's words. Did Sergio indeed have a hand in keeping his involvement with the Mafia under wraps? And if so, what motivated him to do so? Why would Sergio, a man known for prioritizing his own interests, bother to protect his reputation? 

The more Alberto thought about it, the more puzzled he became. Sergio's actions didn't quite add up. Was there something he was missing? Some hidden agenda or ulterior motive that must've driven Sergio's decision?