93. LA MATRONAAt home, she was the dutiful wife and mother.Out of the confines of her home, she went by another identity. Sometimes she was called The Lady and other times, she had a different name.But as she grew older, her alias also changed. La Matrona was that alias and it served her well throughout her run as a successful businesswoman. She was not only the oldest Armani, but she was also the most dangerous.It was why she was very well respected in the underground world of crime. Together with her loyal husband, she had managed to carve out a powerful position.A position that many would buy, kill or die for. She was the head of the Consortium. An organized illegal entity that controlled vast underground networks of crime and corruption.Her husband had been behind the scene of all operations while she played cards with the big boys. It was normal for her to be challenged and this night was no different.Maurice Jover raged at the calmness of Nana. He was riled up by how she
94. THE END OF THE ROADIt started with Black Hound again.He smiled as he cruised around town. His baldy captive was still tied up against the chair. He was not afraid of getting stopped by the cops, he was protected. He was confident about his sources."I am going to cut the ropes binding you captive but if you move," the Black Hound began and switched into a threatening mode while throwing him a quick left glance. "I will break your jaw and crack it back into place," Black Hound added in a low growl.The bald man froze, realizing that resistance was futile. He was horrified and he asked himself multiple times how he got himself stuck with the psychopath driving him.It was not just Black Hounds' size that mattered. It was instead how easily he could blend in. He was six foot five inches, had well built muscles, and knew how to do his job very well.With one hand on the steering wheel, Black Hound used his free hand to loosen the ropes. He secretly wanted the bald man to do somet
STUCK WITH THE NANAThe guest all gathered together for one last time before calling it a night. Matteo went out to the balcony to get some fresh air, he needed to clear his head from everything he had seen.The cool night breeze helped calm his mind. He replayed the scene over and over in his head before he finally shuddered in fear. He took a deep breath and let it out."I understand that it's a lot to take in," A familiar voice called out.Matteo turned around to see Master Randall walking toward him with hands in his pockets. He stopped beside Matteo and brought out a pack of cigarettes."Do you mind?" Master Randall asked Matteo politely."No really," Matteo curtly answered. He was not in the mood for anyone's company but he realized that he could learn a thing or two from the father of his crazy ex.Master Randall dragged hard on his cigarette after he lit it up. He held his breath as the nicotine filled his lungs and esophagus. He exhaled as the substance hit him hard.High on
BLACK HOUND'S VIXEN"This is Vixen. Subject two is secure."Black Hound hung up his burner phone as Vixen his partner gave him her update on his client's wife. Everything was going smoothly. Although he did not want to take the informant's life, he knew it was necessary.Black Hound had gotten no useful information from the now deceased informant which meant that he was no longer needed and was now a threat.If he had not done what he did, he was so sure that the informant would have alerted whoever he was working for, therefore threatening the entire mission. His client would not like that.Black Hound was waiting for Vixen to come to pick him up and together, they would head back to Armani Castle Incorporated. He did not have to wait long because he could see the headlights of a car approaching.It was a red sleek Lexus. The vehicle slowed down in front of him. The Black Hound walked to the passenger side and opened the door. Inside, he adjusted the seat by moving it back so there w
A GAME OF THREEDiana broke down again as soon as she entered her home. She had avoided speaking to her parents because of what they did to her. Now her father dared to tell her how to live her life.She sat down behind the door for a long time thinking about her life. The people that birthed her were the ones who denied her happiness and purpose.She won't let them take it away this time, she'll write her own story and live on her terms. For her, life is a beautiful journey that she intends to cherish every single moment.She cleaned her eyes and walked upstairs to her bedroom, where she sat on the bed and let out a deep sigh.She was relieved Matteo was not at home, she did not know how she would explain why she was crying at the door like a child.Her phone buzzed and she picked it out of her bag. It was a text from Nicholas.'Hope you got home safe?''Yeah, I am about to get in bed, you?' She typed.'Can't wait to see you tomorrow, I hope you have a good night's sleep.' He replied
ALPHA OF GAMEMatteo did not sleep a wink last night. His mind was filled to the brim with the things he had seen in just the twenty-four hours he had spent in his grandmother's house.He had spent all night going through the briefcase of the Armani family history. There was so much to learn and so little time. He watched the sunrise from his window when morning came.He did not pass the night at the farmhouse, he slept in the guest room next to Nana's room. He looked at his watch and saw that the time was six on the dot.He got up from the chair he had been sitting on all night and stretched his limb. He gently picked up the old book he had been reading and gently placed it back into its designated suitcase.A knock on the door interrupted his privacy and he walked to answer it. Ella the old maid stood with a tray of warm cookies, her kind eyes looking up at him."Good morning to you Master Matteo, I hope you slept well," Ella cheerfully greeted."Morning Ella, please come in," Matte
THE WEEKEND GETAWAYNicholas Wilson woke up a very happy man. All was well with the world and things were going great between him and Diana. He was so excited to see her at work today.He picked out a navy blue Ralph Lauren suit and tie with matching trousers and Italian leather shoes. He was going to bedazzle her with his style. He knew that she loved to watch him.The weekend getaway was a surprise, and he was excited to show her the romantic plans and places they were going to have a good time. Just the two of them.He imagined serving her breakfast in bed and a lot of cuddle time. He shook his head and removed his black underwear as he stepped into the shower.The warm water cascaded down his body, relaxing him as he washed up. He hummed a tune to himself, enjoying the solitude of the moment. When he was done, he switched off the water.He carefully stepped out of the shower and walked to the sink to assess himself in the mirror. He picked up his toothbrush and squirted some paste
THE FLIGHT BACK HOMEPriscilla was troubled.This was because her father did what he was always known for. Which was deliberately leaving her out of his agenda. She was beginning to get afraid that her father might cut Matteo out of her life.She was angry at him throughout the flight, but Matteo had not even been bothered. She struggled to understand what Matteo was planning but her informant was not picking up her calls.Then there was a rumor going around the company that there would be a shakedown to filter resourceful employees and stagnant ones. It annoyed and astonished her that she was not made aware of it directly by her informant.She wondered why he was not answering his phone. It seemed strange that this was happening. She began to believe that something was wrong but could not pinpoint the problem.When they got off the plane, a black sleek Mercedes was waiting for them. Matteo slowly got down and waited for Priscilla to join him on the ground."You will take the car and
147. IS THIS THE END?Suicide and Chrome were both exhausted from their ongoing combat with this huge guy. They had wanted to go after Matteo as he was carrying his wife's unconscious form away.It was the sound of the gunshot that made them realize just how deeply they were fucked. They saw Nicholas, his face already white from blood loss holding his severely bleeding crotch, twitching and jerking involuntarily in pain.Suicide and Chrome realized to their horror that Nicholas was never going to have sex again. They both turned and ran after Matteo only to be blocked by a giant they had not even heard coming.Suicide brought out a wicked-looking jack knife, military-grade, while Chrome had on a pure gold knuckle duster on his right fist and a shining silver one on his left fist.Black Hound knew that both men were a package deal. He had done a quick reading of their bio-data to have a feel for how they both operated.Suicide would attack first with a knife from a flank and Chrome wou
THE RESCUEMasters Randall was neither a superstitious man by nature nor a religious one per se. But today of all days did not feel right. He could not tell what was making him uneasy but he was sure something was amiss.He had not spoken to his daughter in days now and he was worried about what shit show she may have started behind his back. He had failed that daughter of his and there was nothing he could do to change that.This morning when he had called Martha on his phone, there was no answer. That gave him his first reason to be concerned. Martha always answered his call no matter where she was or what she was doing.The second person she answered like that was her grandson. So what was the reason why La Matrona of the Consortium refused to pick up the phone?Had Priscilla run her mouth again? There were so many questions going through his old mind he did not know which one to answer.Masters had spent the night in his study with a cup of scotch and a Cuban cigar, his head tingl
145. END GAME"I hope that I can trust you, Mr. Armani," James Molten said as he was about to get down from the vehicle.Matteo assured him confidently. "Your shares are safe in my hands James and I plan to stay here for a while. I am not going anywhere."James Molten nodded and opened the door to get out without saying another word.Matteo was left alone with his driver as the car sped on."There is something you need to know," Black Hound said as he looked straight ahead. There was a graveness in the way he spoke.Matteo listened with rapt attention."I got some recordings that you will want to hear," Black Hound said. "I want you to listen to it in this vehicle because as of now, it is the only secure place," He finished.Matteo was becoming uneasy. "That bad?" He asked, looking at the rearview mirror to see the eyes of his bodyguard."I think bad is an understatement, it is going to be a shocking revelation," Black Hound said in a solemn tone."Alright, let's hear it," Matteo said
144. THE LAST MOVE~SOME HOURS EARLIERNicholas, tired of standing went back inside after watching the box burn. He still had felt no closure. He wanted nothing but revenge. The phone in his pocket buzzed and he fished it out of his pocket.It was an email from the company. He pushed the notification and read the contents of the message.The iPhone struck the wall with tremendous force and shattered into small pieces, the parts clattering everywhere.Nicholas was fuming and growling, his hands tightened into fists. How dare they fire him? Who the fuck did they think he was? He was not going down without a fight.The pain he was going through fueled his rage. He would make them pay one way or another. He stomped down the stairs blind with fury. He pictured his hands wrapped tightly around Matteo's neck.Then the neck slowly transformed in his head, morphine into a small slender supple neck that belonged to Diana. A sick smile played on his lips.He went into the kitchen and opened the
143. GRANNY TIMESDiana was glad to get out of her lodge. She was happy it was a work day. She was excited to get back to work despite everything that had happened around her.She had also become fast friends with the clerk that was rude to her on the first day she had tried to get a room. There was no point in dragging things out with another woman who was just trying to survive.Her husband had surprised her last night. It threw her off for a minute when she realized just how thoughtful he had become.She was just preparing herself for the next day which was today. The time was seven thirty in the evening when a knock interrupted her preparation. She left what she was doing and walked to the door.As she opened it, she was met with the sight of a familiar face.Nana gazed down warmly at her. She had behind her luggage that was pink in color."Nana? Come in," Diana said waving her hand towards the inviting living room.Nana shuffled into the living room, dragging her luggage with he
142. SHOW DOWNThe silence was deafening, except for the rustling of leaves that got blown around by the wind. It was obvious that all five wealthy people who were sitting together around the dinner table that late Monday morning were enemies.Each figure had his or her agenda at the pit of their dark twisted minds.Priscilla wanted Matteo and everything that came with him.Ashley wanted her father's company and Katie— well, it was not clear what she wanted.Matteo knew that there was no logical way out of this. However, he did have an advantage and he could not wait to use it. He suspected that Priscilla may have figured out his secret plan, but he wasn't too concerned.There was no stopping what was about to happen. Once and for all, he was going to stop all her incessant dealings and manipulation.He could tell that she was worried and she was right to be. This game had gone on long enough. He could also tell that James Molten wanted out.Matteo vividly saw the look of desperation
141. DARK NICKYThe past two days had been rather strange and unpredictable for Nicholas Wilson. First, he woke up with pain on a soft sofa which had dried drool all over his face. Everything hit him all at once. The pain, the hangover, and the nausea.He had no idea where he was or how he had gotten there. It was until a woman with a stark resemblance to Diana approached him with concern, breaking the disorienting haze of his mind. Her gentle yet determined voice pulled him back to reality and into her warm embrace.Then everything had come back to him and he was filled with embarrassment. He quickly shook off the lingering humiliation and focused on the present moment.He was supposed to meet with her for his mental health. His head was pounding. He turned toward her still disoriented only for a glass of water and some oblong white pills were shoved in his hands."It will help with the hangover," Lexi's voice echoed and rang into his ears as he stared at the assortment of pills un
140. THE KING OT CHESSMatteo understood the concern coming from his bodyguard but this was something he had to do alone. He needed the closure."Sir you realize that you are going behind enemy lines," Black Hound voiced out with slight annoyance."I understand but this is something that I have to do alone, it is a personal matter," Matteo casually replied to his bodyguard.Black Hound said nothing else. There was no changing his boss's mind."Besides, I do not want them to know about our business just yet," Matteo further added."That is if Priscilla is going to be present," Black Hound said."She is the mastermind behind this, of course, she will be there," Matteo said with certainty."Is that not more of a reason for me to come along? The stakes are higher than before sir," Black Hound insisted."The more reason for you to stay back. After all, you are my Trump card," Matteo replied as he adjusted his tie."How do I look?" Matteo turned and asked his bodyguard."You look like you a
139. CHAT WITH THE SHRINKNicholas said nothing as he stared ahead with a straight expression on his face. The car was filled with an uneasy silence, creating an oppressive atmosphere. This was mostly because Nicholas was at the center of the matter.He had been bailed by Dr. Amorr and was sitting in her car. He had pretended to be so ashamed of himself when she had come for him but dropped the charade in the car."You can drop me off at home, thank you," Nicholas arrogantly said as he relaxed to rest his eyes.It had been a long day. He opened his eyes and stretched his tired muscles, feeling the tension slowly dissipate. He looked outside the window ignoring the driver who had earlier helped him."Welcome," Dr. Amorr abruptly interrupted his short sightseeing.Nicholas made to get down and hissed in pain. He had felt so relaxed that he had forgotten about his sprained ribs. He slowly got down from the car, wincing from the pain it caused him with every step that he took forward.B