04| Made Man

"In business, the competition will bite you if you keep running; if you stand still, they will swallow you."

- Victor Kiam

- Dallas Demitri Ortega -

I read the proposal carefully, taking in every detail. It was a big deal, and I needed to make sure that everything was in order. The clients were looking to partner with my company, and they were offering a large sum of money in exchange for a stake in the business. I couldn't help but be intrigued.

"So, tell me," I said, setting down the proposal. "What makes you want to be a part of my company?"

The clients looked at each other before one of them spoke up. "We've been following your business for a while now, and we're impressed by the growth and success you've achieved," he said. "We believe that our resources and expertise can bring even more success to the company, and we're eager to be a part of that."

"Your art collections caught our attention," the other client added. "We believe that our connections and knowledge of the art world can help expand that aspect of your business as well."

I leaned back in my chair, considering their words. They made a compelling argument, but I needed to know more. "What specifically do you bring to the table?" I asked.

The clients exchanged a look before the first one spoke up again. "Well, for one, we have a vast network of contacts in the art world," he said. "We can help you source rare and valuable pieces, as well as connect you with collectors and buyers who would be interested in your current collections."

"We also have experience in business development and strategic planning," the second client added. "We can help you identify areas for growth and expansion, and develop plans to achieve those goals."

I nodded, impressed with what they were offering. "And what would you expect in return for your investment?"

The clients smiled, and the first one spoke up. "We're looking for a minority stake in the company," he said. "We're not interested in taking over or controlling the business, but we do want to have a say in major decisions and be involved in the company's future."

I considered their proposal for a few moments, weighing the risks and benefits. It was a big decision, but ultimately I knew it could be the right move for my company.

"Let me think about it," I said. "I'll get back to you soon with my decision."

The clients left, and I was left to ponder their proposal.

The business world was a strange place, but I was determined to seize every opportunity that came my way. I was going to carefully consider my options and make the best decision for my company.

I sat back in my chair, staring out the window at the bustling city below. Life hadn't been fair for me, but I had made the most of what I had been given.

My passion for art and painting made me start up my company, a place for artists to thrive and make a living. The Art Republic was what I named it.

And now, it seemed like my hard work was paying off.

It may seem strange for someone like me, a capo, to have a passion for something as delicate and peaceful as art, but for me, it was a way to escape the harsh reality of my life.

I would spend hours in my studio, lost in the colors and brush strokes, creating a world that was completely different from the one I lived in.

I first discovered my love for art when I was a young boy, growing up in the rough streets of the city. My childhood was filled with violence, poverty, and abuse, and I was constantly searching for a way to escape.

It wasn't until I stumbled upon an art class in my community center that I found my escape. The moment I picked up a brush and started painting, I was transported to a different world.

Painting was my to express my emotions, to showcase my pain and my joy. I was amazed at how the colors and brushstrokes could evoke such intense feelings, and I was hooked.

As I grew older, I found that my love for art only grew stronger. I would visit art exhibitions, marveling at the different styles and techniques, and I would always leave feeling inspired and rejuvenated.

I was especially drawn to street art and the raw emotion it conveyed. It was a way for me to connect with my roots, to show the world the life I had lived and the struggles I had faced.

One day, my art was displayed in a gallery for the first time. It was an exhilarating experience, to see my work displayed for millions of eyes to behold. The response was overwhelming, and I was filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

I realized that my art was not only a way for me to escape, but it was also a way for me to connect with others and share my story.

I continued to paint in my free time, and it became a source of peace and calm in my life. Despite the danger and violence of my other life as a gang lord, I always had my art to escape to. It was a way for me to reconnect with myself and my emotions, and to forget about the chaos and darkness that surrounded me.

But now, I found myself in a strange place, caught between two worlds. On one hand, I was a respected businessman who delved into art known only as Demitri Ortega, but on the other hand, I was Dallas of the Scorpioni family.

I was constantly juggling both lives, always on guard, always looking over my shoulder. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I had made a life for myself, one that was filled with power, money, and success.

As I sat back in my chair, staring out the window at the city below, I couldn't help but think about the toll it was taking on me. The stress, the constant danger, the guilt of what I had become. It was a heavy burden to carry, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. This was my life, and I was determined to make the most of it.

My thought was disturbed by the sound of a knock at my office door. I turned around to see Kygo, my underboss, standing in the doorway. His muscular build and sharp eyes told a tale of his experience on the streets. He had seen it all and done it all, and he was one of the few men I trusted to watch my back.

Kygo walked in carrying a thick file in his hand. He set it down on my desk and I could see the look of concern in his eyes. "Boss, I have the report you asked for on Marion," he said.

I nodded and reached for the file, but before I could open it, Kygo stopped me. "Boss, I have to warn you. The information in this report isn't good."

I sighed.

I felt a knot in my stomach as I opened the file. As I read through the pages, my anger began to boil.

Caleb DeMilio was the rival gang leader and the owner of Marion, the man who dared to challenge me. He had been encroaching on my territory, undermining my business, and even trying to take out some of my top lieutenants.

I could feel the blood rush to my head as I realized the extent of Caleb's treachery. I flung the file away from me, my anger and hatred towards him were palpable in the room.

Caleb and I used to be allies. We grew up together, fought together, and shared everything. He was like a brother to me. But now, he was my enemy. He was the leader of a new rival gang in my territory, that had been causing so much trouble for us.

I couldn't believe he would turn on me like this. The thought of him once being my underboss filled me with anger and frustration. I never thought he would betray me like this.

I trusted him with my life, and now he was trying to ruin me. It was a cruel reminder of how cruel this world can be, and how easily people could turn on you. I could feel the hatred boiling inside me, but I knew I had to keep it under control. I couldn't let him get the best of me. I'd show him who's boss.

Kygo took a step back, his eyes wary. He knew better than to mess with me when I was like this. "Boss, what do you want to do?" he asks, his voice calm and steady.

"What do I want to do?" I yelled, getting up from my chair. "I want to take Caleb out. I want to show him that no one messes with me and gets away with it. I am an Ortega, Ortega's don't bow down to no son of man. I want him, I want that son of a bitch."

Kygo nodded. "I agree. But we have to be careful. We can't just go in guns blazing. We need a plan."

I pace back and forth, my mind racing. I knew Kygo was right. I needed to be smart about this. I needed to think things through and come up with a plan that would take Caleb down once and for all.

Our conversation becomes heated as we discussed the best course of action. Kygo was level-headed and practical, while I was impulsive and eager for revenge. But together, we hashed out a plan that would not only take Caleb down but secure our position as the top gang in the city.

Once we were done I immediately dismissed Kygo, wanting to be alone with my thoughts. The betrayal I felt was overwhelming, all these emotions crashing into me at once.

It felt like everyone I loved was turning against me. I felt surrounded by snakes waiting to strike. I felt anger, sadness, and frustration all at once. It was like my entire world was falling apart, and I had no one to turn to.

I sat in my office, lost in my thoughts, trying to make sense of the chaos that was consuming me.

Chaos I felt I couldn't contain, but the only option I had was to control the options I had.

Demitri, war is a war. Never give in to defeat my boy. Never.

Uncle Hernandez, bless your soul.