2025-01-11 19:04:18The man smirked. “You can call me Victor. Let’s just say I’ve been keeping an eye on Anthony. You two? You’ve become collateral in a game much bigger than you realize.”
Anthony frowned. “Bigger? What are you talking about?”
Victor walked over to the map, tapping one of the red dots. “Felix isn’t just some rich jerk throwing his weight around. He’s the son of a big group.” Victor said.
Anthony's heart raced as Victor stared at him with an intensity that made him feel both uneasy and strangely significant. Jake shifted uncomfortably beside him, his gaze darting between the mysterious man and the high-tech command center surrounding them.
Victor finally spoke, his voice calm yet commanding. "Anthony, you’ve been in the dark for too long. But it’s time you know the truth about who you really are."
Anthony frowned, confusion mixing with frustration. "What are you talking about? I’m nobody. Just a guy trying to survive in this mess."
Victor chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "You’re far from a nobody, Anthony. Your bloodline makes you one of the most significant players in a world you’ve been blind to your entire life." He gestured to a monitor displaying a family tree. At the top was a name Anthony recognized: Don Lorenzo De Luca.
"De Luca? What does that have to do with me?" Anthony’s voice was laced with disbelief.
Victor stepped closer, his expression unyielding. "Lorenzo De Luca was your grandfather. The De Luca family isn’t just a clan; it’s the largest and most powerful syndicate in the country, with connections spanning continents. After Lorenzo’s death, the family splintered, and control passed to your uncle. But you… you are the true heir, Anthony. The rightful leader."
Jake’s jaw dropped. "Wait, hold up. Are you saying Anthony’s supposed to be some kind of mob boss?"
Victor nodded. "Precisely. And Felix? He knows. That’s why he’s after you. He’s working with remnants of rival families who want to ensure the De Luca bloodline is permanently erased. You’ve been a target all along, Anthony."
Anthony shook his head, stepping back. "This is insane. My grandma… she never told me anything about this. She was just a normal person."
Victor’s gaze softened slightly. "Your grandma left that life to protect you. But secrets like these don’t stay buried forever. Felix and Catherine? They were planted in your life to manipulate and control you. Every move they made was to ensure you never realized your true potential."
Anthony’s mind swirled as pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. Catherine’s sudden interest in him, her insistence on draining his finances, Felix’s hostility—it all made a twisted kind of sense.
"Why are you helping me?" Anthony asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Victor straightened, his demeanor resolute. "Because I owe your grandfather a debt I can never repay. Lorenzo saved my life and trusted me to protect his family. That responsibility now falls to you. Whether you accept it or not, the De Luca legacy is yours, and it’s time you decide what to do with it."
Before Anthony could respond, an alert flashed on another monitor. Victor’s face darkened. "Felix’s men are closing in again. They won’t stop until they have you."
Jake grabbed Anthony’s arm. "Dude, this is crazy. What are you going to do?"
Anthony clenched his fists, his anger bubbling to the surface. "I don’t know if I’m ready for all this, but I’m not going to let Felix or anyone else control me anymore."
Victor smiled approvingly. "Good. Then let’s show them what happens when they underestimate a De Luca."
The sound of tires screeching echoed from the garage below, followed by the clatter of boots approaching. Victor tossed Anthony a pistol, his expression deadly serious.
"Your move, Anthony. Prove you’re ready to claim what’s rightfully yours."
As the first gunshot rang out, Anthony knew there was no turning back.
The pistol felt foreign in Anthony’s hand, heavier than he imagined but lighter than the weight on his shoulders. His pulse thundered in his ears, drowning out the chaos as Victor barked commands to the men stationed around the mansion.
“Secure the perimeter! No one gets through!” Victor ordered, his voice cutting through the panic like a blade.
Anthony pressed himself against the wall, his breath coming in shallow gasps. He peered out a nearby window, catching a glimpse of black SUVs blocking the driveway. Men in tactical gear spilled out, armed to the teeth. The emblem on their sleeves was unmistakable—Felix’s crew.
“You’re thinking too much.” Victor growled, yanking Anthony back from the window. “In this world, hesitation gets you killed. You want to live? You act. Now.”
The sound of a door crashing open sent Anthony’s heart into overdrive. Heavy boots thudded against the marble floors, drawing closer. He tightened his grip on the pistol, his fingers slick with sweat.
Victor crouched low, his eyes sharp and calculating. “They’ll come in waves. First, the grunts. Sloppy but dangerous. Then the professionals. Stick close, follow my lead, and don’t miss.”
Anthony nodded, though his stomach churned with dread. He wasn’t ready for this. He wasn’t a killer. But as the first intruder rounded the corner, rifle raised, instinct took over.
The man never saw it coming. Victor fired first, a clean shot to the chest. The intruder crumpled to the ground, his weapon clattering beside him.
“Now!” Victor barked.
Anthony barely had time to think. Another man charged in, his gun aimed directly at him. Anthony pulled the trigger, the recoil jolting up his arm as the bullet struck its mark. The man dropped, and Anthony stared at the body, his breath hitching.
“Don’t freeze!” Victor snapped, shoving him forward. “This is just the beginning.”
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The De Luca Heir 7: Shadows of the past
The hallway erupted into chaos as more men stormed in, their shouts and gunfire echoing off the walls. Anthony moved on autopilot, ducking and firing as Victor directed him through the melee. He didn’t feel the pain of his grazed arm or the ringing in his ears. All that mattered was survival. A sharp whistle cut through the noise, and Anthony turned to see Jake barreling through the side door, wielding a shotgun. “Thought you could use some backup!” Jake shouted, blasting an attacker who had crept up behind Victor. Victor nodded curtly. “About time. Hold the west wing! You're so good, kid. Where did you learn that?” Jake ignored him and motioned to Anthony. “You good, kid?” Anthony didn’t answer, his focus locked on the next wave of intruders. They moved with precision, their formation tighter, their aim deadlier. These weren’t grunts. These were the professionals Victor had warned about. Victor cursed under his breath. “This is Felix’s message. He’s not just testing you—he’s try
The De Luca Heir 8: Bloodlines and betrayal
“Dad!” Anthony yelled, struggling against Victor’s iron grip. His father lay crumpled on the ground, blood pooling beneath him, but his hand twitched as he tried to push himself up. Felix’s laughter cut through the tension, sharp and mocking. “Touching, really. But this is just the beginning, Anthony. You’re not ready for the weight of that crown.” He waved the detonator for emphasis. “You think you’ve won, but I always have the upper hand.” Anthony’s vision blurred with rage. “You’ll regret this, Felix.” Felix smirked, stepping back toward his car. “Oh, I don’t think I will. But feel free to try.” Before Anthony could break free, Victor snapped him back to reality. “Focus! He’s not out of reach yet.” Jake appeared at their side, weapon ready. “What’s the call, boss? Do we take him out or save your old man?” Anthony’s gaze darted between Felix retreating toward his SUV and his father gasping for breath on the cold concrete. Every fiber of his being screamed for vengeance, but th
The De Luca Heir 9: Spark of vengeance
Anthony hesitated for only a moment, his mind racing as the older man’s piercing gaze locked onto his. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm. “You know who that is?” Anthony didn’t break eye contact. “Should I?” Victor nodded. “Leonardo Moretti. Your father’s closest ally in the old days. If he’s here, it means he’s got a stake in this fight.” Jake, still catching his breath, muttered, “Or he’s here to claim the spoils.” Leonardo chuckled, as if hearing Jake’s skepticism. “I assure you, I’m not here to take anything from you, Anthony. I’m here to make sure you don’t lose everything your father built.” Anthony’s jaw tightened as he glanced back at the smoldering wreckage of the garage. His father’s blood still stained his hands, and Felix’s mocking laughter echoed in his mind. “Why now? Where were you when he needed you?” They put his dad inside the car and drove away. Leonardo’s expression turned cold. “Your father made enemies faster than he made allies. He kept
The De Luca Heir 10: The Heir's Revelation
The sterile lights of the hospital reflected off the polished floors as the team rushed Alexandro through the emergency entrance. Anthony walked beside the stretcher, his jaw clenched, his hands still smeared with his father’s blood. Victor stayed close, scanning the surroundings for any sign of Felix’s men, while Jake barked orders to secure the area. “We need a surgeon now!” Anthony shouted as the staff took over, wheeling Alexandro into the operating room. The doors swung shut with a metallic clang, leaving Anthony standing in the hallway, fists clenched in helpless frustration. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder. “He’s tough, Anthony. He’ll pull through.” Anthony nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. He didn’t want to lose his dad anymore. His parents were out of the picture of how many years and his grandma never told him the truth until she died. “I want to be with my family again, Victor.” he sighed. Victor understood him. He glanced at the folder Leonardo had given him,
The De Luca Heir 11: Hospital ambush
Anthony felt his pulse hammering against his ribs, the weight of his mother’s revelation pressing down on him like a vice. He shook his head, his breath coming in short, angry bursts. "What the hell are you saying? My father—betrayed Felix’s family?"His mother took a steadying breath. "It wasn’t supposed to happen like this, Anthony. Your father and Felix’s father, Robert, made an agreement years ago. A marriage was arranged between you and Felicima to solidify the alliance. It was meant to bring peace. But when Robert wanted your dad and our family to participate on their illegal businesses which our family never done, Alexandro—he went back on his word. He called off the engagement and set fire to everything that connected us to the Carbones. Your dad didn't want you to be one of them when he found out their dirty doings."Anthony’s chest tightened as he processed her words. He exhaled sharply, rage twisting inside him. "So Felix wants revenge because my father humiliated his famil
The De Luca Heir 12: New life and new world
The echoes of gunfire had finally faded, leaving behind only the scent of gunpowder and the wreckage of Felix’s failed ambush. Anthony stood amidst the carnage, his breath coming in sharp, heavy gasps. His body ached from the bruises and minor wounds he had sustained, but they had won. Felix’s men had either been taken down or forced to retreat.Leonardo wiped blood from his brow, glancing at Anthony. "We need to get out of here before more of them show up."Victor nodded. "We’ll regroup at the hospital, get patched up, and then move."They piled back into the SUV, the tension in the air thick despite their victory. The drive back to the hospital was quick but silent, each man lost in his thoughts. When they arrived, the doctors worked swiftly, stitching wounds and assessing their injuries. Anthony barely flinched as a nurse disinfected a gash on his arm. His mind was elsewhere—on the truth he was about to uncover.Once their wounds were tended to, they didn’t waste any time. They lef
The De Luca Heir 13: Made his first negotiation
The next morning, Anthony woke up finding his dad, Victor, and Leonardo waiting for him in the living room. He sensed that they were talking about a serious matter."Good morning, son." Alexandro greeted him."Good morning, dad, Victor, and Leonardo. Am I not informed? Do we have a serious meeting?" he chuckled.Alexandro asked the maid to prepare Anthony coffee and cake."Yes. As your second day being the boss of this clan, we want you to show yourself up if you can negotiate with someone later on." Leonardo smirked.Anthony's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"Alexandro chuckled a bit."Sorry if we surprised you, son. But you really need to do this. Every starting mob boss had done this already. To prove you can lead our clan." he added."We want you to make them close the deal with us. This person is powerful and important to be on our side, Anthony." Victor stated.He was a bit nervous. All of his life, he hasn't negotiated big things. He swallowed hard looking at the three of them
The De Luca Heir 14: Losing a personal deal
Anthony turned his head, his grip on Harrington’s hand loosening slightly as he took in the woman who had just entered.Elena Russo.She was every bit as fierce and commanding as her reputation suggested—dressed in a sleek black suit that hugged her curves, her long, wavy brunette hair cascading over one shoulder. Sharp hazel eyes flickered between Anthony and Harrington as she strode inside with confidence, her heels clicking against the concrete floor.Harrington leaned back in his chair, clearly amused. “Elena, always one for dramatic entrances. What brings you here?”Elena smirked, her gaze locking onto Anthony. “I’m here because you’re making a deal that involves my logistics network, and I don’t recall giving my blessing.”Anthony’s jaw tightened. He had heard of Elena Russo—an independent powerhouse in the logistics world, supplying both legal and illicit clients. She controlled key shipping routes and warehouses, making her a crucial player in the game. If she was here, that m
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14: Losing a personal deal
Anthony turned his head, his grip on Harrington’s hand loosening slightly as he took in the woman who had just entered.Elena Russo.She was every bit as fierce and commanding as her reputation suggested—dressed in a sleek black suit that hugged her curves, her long, wavy brunette hair cascading over one shoulder. Sharp hazel eyes flickered between Anthony and Harrington as she strode inside with confidence, her heels clicking against the concrete floor.Harrington leaned back in his chair, clearly amused. “Elena, always one for dramatic entrances. What brings you here?”Elena smirked, her gaze locking onto Anthony. “I’m here because you’re making a deal that involves my logistics network, and I don’t recall giving my blessing.”Anthony’s jaw tightened. He had heard of Elena Russo—an independent powerhouse in the logistics world, supplying both legal and illicit clients. She controlled key shipping routes and warehouses, making her a crucial player in the game. If she was here, that m
13: Made his first negotiation
The next morning, Anthony woke up finding his dad, Victor, and Leonardo waiting for him in the living room. He sensed that they were talking about a serious matter."Good morning, son." Alexandro greeted him."Good morning, dad, Victor, and Leonardo. Am I not informed? Do we have a serious meeting?" he chuckled.Alexandro asked the maid to prepare Anthony coffee and cake."Yes. As your second day being the boss of this clan, we want you to show yourself up if you can negotiate with someone later on." Leonardo smirked.Anthony's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"Alexandro chuckled a bit."Sorry if we surprised you, son. But you really need to do this. Every starting mob boss had done this already. To prove you can lead our clan." he added."We want you to make them close the deal with us. This person is powerful and important to be on our side, Anthony." Victor stated.He was a bit nervous. All of his life, he hasn't negotiated big things. He swallowed hard looking at the three of them
12: New life and new world
The echoes of gunfire had finally faded, leaving behind only the scent of gunpowder and the wreckage of Felix’s failed ambush. Anthony stood amidst the carnage, his breath coming in sharp, heavy gasps. His body ached from the bruises and minor wounds he had sustained, but they had won. Felix’s men had either been taken down or forced to retreat.Leonardo wiped blood from his brow, glancing at Anthony. "We need to get out of here before more of them show up."Victor nodded. "We’ll regroup at the hospital, get patched up, and then move."They piled back into the SUV, the tension in the air thick despite their victory. The drive back to the hospital was quick but silent, each man lost in his thoughts. When they arrived, the doctors worked swiftly, stitching wounds and assessing their injuries. Anthony barely flinched as a nurse disinfected a gash on his arm. His mind was elsewhere—on the truth he was about to uncover.Once their wounds were tended to, they didn’t waste any time. They lef
11: Hospital ambush
Anthony felt his pulse hammering against his ribs, the weight of his mother’s revelation pressing down on him like a vice. He shook his head, his breath coming in short, angry bursts. "What the hell are you saying? My father—betrayed Felix’s family?"His mother took a steadying breath. "It wasn’t supposed to happen like this, Anthony. Your father and Felix’s father, Robert, made an agreement years ago. A marriage was arranged between you and Felicima to solidify the alliance. It was meant to bring peace. But when Robert wanted your dad and our family to participate on their illegal businesses which our family never done, Alexandro—he went back on his word. He called off the engagement and set fire to everything that connected us to the Carbones. Your dad didn't want you to be one of them when he found out their dirty doings."Anthony’s chest tightened as he processed her words. He exhaled sharply, rage twisting inside him. "So Felix wants revenge because my father humiliated his famil
10: The Heir's Revelation
The sterile lights of the hospital reflected off the polished floors as the team rushed Alexandro through the emergency entrance. Anthony walked beside the stretcher, his jaw clenched, his hands still smeared with his father’s blood. Victor stayed close, scanning the surroundings for any sign of Felix’s men, while Jake barked orders to secure the area. “We need a surgeon now!” Anthony shouted as the staff took over, wheeling Alexandro into the operating room. The doors swung shut with a metallic clang, leaving Anthony standing in the hallway, fists clenched in helpless frustration. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder. “He’s tough, Anthony. He’ll pull through.” Anthony nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. He didn’t want to lose his dad anymore. His parents were out of the picture of how many years and his grandma never told him the truth until she died. “I want to be with my family again, Victor.” he sighed. Victor understood him. He glanced at the folder Leonardo had given him,
9: Spark of vengeance
Anthony hesitated for only a moment, his mind racing as the older man’s piercing gaze locked onto his. Victor placed a hand on his shoulder, his grip firm. “You know who that is?” Anthony didn’t break eye contact. “Should I?” Victor nodded. “Leonardo Moretti. Your father’s closest ally in the old days. If he’s here, it means he’s got a stake in this fight.” Jake, still catching his breath, muttered, “Or he’s here to claim the spoils.” Leonardo chuckled, as if hearing Jake’s skepticism. “I assure you, I’m not here to take anything from you, Anthony. I’m here to make sure you don’t lose everything your father built.” Anthony’s jaw tightened as he glanced back at the smoldering wreckage of the garage. His father’s blood still stained his hands, and Felix’s mocking laughter echoed in his mind. “Why now? Where were you when he needed you?” They put his dad inside the car and drove away. Leonardo’s expression turned cold. “Your father made enemies faster than he made allies. He kept
8: Bloodlines and betrayal
“Dad!” Anthony yelled, struggling against Victor’s iron grip. His father lay crumpled on the ground, blood pooling beneath him, but his hand twitched as he tried to push himself up. Felix’s laughter cut through the tension, sharp and mocking. “Touching, really. But this is just the beginning, Anthony. You’re not ready for the weight of that crown.” He waved the detonator for emphasis. “You think you’ve won, but I always have the upper hand.” Anthony’s vision blurred with rage. “You’ll regret this, Felix.” Felix smirked, stepping back toward his car. “Oh, I don’t think I will. But feel free to try.” Before Anthony could break free, Victor snapped him back to reality. “Focus! He’s not out of reach yet.” Jake appeared at their side, weapon ready. “What’s the call, boss? Do we take him out or save your old man?” Anthony’s gaze darted between Felix retreating toward his SUV and his father gasping for breath on the cold concrete. Every fiber of his being screamed for vengeance, but th
7: Shadows of the past
The hallway erupted into chaos as more men stormed in, their shouts and gunfire echoing off the walls. Anthony moved on autopilot, ducking and firing as Victor directed him through the melee. He didn’t feel the pain of his grazed arm or the ringing in his ears. All that mattered was survival. A sharp whistle cut through the noise, and Anthony turned to see Jake barreling through the side door, wielding a shotgun. “Thought you could use some backup!” Jake shouted, blasting an attacker who had crept up behind Victor. Victor nodded curtly. “About time. Hold the west wing! You're so good, kid. Where did you learn that?” Jake ignored him and motioned to Anthony. “You good, kid?” Anthony didn’t answer, his focus locked on the next wave of intruders. They moved with precision, their formation tighter, their aim deadlier. These weren’t grunts. These were the professionals Victor had warned about. Victor cursed under his breath. “This is Felix’s message. He’s not just testing you—he’s try
6: Baptism by fire
The man smirked. “You can call me Victor. Let’s just say I’ve been keeping an eye on Anthony. You two? You’ve become collateral in a game much bigger than you realize.” Anthony frowned. “Bigger? What are you talking about?” Victor walked over to the map, tapping one of the red dots. “Felix isn’t just some rich jerk throwing his weight around. He’s the son of a big group.” Victor said. Anthony's heart raced as Victor stared at him with an intensity that made him feel both uneasy and strangely significant. Jake shifted uncomfortably beside him, his gaze darting between the mysterious man and the high-tech command center surrounding them. Victor finally spoke, his voice calm yet commanding. "Anthony, you’ve been in the dark for too long. But it’s time you know the truth about who you really are." Anthony frowned, confusion mixing with frustration. "What are you talking about? I’m nobody. Just a guy trying to survive in this mess." Victor chuckled dryly, shaking his head. "You’re fa
