The Rise of Mackin Jones

Chapter 23

The grand hall of the Mackin estate was eerily quiet as the family gathered once again, this time for a formal vote—one that could determine the future of the Mackin empire.

Word had spread quickly about Victor’s challenge to Mackin’s leadership, and the old guard had rallied their supporters in an attempt to wrest control back from Mackin. A vote of no confidence had been called, a power play that could see Mackin ousted from his position at the head of the family.

Mackin stood at the head of the long table, his expression calm but his mind working furiously. He could feel the tension in the room, the undercurrent of uncertainty that rippled through the family. Victor was seated at the opposite end of the table, his eyes gleaming with smug satisfaction. He had been working behind the scenes, gathering support from those who still clung to the old ways of doing things.

The older members of the family—the ones who had been loyal to Bruno and Drake—sat stiffly, their faces lined with doubt and apprehension. They had thrived under the Mackin family's criminal empire, and they were wary of Mackin’s vision to legitimise their operations.

Victor stood slowly, his gaze sweeping over the room before landing on Mackin. "We all know why we’re here," he began, his voice loud and authoritative. "This family has been built on power—on dominance. We didn’t get to where we are by playing nice, by following the rules. And now, Mackin wants to take us down a path that will destroy everything we’ve built."

Mackin’s eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. He needed to let Victor play his hand first.

Victor continued, pacing around the table as he spoke. "Mackin’s vision is a fantasy. He thinks we can clean up our image, that we can go legit and still maintain the influence we’ve spent decades building. But that’s not how the world works. If we lose our edge, we lose everything."

There were murmurs of agreement from some of the family members, and Victor seized the momentum, his voice rising. "This family doesn’t need a dreamer. It needs a leader who understands what it takes to survive. That’s why I’m calling for a vote of no confidence. Mackin has had his chance, and he’s proven that he’s not fit to lead us."

Mackin remained still, his gaze locked on Victor. The room was filled with murmurs of uncertainty as family members whispered among themselves. Mackin could feel the tide turning against him, but he wasn’t about to let Victor win without a fight.

When Victor had finished, Mackin stood, his presence commanding the room’s attention. He spoke calmly, but his voice carried the weight of authority. "Victor’s right about one thing. This family was built on power—on dominance. But what he doesn’t understand is that power doesn’t have to come from fear and violence. It can come from strength, from legitimacy."

He let the words sink in before continuing. "I’ve spent years building an empire outside of this family. I’ve amassed wealth and influence that none of you could have imagined. And I did it without the corruption, without the bloodshed. We have the opportunity to take this family into a new era—one where we can thrive without constantly looking over our shoulders."

Mackin paused, his gaze sweeping over the room. "But if you want to cling to the past—to the lies, the betrayals, the endless cycle of violence—then vote against me. Go back to the old ways, and watch as this family destroys itself from the inside out. Or you can choose a different path. A better path."

The room fell silent as Mackin finished speaking. For a long moment, no one moved. Then, slowly, one of the older family members—a man named Charles, who had been loyal to Bruno for years—stood.

"I’ve seen what the old ways have done to this family," Charles said, his voice gruff but steady. "And I’m tired of it. Mackin’s right. We need a change."

Mackin felt a surge of relief, but he kept his expression neutral. One by one, other family members began to stand, voicing their support for Mackin’s vision. It wasn’t unanimous, but it was enough. As the final votes were tallied, Mackin knew he had won. Barely, but it was still a victory.

Victor’s face twisted with fury as the results were announced. The vote of no confidence had failed.

Mackin stood tall, his gaze never leaving Victor. "It’s over, Victor," Mackin said quietly, but there was no mistaking the finality in his tone.

Victor glared at him, his fists clenched at his sides. "This isn’t over, Mackin. Not by a long shot."

Without another word, Victor stormed out of the room, leaving a trail of tension in his wake.

Mackin watched him go, knowing that while the vote had been won, the battle for the Mackin family was far from over.