Episode 2

Luize

The routine is already suffocating me, but what really drains my energy is the constant presence of Katherine — my boss. Arrogant, overbearing, and addicted to wielding power, she seems to take pleasure in humiliating each one of us.

Unfortunately, we need the salary. And where we live, opportunities don't come by so easily.

We swallow our pride. We accept it silently. Because at the end of the month, the rent and bills don't wait.

Vintchenzo

I wake up to the sweet smell of cheap perfume permeating my silk sheets. Beside me, one of the women I usually use to satisfy my momentary desire is already dressing, without even looking at me.

She knows there's no room for affection here. I don't give affection. I don't make promises. I just use, pay, and turn the page.

That's how I am. Cold. Direct. No time for cheap sentimentality.

I get up and go to the bathroom. The cold water wakes me, but it doesn't purify me.

There's no redemption for those who carry blood as an inheritance.

Minutes later, I'm in the elevator, heading down to the garage. My black Bugatti awaits me like an extension of my power. Behind the wheel, I head towards the family company — a clean facade for the mafia's dirty business.

The electronics import business is just an elegant smokescreen for what we really are.

And me? I'm the president. The most feared name among us. The direct heir of the Montes lineage.

As soon as I step into the company headquarters, I come face to face with him: my father.

"Good morning, son" said Antony.

"Good morning, father" I replied, not hiding the discouragement in my voice. "What are you doing here?"

"I just stopped by to remind you that today is the council meeting."

I rolled my eyes and let out an impatient sigh.

"If they think they're going to tell me how to run my life, they're sorely mistaken."

"You know very well, Vintchenzo… In the mafia, everyone has duties. You are the Don now. You need to build a family, ensure the continuation of our lineage. Either you find a wife… or I will choose one for you."

"Don't give me that litany about tradition. More than anyone, you know how dedicated I am to this. But marry by imposition? No. I won't accept that."

"Marriage, my son, is not a punishment. It's just another move on the chessboard. Simple, practical, necessary."

"Don't worry. If it's a wedding you want, father… then you'll have one."

"I hope so. Well, I'm off. I'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay, father. See you."

He walked away, and I stood there, staring into space for a few seconds.

Marriage...

What this father still doesn't understand is that if he wants a bride, I will choose the one who suits me.

And she will be just another piece in my game.

Luize

After another morning enduring Katherine's scathing comments, I take a deep breath and force myself to smile at the customers. The restaurant is full, and the rush keeps me from thinking too much.

But inside... everything tightens.

"Table three, Luize! Hurry up!" Katherine yells from the counter, her voice shrill.

I swallow hard. I grab my notepad and proceed with the tray balanced in my hands. The customer looks me up and down, rolling her eyes as if I were invisible. I smile anyway.

I'm used to it.

During my break, I sit in the back of the restaurant, near the cardboard boxes. It's the only place I can get five minutes of peace.

My chest tightens. I don't answer immediately. I just lean my head against the wall and let the exhaustion overcome me for a few seconds.

I need another job. I need money.

I need to get out of this life where survival is the only plan.

Vintchenzo

Back in my office, I observe the city from the top of the company building. My eyes scan the buildings as if each one were mine. And, in a way, they are.

I command. I decide.

And no one challenges me.

"Don Vintchenzo" calls Raul, my personal bodyguard, knocking on the door. "The route report has arrived."

I nod, taking the papers.

"Any movement from the rivals?" I ask without looking away.

"Just rumors. Nothing concrete yet."

I let out a soft sigh. Everything under control. For now.

"Keep the men on alert. If anyone tries to cross our routes, I want to know before they even breathe wrong."

"Yes, sir."

As soon as he leaves, I lean back in my leather chair and open the drawer. Inside, an old, faded photograph rests like a shadow from the past.

My mother. The only woman who knew me completely.

I close the drawer forcefully.