Victors pov:

I found myself in the midst of all the violence. I was standing there seeing bloodshed occur everywhere. I had failed today-first and foremost as an older brother, but also as a don. I placed my siblings at risk, Isabella most of all. This was my doing, my vendetta, and I found myself questioning the choices that led us to this point. The violence I had sworn to protect them from now threatened to consume them.

Gunfire erupted, a chaotic symphony reverberating through the dimly lit halls. The vast halls reverberated with the unmistakable sounds of gunshots and clashing, giving a clear impression of the enmity outdoors. The air reeked of gunpowder and the metallic tang of blood as we clashed with Ivan's men.

Antonio and I were gathered together during a brief moment in the chaos, contemplating the dire circumstances. "Ivan appears well-prepared," Antonio commented, surveying the battlefield. "We can't underestimate him."

I nodded in agreement, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "We planned for this. The snipers and Gio's smoke bombs give us the upper hand. We need to stick to the plan." My words were broken by a man attacking us and we resumed the fighting.

"Victor!" Daniel's voice cut through the noise as he battled fiercely, his movements precise and calculated. His eyes met mine, a silent acknowledgement of our next action- find Ivan Pavlov.

Amidst the chaotic clash of bodies and weapons, a hostile figure lunged at me with a gleaming knife. I swiftly sidestepped, my instincts guiding me, and with a deft motion, disarmed my assailant. The glint of desperation in his eyes met mine.

"Why are you doing this?" he spat, fear evident in his voice.

I didn't waste words. "You chose the wrong side."

As he crumpled to the ground, I surveyed the ongoing skirmish. Antonio was having a heated fight with one of his opponents when our eyes met for a moment. Leo was trying to take down two men at the same time. niccolo was busy pushing a knife into someone and Daniel- he was killing numerous people at the same time. god knows where uncle leander and the others were.

A second opponent came charging in with a knife. Our gazes met, and I used my forearm to deflect his swing and delivered a clean blow to his midsection in retaliation. "This won't end well for you," he said as he passed out and rolled over.

I looked down to see him. "Maybe not for you either." Daniel came to join me in the middle of the mayhem. His well-aimed blows proved deadly, and between us, we drove back a wave of attackers.

Daniel's gaze met mine, a silent acknowledgement of the grim task at hand. "Victor, we need to keep moving. Ivan won't back down easily."

I nodded, scanning the shadows for the next threat. "We press forward. Let them know that we don't retreat."

A man emerged, gun in hand, but my response was swift - a bullet finding its mark. No time for negotiation, only the language of survival, no words exchanged, just the brutality of survival.

"Weapons ready, Antonio. We're not done here," I urged, our steps synchronized amid the relentless onslaught.

As we advanced, Antonio spoke above the gunfire. "Victor, Ivan's men are coordinated. This feels like a setup."

"They anticipated our move," I admitted a grim realization settling in. "But we have our advantages. Keep an eye out for their tactics."

Amid the gunfire, Niccolo's voice cut through. "Snipers are in position. Gio's diversion is holding. We can turn this around."

"We need to regroup with the others," Antonio shouted, gunfire punctuating his urgency.

"Agreed. Let's push forward," I replied, determination in my voice as we forged ahead, leaving the hall littered with fallen enemies.

Amid the turmoil, a distant voice echoed. "Vic! They're hitting us hard!" certainly Leo's voice

My grip tightened on the weapon. "Antonio, we're not just fighting for ourselves. Let's show them what it means to challenge us."

"Victor, we can't keep this pace forever," Armando shouted above the noise, his words punctuated by the sharp retort of gunfire.

I glanced at him, acknowledging the truth in his words. "We need to reach Ivan. End this."

"They're not holding back," Enzo observed, his tone reflecting the gravity of our predicament.

"No, they're not," I replied, glancing at the bloodbath around us. "But neither are we."I carelessly slit a man's neck before moving forward with my younger brothers and entering a room with a dead man on the floor.

With a dagger, I recognised as my sister's, stood Ivan Pavlov, a twisted smile playing on his lips.

"Welcome, Victor D'Angelo," he sneered, the room pulsating with a tense energy. "I've been expecting you." I silently stepped in front of Enzo and Armando shielding them from their worst nightmare- their tormenter.

As Ivan and I locked eyes, the tension in the room mounted from years of resentment that had festered into a bitter feud. His twisted smirk betrayed a predator's malicious glee, one that was enjoying the encounter.

"Victor D'Angelo, the prodigal son returns," Ivan taunted, his voice dripping with scorn. "Did you think you could escape your inheritance, your father's sins?"

My jaw clenched in response, every fibre of my being resisting the urge to pummel him into submission. "The Cosa nostra will never bend to your twisted will."

Ivan chuckled, a dark amusement dancing in his eyes. "Oh, but I've enjoyed every moment of this, Victor. Watching your family crumble, just as your father did."My jaw clenched, resisting the urge to unleash the building fury within.

I clenched my jaw, suppressing the rage that threatened to boil over. "You're not fit to speak of my father. He was a better man than you could ever hope to be."

He just laughed. Ivan's voice dipped into a sinister tone. "Ah, Isabella, the D'Angelo princess. A pawn in a game she never wanted to play. And sweet Edward, the innocent caught in the crossfire."My fists tightened as his words cut deep, a relentless reminder of the collateral damage in this vendetta.

Ivan turned his attention back to me, a smirk playing on his lips. "United, yet on the brink of destruction. A poetic end to your family's legacy."

The door abruptly swung open, and in walked Dante, Daniel, Leo, Niccolo, and Uncle Leander, each armed and ready.

I ignored them as I turned back to Ivan who was smirking.

My gaze bore into Ivan's cold eyes, determination etched across my face. "Where are Isabella and Edward? Are they unharmed?" The urgency in my voice sliced through the thick tension in the room. This is it. The moment I've been preparing for, the moment my choices come to a head. Isabella and Edward's safety hinges on how well I navigate this treacherous game.

Ivan's smirk widened, relishing the distress he knew he was causing. "Ah, the protective older brother. Always so concerned about his family. Don't worry, Victor. They're alive, for now."For now. What does that mean? Hold it together. Calm down. I am going to kill this mother-f***ing bastard.

His cryptic response fueled the rage within me. "Enough games, Ivan. Where are they?" My fists clenched at my sides, the need for information eclipsing the seething hatred. Stay calm. Don't let his mind games get to you. Isabella and Edward need you level-headed.

Ivan leaned back in his chair, savouring the moment. "Isabella is such a charming lady. We had a delightful dinner. As for Edward, well, he's safe... for the moment." Every word is a twisted dagger, but I can't let him see the uneasiness. I need to play this game strategically, like him.

My jaw tightened, suppressing the fury threatening to spill over. "If you've harmed them-" Every word I speak is a move in this deadly chess game. I need to choose wisely.

Ivan interrupted, his tone mocking, "Relax, Victor. I'm a man of my word. They're unharmed, at least for now. Consider it a courtesy extended to an old acquaintance." Courtesy of Ivan Pavlov? Unlikely. What's his endgame?

Every word he spoke stoked the flames of my anger, but I needed to stay composed. "Cut the cryptic crap, Ivan. What do you want?" Uncle Leander interrupted in fury.

Ivan chuckled, enjoying the power he held over me. "Straight to the point, as always. I have a proposition for you, Victor. A chance to save your precious family." What kind of proposition could Ivan possibly offer? Can I afford to entertain it?

I shot back, "I won't negotiate with the likes of you. Release them, and we end this tonight."

He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Ah, but it's not that simple. You see, I have something you want, and you have something I want."

I clenched my jaw, the exchange becoming a twisted dance of veiled threats. "Spit it out, Ivan. What's your game?" What does he even think he can ever gain from this?

He smirked, revelling in the chaos he had orchestrated. "Your family for a simple task.- The American mafia. give it, and they go free. Refuse, and, well, you can imagine the consequences."

Uncle Leander, his face etched with defiance, took a step forward. "We won't dance to your tune, Ivan. The La Cosa Nostra doesn't bow to threats."

Ivan's sinister grin remained, undeterred. "Ah, the united front. How touching. But you see, I hold the cards in this game. A simple task and your precious Isabella and Edward walk away unscathed." The stakes have never been higher. Is risking the entire American mafia worth Isabella and Edward's lives? Uncle's strength is reassuring, but can we really fight Ivan without dire consequences?

Niccolo, his gaze a challenge, retorted, "We won't trade our dignity for their safety, Pavlov."

Dante, added, "We're not pawns in your sick game, Ivan."

The standoff intensified, the room pulsating with the weight of a decision that could shatter the delicate balance between two warring families.

Just as the tension reached its zenith, the door swung open, and Sergey sauntered in, a hateful grin etched across his face. In his grasp, Isabella stood with an unsettling calm, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and determination. But the sight that pierced through my heart was Edward, held tightly in Isabella's protective embrace, his tear-streaked face buried in her shoulder.

Sergey's cold eyes scanned the room, relishing the chaos he had orchestrated. "Well, well, it seems we have a party here."

Uncle Leander's jaw clenched, his gaze never leaving Ivan. "Let them go, Sergey. This is between us and Pavlov."

Sergey chuckled, enjoying the spectacle. "Ah, the ex-don, always trying to play the hero. But you see, we're in control now."

Isabella's voice, soft yet persistent cut through the tension. "Victor, don't negotiate with him. We'll find another way." My heart twisted at the sight of her, strong yet helpless, protecting Edward with a fierce resolve. She's right. I can't let fear dictate our actions. There has to be a way out, a strategy that doesn't compromise my principles.

Sergey tightened his grip on Isabella, a sinister glint in his eyes. "Now, now, let's not be hasty. I have orders, and I intend to follow them." Control. It's slipping through my fingers. I need to find a way out of this and protect my family. But?

Ivan, seizing the moment, leaned back in his chair, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "Well, this is entertaining. Victor, what will it be? A simple task for their safety, or a futile resistance that ends in tragedy?" What options do I have here? Negotiate with this devil and hope he keeps his word. The safety of Isabella and Edward hangs by a thread. But to bow down to Ivan Pavlov, to compromise our principles-it goes against every fibre of my being. I will never do this.

"Decide quickly. I can't wait forever" Ivan said impatiently as my eyes met Isabella's calm composed ones.

what should be my choice? my sister or my mafia?

.

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Sandy's POV(in their base):

The room buzzed with a charged energy as I gathered the gang for a crucial mission. The weight of responsibility pressed on my shoulders as Isabella's lieutenant, knowing that our success was integral to the larger plan. Glancing at Sylvie, Albert, Kathy, Noah, and Alex, I recognized the unique strengths each brought to the table.

Sylvie, meticulous and observant. Her keen eye for detail would ensure a flawless execution.

"Sylvie, let's make sure our entry points are secure. I want no surprises," I instructed, and Sylvie nodded with a focused determination that assured me of her reliability.

Albert, the tech genius. His skills in hacking and manipulation were unmatched.

"Albert, we'll need access to the security cameras. Make sure we see everything," I directed, and he grinned, fingers dancing across the keyboard as he embraced the challenge.

Kathy, the infiltrator. Her ability to slip into the shadows was unparalleled.

"Kathy, scout the area discreetly. We need to know every inch," I said, and Kathy nodded, a sly smile playing on her lips.

Noah, the muscle. His strength and combat prowess were assets in any confrontation.

"Noah, be ready for anything. We might face resistance, and we need your strength up front," I instructed, and Noah cracked his knuckles with a confident grin.

Alex, the sniper. His gun could navigate any dangerous terrain.

"Alex, we might need your skills. stay sharp," I advised, and Alex flashed a charismatic grin, ready for the role.

Murmurs floated around the room as the gang members talked about Isabella's plot. The conflicting viewpoints battled like opposing winds in the stressful environment.

I don't know about this secret plan, Sandy. It sounds too risky," Sylvie voiced her concerns, her brow furrowed in worry.

Albert chimed in, "I agree. We're putting a lot on the line, and we don't even know the details."

Kathy, added, "We need a solid plan, not just blind trust. We can't afford mistakes."

Noah, however, crossed his arms, expressing his support. "Isabella's got a reason for this secrecy. I trust her judgment."

Alex, the mediator, tried to ease the tension. "Let's not forget our loyalty to Isabella. She's never led us astray before."

I surveyed the room, my gang members engaged in a heated debate over Isabella's secret plan. Sylvie wore a look of concern, Albert seemed sceptical, Kathy brought practicality to the table, Noah's trust in Isabella echoed amidst the dissent, and Alex tried to mediate. It was my responsibility to rein in the conflicting opinions before it tore our unity apart.

"Enough! Isabella is our leader, and we follow her lead. We can't afford internal conflicts. If she believes in this plan, so do we," I asserted, my tone firm, aiming to restore order.

"We swore allegiance to Isabella, not just as a leader but as a family. We're bound by a commitment that goes beyond personal doubts. Isabella's vision has guided us through thick and thin. This plan may be unconventional, but our loyalty is unwavering. We took an oath- a pact to serve Isabella until death. we won't break it today" I declared, my voice cutting through the lingering discord.

Sylvie persisted, expressing the need for caution, and I acknowledged the merit. "You're right. We need more men. Get 30 more from the lower ranks. We leave for Ivan's mansion as soon as possible. Isabella's counting on us, and we won't let her down."

As the gang dispersed to carry out their assigned tasks, I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence. Each member, with their distinct skills and personalities, formed a challenging team. We were Isabella's backup, and failure was not an option.

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This was meant to be a small chapter but it's not so small. Anyway, we are approaching the end. I will probably finish the book before next year. The next chapter's going to shatter your hearts- wait for it.