LOCATION: MANHATTAN-RICCI'S CASINO
The bullet shattered the limo's rear window-but Costanzo wasn't in it.
instead, a decoy's body slumped forward.
from a rooftop across the street, Nico cursed. "it was a setup."
Isabella kept her eyes on the scope. "No. it was a message."
She scanned the area, spotting a red envelope taped to the back of the limo's bumper.
Gianna retrieved it fifteen minutes later. Inside: a poker chip, cracked down the center. The Ricci crest burned into it.
War declared.
LOCATION: RICCI'S CASSINO-TWO NIGHTS LATER
They didn't go in loud.
They went in like ghosts.
Domenico and Gianna hit the security control room first, silencing guards and shutting down the cams.
Nico moved through the VIP section, disabling guards one by one.
Then Isabella walked into the main floor.
Dressed to kill. Calm as fire. Eyes on the man running the books- Ricci's cousin, Enzo.
"you're in my seat, "she said sweetly.
Enzo froze. "You wouldn't dare-"
A single shot from under the table dropped him mid-sentence.
Panic. Screams.
Within minutes, the casino was in flames.
LOCATION: RICCI ESTATE
Costanzo watched the fire on the live feed.
"she destroyed the front," the lieutenant said.
Ricci rubbed his templates. "she's not going for the crown..."
"No", Costanzo growled. "she's going for the roots."
He stood, furious. "Then we strike her where it hurts. Forget the allies. Forget the business."
A pause.
"Go after Nico."
FINAL SCENE-ALLEY BEHIND THE CASINO.
As the fire lit the sky red, Isabella and Nico stood alone.
He looked at her. "we're making enemies faster than we kill them."
She didn't smile. "Then we kill them faster."
But Nico's were distant-like he could feel something closing in.
something dark.
something personal.