"Leo, the Christmas dinner is starting!"
Maria called from outside the study.
Ever since moving into this villa, the entire Valentino family hadn't stopped smiling.
A family that was the lowest of the low in the town half a year ago had vaulted to become Lynchburg's richest family in that time.
Of course, the wealth hadn't been evenly spread to every family member.
But the respectful looks they got in public, the flattery from others—these "invisible" perks gave them a very real sense of joy.
Especially Leo's younger siblings.
Half a year ago they were going hungry; now they were debating whether French foie gras or Russian caviar tasted better.
Back then, family dinners needed someone to sing for music; now they had live musicians playing alongside the table.
But there are always those who love to ruin a cheerful mood.
"Leo, you're so rich now, you must need family to help you out.
You know, I've been in Washington for years.
I've got tons of experience. Let me help you."
This was Leo's second uncle's eldest son, who'd only come home once in the last three years.
"That's right, Leo. Outsiders can't be as trustworthy as family.
With Benny helping, your business would only do better."
A few other family members chimed in.
"What are you all thinking!"
Ricardo snapped loudly.
He was about to say more but Leo held up a hand to stop him.
Leo picked up his napkin and elegantly wiped the food from his mouth.
He calmly surveyed these ridiculous clowns across the table.
In a voice completely devoid of emotion, he looked at Benny and asked:
"So, what kind of position do you want?"
Benny felt a pang of anxiety at Leo's disarmingly calm gaze.
Just as he wanted to back down, someone discreetly prodded him in the ribs.
Right—he wasn't here just for himself; he had all these family members behind him. Surely Leo couldn't just ignore them?
We're Italians—family wealth is shared!
Emboldened, he raised his voice:
"You gave Daniel his own company as boss.
I'm not asking much—just give me a company to run too."
As soon as he finished, Leo could see the greedy hunger in some of their eyes.
He sneered inwardly at these idiots—give them an inch, they want a mile.
"Daniel was in the Pacific jungle with me, living and dying by my side.
Benny—where were you?
Oh right, I remember. Washing dishes for years in Washington.
Tell you what—since you're so experienced at scrubbing dishes, I've got a hotel opening in Richmond.
I'll save you a spot in the kitchen."
"We're family, Leo! Dad, you need to stop him!"
The real instigator, Leo's aunt, jumped up screaming.
Leo didn't even wait for his grandfather to speak. He signaled the musicians to stop.
In an ice-cold voice, he said:
"Let me put this plainly to save everyone time.
If you want to keep enjoying the 'invisible' perks I provide, stay and eat.
Even if it's just to keep Grandfather and my father happy, I'll still call you family.
But if you're useless and think you're entitled to a cut of my business, you'd better get that fantasy out of your head.
Now make your choice: stay and eat, or leave!"
Faced with Leo's commanding presence, these family members who'd never seen the world all lowered their heads.
"Good. Play the music again."
Dinner resumed, but after just a couple bites Leo set down his fork—and everyone else fell silent instantly.
"Aunt, Benny, why are you two still sitting here?"
"I—"
Benny opened his mouth, but finally couldn't stand the shame and slunk out in defeat.
His aunt was about to start wailing and throwing a tantrum, but Leo just motioned the maids to haul her out bodily.
While Leo was swiftly cleaning house in his family dinner, the atmosphere was just as grim at Cage's place out on the edge of town.
Ever since coming back from that morning's council meeting, Cage had been holed up in his gun room.
Now he sat at the table with a frozen expression, waiting for the Christmas turkey to be served.
"You should try to cheer up a bit—it's Christmas. You're scaring the kids."
His wife gently urged him while carving the turkey.
Considering the day, Cage forced himself to smooth his face into a half-smile.
But that fragile smile instantly vanished when the children shrieked in terror.
Because inside the split turkey was a handgun.
A threat. A naked, brazen threat.
Rage boiled up in Cage's brain. He snatched the gun and stormed out of the house.
He wasn't entirely stupid. He had his own plan—to go make a scene at Leo's house.
Make it big enough that everyone would have to pay attention.
But as soon as he pulled onto the road, he found the intersection blocked tight by five cars.
From the windows, men in black suits stared at him coldly.
"Who the hell are you? Why are you parked outside my house?"
He wasn't intimidated, gun in hand, as he got out to confront them.
Phis stepped out of one of the cars, smiling politely.
"This isn't your property, sir. It's the public road.
Our cars just happened to break down here.
But if you keep pointing that gun at us, we're well within our rights to defend ourselves.
Besides, you've only got one gun. We have—"
He raised his hand, and the doors opened.
Men poured out of all five cars, each one holding a Thompson aimed at Cage.
Surrounded by so many guns, Cage finally went cold and silent.
But he didn't plan to back down completely. He lowered his gun and began walking forward.
"Surely you can't stop me from leaving."
"Of course not. We're not the Mafia,"
Phis said lightly, signaling his men to part and let Cage through.
As he walked past them, sweat drenched his shirt.
But he'd only gone a few steps when a police cruiser pulled up.
Jonathan got out, expressionless.
"Cage, under new town regulations, there's a Christmas gun ban.
I'm afraid you'll have to come with us."
"Bullshit! When the hell did Lynchburg pass that?
I'm a councilman—I'd know!"
Cage shouted.
Jonathan shrugged and produced the order.
"Emergency measure. Doesn't need a full council vote.
They say it passed right after you walked out.
Come on, let's go."
"What about them? These gangsters standing there with guns!
You're not going to do anything about them?"
Phis interjected smoothly:
"Mr. Cage, if you keep slandering us, we'll have to sue for defamation.
We're a properly registered security company.
Every employee here has a valid carry permit in this state."
"You see, Cage? They're legal. You're not.
Let's go."
"You—you… That bastard Valentino really does run this town!"
Cage howled in fury as Jonathan forced him into the police car.
Elsewhere in town, the deputy mayor was whistling cheerfully as he stepped out of his mistress's building, heading home for Christmas.
He got in his car and started the engine.
Then he noticed something bulky on the center console with a blinking red light.
His body reacted faster than his brain.
Realizing it was a bomb, he immediately smelled the sharp stink of urine—his own.
He lunged for the door, desperate to get out of the metal coffin.
But the door wouldn't budge.
The red light blinked faster and faster.
Explosion imminent.
BANG!
It went off.
No flames—just a shower of colorful holiday streamers.
And the reek of the deputy mayor's own fouled pants.
Knock knock knock!
He lowered the window, face pale with terror.
In the dark he couldn't see the man's features, but the stranger leaned in and murmured:
"Mr. Valentino sends his regards."