The Heiress's Gilded Cage: Mafia Games

The VIP lounge of Eclipse, a club owned by the Durand family, was steeped in thick shadows. Tension hung heavy over the ebony table. Ethan Durand sat motionless, flanked by Leo and Matthew like two lethal sentinels. You sat beside your father, feeling their gazes upon you—heavy and far too familiar. These two had known you since childhood, watching your every move from the shadows, and now their attention had become frighteningly overt.

— The Morettis have moved into the active phase, — his voice was ice. He looked at you as if you were a strategic asset. — They are looking for a breach in your defenses, Ethan.

— They are looking for a weakness, — he added, his burning gaze fixed on you as if he already knew all your secrets. — And they found it. In you.

Ethan turned toward you with grim determination.

— Since they chose you, they have made a mistake. We will make you the most dangerous player in this game. — He placed a hand on your shoulder. — Leo, Matthew... From this moment on, you are responsible for the training. Teach them everything you know: marksmanship, surveillance, logistics, planning, and so on. Do whatever it takes to make the Morettis afraid to even breathe in the direction of my legacy.

Ethan rose and headed for the exit, tossing one last remark over his shoulder:

— Now, I will leave you to it. Get acquainted. You have a lot of work ahead of you.

His departure left a vacuum in its wake. You were left alone with the men who were accustomed to obeying only Ethan. Leo maintained a cold distance, studying you with an analytical eye, but Matthew leaned forward slowly, closing the distance to a dangerous minimum.

— Well then... — he smirked. — Your father has entrusted us with your life. Where shall we begin: with theory, or shall we jump straight into practice?

— Don't rush it, Matthew. — His voice was full of steel-clad discipline. He watched you with a calm yet piercing gaze. — First, answer us... You are aware of the dark side of your father's business, aren't you? Perhaps you already know something? If not, do not worry; we will teach you everything.