Chapter 3

The day the million dollar bonus hit her account, Sofia bought herself a red Porsche.

She parked it right in front of the Family compound, in the most visible spot, and spent half an hour taking photos.

Her social media filled with shots of the steering wheel and her limited edition watch.

The cover of the lifetime liability charter was in the background of the shot.

Caption: All the hard work is finally being seen.

Beneath it, a flood of likes and groveling comments.

I saw the post while I was eating pastries in the break room.

A woman next to me was touching up her makeup and making snide remarks, loud enough to make sure I heard every word.

"Some people are just born to run errands. Look at the Underboss. Now that's a queen."

"Exactly. No nerve to fight for what's yours, then crying when someone takes it. What a waste."

When the wall falls, everyone swings.

Everyone who used to call me sister was now practically stepping on my face to kiss Sofia's feet.

Then one of the Don's aides came rushing in with news that stopped the room cold.

"Next Monday, the Council is coming for an inspection. They want to see the port project contract signing in person."

The entire Family erupted.

The Council. The men who held true power over life and death in the Family. One word from them could decide anyone's fate.

Sofia's face flushed with excitement at the news.

To show off her hands-on leadership, she refused all offers of help on the spot.

"No one needs to touch this. This project is like my own child. I know it better than anyone. I'll handle it myself."

"I will personally present to the Council. Let them see what I can do."

She ran into me in the break room. She stopped and fanned the air in front of her nose like I was carrying something contagious.

"God, you reek of desperation. See that, Marlena? The project runs just fine without you. You were always disposable."

I speared the last piece of pastry and ate it clean.

Then I looked up with an eager, fawning smile.

"You're absolutely right, Sofia. You're the queen, I'm just a spare part. Knock them dead next week. Maybe throw a little glory my way while you're at it."

Sofia snorted and walked away. "At least you know your place."

Late that night, my phone buzzed.

A voice message from Sofia, still barking orders.

"Write me a speech before morning. Focus on my creative thinking and all those late nights I put into the project. Don't bore me with technical details. Make it sound powerful."

"Mess this up, and you're out."

I listened to her voice, a cold smile creeping across my face. I tapped out a reply on the screen.

One word: Okay.