Jagoan’s intensity and cool demeanor sent shivers down Antonio’s spine. Jagoan’s words only heightened his fear, he understood that Jagoan’s decision to spare him for now hung on the whims of his mood.

Overwhelmed, Antonio broke into tears and implored Jagoan, “Mr. Jagoan, today was just a minor misunderstanding. You’ve already taken a heavy toll by breaking my knee. Please consider my sincerity. I admit my mistake…”

Jagoan smirked, “Look at you, crying like this. A Sicilian man shouldn’t shed tears. Especially not in front of his daughter. Are you honoring the Sicilian code?”

Suddenly, Antonio felt a profound shame.

Despite his frequent championing of Sicilian values, when faced with a loaded gun and the threat of death, he found himself begging Jagoan for mercy.

At this moment, survival was paramount. Antonio would have gladly run pantless through Manhattan or circled Central Park three times if it meant Jagoan spared him.

Few accomplished individuals in any field were truly unafraid of death. Despite Antonio’s rise through the ranks, he was not as fearless as his youth would suggest.

In his early days, Antonio was like many fourteen- and fifteen-year-olds, impoverished and unfamiliar with prosperity. He couldn’t even afford a cab to his hits. A bus ride, machete on his back, fare dodging, that was his reality.

He hadn’t grasped the value of life then. It was a bus ride to carry out killings while alive, and a brief stint in an ambulance if he met his end. But as he clawed his way up to become the reigning mafia kingpin of New York, his fear of death grew.

His courage only surged when victory was absolute. Just ten minutes ago, Jagoan seemed inconsequential, an ant to be crushed without hesitation.

Yet, now, at a dire disadvantage, his courage vanished.

In a desperate bid for survival, Antonio stammered, “Mr. Jagoan, if you’re still dissatisfied, I’m willing to compensate you with five million dollars. It’s a small gesture…”

was wry. He queried, “Antonio,

across Antonio’s face. He hesitated, avoiding Jagoan’s gaze, and said,

pressing it against Antonio’s cheek,

Antonio quickly corrected himself, “No, no… I misspoke…

Antonio added, “But mostly

right ear ringing. Whether from the gunshot or other factors, it felt numb, until warmth trickled down his cheek. He was horrified to discover his right

prized possession of the Italian Mafia. Its power was formidable, though it hadn’t pierced Antonio’s ear, it

wailed. Julia cried, shielding her father’s ears with trembling hands. She confronted Jagoan, incensed, “Are you mad?

fascist.

sought to end my life. You saw it, he aimed for my head. Were I less capable, I’d be an unrecognizable corpse. I’ve only given him

was momentarily speechless. She knew her father bore full responsibility, it was his intent to kill. To some extent, it was his own doing. But the man now who got shot twice was her father. She

to Antonio, “Will you tell

real estate,

sneered, “Only two billion? Why the secrecy?

shook his head, blurting, “No, no, that’s not

runs a roast goose shop in Chinatown. A gang, the Burning Angels, extorts

connected to me…” Antonio attempted to defend himself, but it dawned on him that

of his ties to

today and here I am, half an hour late. Antonio might already be gone and I’d be spared the offense

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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