The Return of My First Love novel Chapter 108

Alessio

Today marked the beginning of the end. Not for us, but for the Baldinis, as we were finally ready for their downfall.

We had moved quietly into the west, preparing for what was about to come. It was a busy day, and I watched from the sidelines as the families checked their weapons one last time. Same as always, each one of thEmily led by their own, and the Fanuccis by my uncle.

Beside me stood Dad, the man who had taught me everything I needed to know about honor, power, and the balance between thEmily.

He glanced at me with a chuckle, "I hope you're sober today, son."

I gave him a chuckle in return. Ever since that night when I'd let alcohol get the best of me, he hadn't missed a chance to rEmilyind me of that reckless moment.

After we had returned that night, I made an even bigger fool out of myself by yelling and throwing tantrums like a giant toddler. I refused to go back to the hotel and apparently called out a few individuals for at least one thing I disliked about thEmily.

I wasn't even going to start on that voicEmilyail, but at least it had pushed me to patch things up with Emily. And, of course, there were the rings I had impulsively bought. Probably the only good decision I made that night.

"Do I look drunk to you now?" I asked, already knowing the answer but wanting to hear his response.

"I wouldn't know," Dad spoke, his focus more on the vans than our conversation.

Dad gave Levi and Donni a lot of shit that night, but they weren't responsible for a grown man letting himself get that drunk. That was my fault, and my responsibility. However, they were to blame for not knocking me the fuck out and dragging me to bed when they had the chance to.

To my surprise, Dad had let me lead this operation in peace without any trouble. He only had one request, and that was that Leonardo and Jason be shown no mercy. It was a simple request because I felt the same.

That mistake I had once made, I would never make again.

Uncle signaled for everyone to gather around me, and everyone immediately stopped what they were doing to follow his command.

"REmilyEmilyber, Alessio," Dad slapped my shoulder, whispering, "This is about more than just revenge. It's about securing our future, make sure that no one dares cross the East ever again."

"I got it," I nodded. A message needed to be sent, and I knew exactly what that message was. It wasn't just for the Baldinis, but for the entire underworld. The message was clear: never again.

I scanned the faces around me, each one filled with determination and anger. "Everything is ready to go—everyone knows what they need to do," Uncle said.

Half of the men would target the Baldini businesses, while the other half would take the mansion by surprise. It would be an instant win since the other families would also be present.

Despite the guests not carrying weapons at their celebration, we knew all too well that they would be within reach. For that reason, it was crucial that whatever needed to be done, had to be done swiftly.

Ten minutes was what we had decided on.