Episode 1

In Italy, another day began for Matteo De Vincenzo, a tall man with a robust and muscular physique, the result of years of rigorous physical training. His face was angular and well-defined. His penetrating eyes seemed to see right through people. His hair was always impeccably combed, and a thin, well-groomed beard framed his face, adding an air of authority and maturity. No one who looked at him could think that such a striking figure was an ordinary person, and he truly wasn't!

Matteo lived a luxurious life, surrounded by everything money could buy. He had a refined taste for expensive wines, luxury cars, and designer clothes tailored specifically for him.

Passionate about sex, he never used to hide or run from his desires and was often involved with several women. However, he never fell in love, and he didn't believe in love. For Matteo, love was a weakness he couldn't afford. He had been taught from an early age that trusting someone emotionally was a risk not worth taking, so he came to see love as a distraction that could compromise his focus and position as the future Don of the Mafia.

At 34, Matteo was already a well-known and respected figure in the Italian Mafia, not far from becoming the next Don, the most powerful man in the Mafia, replacing his grandfather, who had chosen him among his grandsons to succeed him.

Matteo grew up immersed in the dark world of the Mafia. From an early age, he showed a talent for business and an exceptional ability to navigate the dangerous networks of Mafia influence. He learned from the best, absorbing the teachings of his father, a respected capo of the De Vincenzo family, and other more experienced members of the organization.

As the future Don of the De Vincenzo Mafia, Matteo was determined to expand the family business and consolidate their power. He was a visionary who saw beyond the traditional boundaries of organized crime. He is always looking for new opportunities, whether in arms trafficking or, more recently, gemstone smuggling.

Over the years, Matteo built a solid reputation that would take him to the top, being respected by his subordinates for his strategic intelligence and ability to make tough decisions at crucial moments. His loyalty to the family was unwavering, and he was willing to do whatever it took to protect the interests of the De Vincenzo family.

As time passed, Matteo's rise to the position of Don became increasingly inevitable. He is constantly working behind the scenes, consolidating alliances and expanding the family business. His ultimate goal is to ensure that the De Vincenzo family continues to thrive and exert influence over the Italian Mafia for generations to come.

However, the path to gaining power was fraught with dangers and challenges. But with his unwavering determination and sharp intelligence, he was ready to face any obstacle on his way to becoming the next Don of the Mafia.

In the late afternoon, Matteo was in his luxuriously decorated office, in the heart of the De Vincenzo mansion in Palermo. The room, filled with antiques and valuable works of art, reflected the wealth and power the family held. Matteo was analyzing the plans for the gemstone smuggling operations, one of the lucrative businesses that had expanded under his leadership, when he heard someone knock softly on the door before entering.

"Matteo, can I come in?" Enzo asked.

"Of course, Enzo. Come in, I was just about to call you, we have a lot to discuss.” Enzo approached and sat in the chair in front of the desk.

Enzo was Matteo's confidant and advisor. They had known each other since childhood, and Enzo was someone Matteo could trust.

"What's so urgent?" Enzo asked, seeing Matteo with a serious look.

"It's nothing... I need you to arrange a trip for me. I'm going to Brazil."

"Brazil? That's a bit... unexpected, since you were there a short time ago. What exactly are you going to do there?"

"There are some pending issues to resolve with some suppliers, and besides, I want to see my cousin, Luiz. It's been a while since I've seen him."

"Luiz... Ah, I remember him." Enzo's expression changed when he remembered Luiz. "He was the one who came to train when he was young, and by the way, he was the best student at the time, he learned everything with ease.” Matteo frowned upon remembering that detail. “Is he involved in our business?"

"No, he's not part of the Mafia, but he's still family. I want to see how he's doing, and of course explore the Brazilian gemstone market, it has potential for our interests."

"I understand... And when do you plan to leave?"

"As quickly as possible. Arrange everything. I need the private jet and I want enhanced but discreet security, of course."

"Leave it to me. And what about the business here while you're gone? Any specific instructions?"

"I want you to take care of everything personally. Keep everything in order and be alert for any signs of trouble. I trust you to keep things under control."

"I thought I was going with you... but alright, you can leave it, Matteo. Nothing will escape my radar."

"I know I can count on you, Enzo. Now tell me why you came looking for me, I know something is going on,” he asked, looking back at the papers scattered on his desk.

"We need to talk about your brother… Carlo is acting behind your back. You know he always wanted to take the position of Don for being older, he never agreed with your grandfather's choice. He's starting to conspire, and that could be dangerous."

Matteo looked at Enzo, finally pushing the papers away.

"Carlo has always been ambitious, but he doesn't have the brains to lead. He's impulsive, he doesn't see the big picture." Matteo sighed, rubbing his temple.

"I know, but it seems like he's been making moves behind the scenes, gaining support from some smaller families."

Matteo clenched his fists in anger as he learned what his brother was doing.

"Let's keep this a secret, I'll pretend I don't know anything, I want to see how far his ambition goes, I don't want to act against my own blood."

"We can't underestimate Carlo…"

"I know, Enzo. I'll be careful, if he does..."

The conversation between Matteo and Enzo was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Carlo and Ana, his wife. Ana's eyes sparkled when she saw Matteo, evidencing the unrequited passion she had felt for him for years.

"Matteo, Enzo," Carlo greeted with formality in his voice.

"Carlo, Anna," Matteo replied, maintaining his composure. "What brings you here?" he asked, trying to catch any hesitation in his brother.

"I just wanted to talk to you for a bit, discuss some family business," replied Carlo, trying to sound casual; after all, he was there to try to find any important information he could use against Matteo.

"Of course, Carlo. Let's talk about this. Enzo, can you give us a moment?" Matteo asked. Enzo nodded and left the room, giving Matteo one last warning look.

"So what did you want to discuss, Carlo?" Matteo asked, crossing his arms.

Carlo hesitated for a moment, feeling the intensity of Matteo's gaze.

"Actually, I wanted to talk about the business expansion you've been doing. I think we should consider new alliances."

Matteo knew that Carlo was trying to buy time, but decided to play along for now.

"I agree. Alliances are important. We need partners we can at least trust."

"Matteo, you always have good ideas. I'm sure that under your leadership, the family will prosper even more,” said Anna, her sweet voice laden with ulterior motives.

Carlo shot his wife a warning look, aware of her fascination with Matteo.

"Anna, let Matteo and I take care of this. Please, give us a moment," Carlo asked, trying to maintain authority.

Anna hesitated but left the room, giving Matteo one last look of desire.

When she left, Carlo turned to Matteo, trying not to show how much he hated his brother.

"We need to be united, Matteo. The family depends on us."

"I've always been committed to the family, Carlo. But remember, betrayals will not be tolerated, we can't trust anyone," Matteo replied, in a tone that left no doubt about how he operated.

Carlo swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his brother's words. He knew he was playing a dangerous game, and Matteo was not someone to be underestimated.

"Of course, Matteo. We're in this together," Carlo stated, trying to sound convincing.

"Great. Let's make sure everyone knows that.” Matteo kept his eyes fixed on Carlo's, looking for any sign of weakness.

With that, the two brothers began to discuss family business, but the tension between them was evident. Matteo knew Carlo was up to something, and he would be ready for any move his brother made.

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