Power and Poison

Chapter 5

Sunlight poured through the windows casting a golden glow across the bedroom. As the first rays of dawn crept in, Mattheo slowly emerged from the depths of slumber, his eyelids fluttering open. The plush carpet beneath his feet welcomed his slow descent from the king-sized bed. With deliberate grace, Mattheo made his way to the floor-to-ceiling windows, pulling back the heavy silk curtains. Amberhaven city, his realm, sprawled below him, a labyrinth of grand buildings and bustling streets. It's towering structures and labyrinthine alleys whispered tales of power, wealth, and an underbelly teeming with secrets. It was a city that never slept, fusing the ambitions of those who resided within its boundaries. Mattheo's morning routine was essential to his success, a grounding ritual in an unpredictable world. The echoes of Mattheo ambitious expansion into soviet territory still reverberated through the dimly lit corridors of power. Blood had been spilled, alliances had been forged, and the scent of danger hung heavy in the air. But on this rare lazy Sunday morning, as the sun lazily climbed over the horizon, Mattheo had temporarily put the weight of his criminal empire aside. Stretching his muscles after an invigorating morning jog through the streets of Amberhaven, he savored the cool breeze against his face. It was a momentary escape from the constant vigilance that defined his existence. Returning home, a sprawling mansion that mirrored his prosperous lifestyle, Mattheo was greeted by the familiar scurry of activity. Tatiana, his trusted surrogate mother figure and beacon of unwavering support, bustled about the house, ensuring everything was in order. She had a unique ability to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort amidst the often cold and treacherous world Mattheo operated within. "Good morning, Tatiana," Mattheo greeted her with a warm smile. "Good morning, Sir" Tatiana responded as they walked into the kitchen "I've prepared some pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup." "Ah, Tatiana you know how to make Sundays feel like a sanctuary," Mattheo said, a trace of warmth lacing his voice. He leaned against the countertop watching Tatiana intently as she moved with practiced grace, Placing the plate on the island. With a delicate chuckle, Tatiana replied, "Well, you've worked tirelessly to expand our influence, it is only fitting that you are pampered with a tranquil Sunday morning now and then." As Mattheo slipped into his seat at the marble island, Tatiana brought over a steaming cup of coffee, its rich aroma enveloping his senses. He savored each sip, allowing the familiar warmth to course his veins, momentarily oblivious to the complexities awaiting him outside these walls. Just as he was about to indulge in his first bite, Marcel, entered the kitchen, a sense of urgency etched across his features. "Boss, forgive the interruption, but there's a pressing matter that requires your attention. It seems a rival gang has been making moves in our territory," Marcel informed him. Mattheo's eyebrows furrowed slightly; his momentary respite interrupted by the realities that always lingered at the fringes of his concessions. With a nod, he gestated for Marcel to join him. As they delved into the details, Tatiana kept a watchful eye, her presence a calming force amidst the storm brewing in their empire. She interjected with insightful observations and words of caution, displaying a deep understanding of both the personal and professional realms that defined Mattheo's life. Between bites of pancake and sips of coffee, Mattheo listened intently, his mind shifting gears. The tranquility of the Sunday morning morphed into a strategizing session, the weight of the world settling once again upon his broad shoulders. After some time had passed the trio moved into Mattheo's lavishly furnished study, a haven of strategic contemplation, the afternoon sunlight filtered through the heavy drapes, casting long shadows across the room. The trio gathered around a polished oak desk, their faces betraying a mixture of determination and frustration. Mattheo's piercing gaze locked with Marcel's resolute eyes, while Tatiana's gentle presence added a calming touch to the air. As they continued to brainstorm, it became evident that every idea they came up with fell short of their expectations. In a moment of sheer fury, Mattheo's anger spilled over. He hurled an unsuspecting object across the room, relishing in the satisfying crash as it shattered against the wall. This display of rage didn't surprise his companions, they had observed Mattheo's volatile temper before. The room momentarily fell into an uneasy silence as everyone's attention shifted to the wreckage left in the wake of Mattheo's outburst. Mattheo, his breathing ragged, clenched his trembling firsts, struggling to regain control of his emotions. The intensity of his frustration, mixed with a tinge of satisfaction at the act of release, coursed through his veins. He knew his anger wasn't productive, but it was the only part of him that he had yet to fully master. Without skipping a beat, Mattheo walked over to the window, his gaze fixated on the outside world. The busy streets below seemed distant and irrelevant. Wishing to break free from the stronghold of his emotions, he turned to Tatiana, his voice a touch of desperate yet assertive. "Tatiana, go get me a cup of coffee, will you?" Mattheo's request held a twinge of subtext, asking for a small respite from the chaos he had unleashed. Tatiana, understanding the depths of Mattheo's frustrations, responded immediately, "Of course, sir." As Tatiana left the room to fetch the desired caffeine, Mattheo took a moment to collect himself. Lost in his own thoughts, he pondered not only the shattered fragments on the floor but also the fragments of his own anger that scattered his composure. With each passing second, his determination to figure out a plan grew stronger. When Tatiana retuned with his steaming cup of coffee, Mattheo accepted it with a nod of gratitude. As he sipped the warm liquid the bitter flavor mingled with a hint of relief from his anger Mattheo walked back over to his desk and sat down. He took a moment to ponder when finally, Mattheo leaned forward, his voice low but commanding. "Sal, Nico and Valentino... we will deploy them to lead the rival gang into a meticulously devised trap," he declared, the weight of his words hanging in the room. Marcel, ever the pragmatic strategist, scrutinized the plan, seeking any potential weak spots. "It must be flawless, sir. The rival gang will see this as an opportunity, and we have to ensure their complete enticement." Tatiana, interjected with maternal concern. "But sir, we must be cautious. We don't want to escalate tensions too quickly. We need to strike the perfect balance between retribution and restraint. "Mattheo nodded, "You're right, Tatiana. We must send a clear message, but not unleash unnecessary chaos. Our city thrives on balance, even in the darkest of times." Mattheo's eyes met Tatiana's, conveying his trust in her abilities. "Tatiana, I need you to fetch Sal, Nico, and Valentino. Time is of the essence." Tatiana nodded, gracefully rising from her seat. "Consider it done, sir. I will gather them promptly and make sure they understand the gravity of the mission." She exited the study, her elegant steps echoing in the corridor, as Mattheo turned to Marcel, their gazes locked in determination, "Marcel, there is much at stake here," Mattheo began, his tone firm. "We cannot afford any mistakes. The rival gang must be enticed into the trap, their trust in Sal. Nico. and Valentino must be absolute." Marcel leaned forward, his voice laced with precision. "I understand sir. We will ensure meticulous attention to detail, from the bait to the execution. Our rival gang will be left with no choice but to walk willingly into our clutches." As Tatiana returned, accompanied by Sal, Nico, and Valentino, the atmosphere in the room shifted, electrified by the presence of these trusted members of the Nordick family. The three figures stood tall, awaiting their order's, while Mattheo's voice echoed with unwavering authority. "Sal, Nico, Valentino," Mattheo began, his eyes scanning each of their faces. "You have been chosen for a critical task, the rival gang must be led astray, drawn into my grasp. It is your duty to entice them, to earn their trust until they willingly walk into the trap we have laid. Rember, precision, discretion, and complete commitment are paramount in this undertaking. The fate of our city depends on your success." Sal, Nico, and Valentino nodded, their expressions reflecting a mixture of determination and loyalty. They understood the weight of their responsibility and the consequences should they falter. "Yes sir." they said simultaneously. With this final exchange, the room now hummed with purpose and anticipation. Every step, every word, was a piece in the intricate chess game Mattheo had set in motion. It was a risk he was willing to take, his heart set on securing the future of Amberhaven city. Little did Mattheo know that his meticulously crafted plan, the foundations of power and control he had built within Amberhaven City, were on the verge of seismic upheaval. Unbeknownst to him, fate had a different, unexpected path in store. A path that would lead to a meeting between him and Ivy May one late Tuesday night.