Chapter 4 - Shadows from the North SideWhile peace and restructuring settled over the Carver estate, the criminal underworld of Chicago’s north side did not look kindly upon sudden shifts in power.
Two miles away, in a windowless back room of an upscale Italian steakhouse, Salvatore “Sal” Marcone slammed his fist against a mahogany table.
Marcone was an old-school syndicate boss who controlled the dock unions and loan-sharking rings across Lake View. For years, he had tolerated Vincent Carver’s rise, viewing him as a useful buffer against federal interference.
But rumors of Carver’s recent philanthropic streak—clearing debts, restructuring employee contracts, and pulling back from aggressive racketeering—did not sit well with men who measured strength in fear.
“He’s going soft,” Marcone snarled, lighting a thick cigar. “The great Vincent Carver, turning his mansion into a charity ward for maids and brats. He thinks because he’s got billions in real estate, he can play godfather and philanthropist at the same time.”
Across the table, a lean, scarred enforcer named Rico leaned forward.
“Should we test him, Sal?” Rico asked, his voice low and raspy. “Hit him where it hurts. Show him that the streets don't care about his new humanitarian policies.”
Marcone smiled, revealing a gold-capped molar.
“Not him directly. Hit his people. That new woman he put in charge of his estate office—Emma Reed. Find out where her kid goes to school. Send a message. Remind Vincent that when you open your gates to outsiders, you just make it easier for wolves to walk inside.”
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Little did Marcone know, Vincent Carver’s security apparatus was no longer just a system of cameras and iron gates.
It was a network of fiercely loyal people who had finally found a reason to protect their home.
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