Avalina then turned to the crowd.
"I understand why you turned to the Ricci family leaving the Facci family in hard water after hearing my death. After all, you were not bound to help us. It was mere mutual cooperation. But today there the age-old rivalry between the Facci and Ricci is over. The Facci has won the war. So from now on, we are undoubtedly the top organization in Italy. So next time you plan to switch to another family just remember that the Facci will not be too kind at that time."
She knew the best way to get loyalty from people who are not close to her was to inspire fear. She then looked at Ronald. He then looked at the gun which he pointed at Old Ricci's head. With no other choice, he pulled the trigger.
This shocked everyone there. Avalina killed one of the top boss organizations before them. She uprooted the whole Ricci within a day. She also removed all her competitors and traitors within her family. It was clear that if anyone goes against the Facci she can remove them within hours.
From that day onwards the whole world came to know the name "Avalina Facci".They started to call her the "Underworld queen of Europe", and "Mafia Queen of Europe".
Facci mansion
Same day at Night.
Avalina gave the rest of the orders to her subordinates and returned to the Dining hall where there were only Facci V members, butler Jess and Anna. Even though Anna was the head maid, Avalina considered her as her mother and gave her all the respect. She even allowed her to sit and eat with them
Avalina sat on the matriarch chair for the family. The maids have already served their food on the table. Avalina never make any maids stand there while they were eating. If anyone needs anything they themselves can stand and pick it up from the serving plate to theirs. Mainly it was because she was herself a maid in her childhood who used to serve the Stone family. It is a story for another time. Other than that she wanted absolute privacy with people she cared about the most.
"Hey, Avalina you scared the hell out of us, you owe us an explanation. I hurried here from country D hearing your demise. You know how sad was I.Luckily Alex received the news late so I told him not to come," Stella said making an angry face.
"If you die then who can we tease. I still can't believe that the small girl we bullied and teased is now the Mafia Queen of Europe. Even though we have seen your capabilities, today we all were truly surprised. Who will believe that we used to call you then, a cry baby" Benjamin said eating fried chicken? He was feeling proud of her achievements.
Avalina laughed and tried to hide her blush.
"Aah! the girl is blushing. Other people will pay us millions to see you just blush" Stella said grinning.
Avalina never showed her true emotions to others. She always remained stone-faced or masked her other emotion with an evil smile. But with her friends, she always showed all her emotions. All except the crying face. She stopped crying before others except if that was part of her scheme.
" I have to admit Miss Facci your plans were really great. Even though we were the number one organization in Italy, our position was continuously threatened by Ricci. Now, we don't have any threat. Not only from Italy but from the whole of Europe."Butler Jess said delightedly.
"You all don't praise her more. Her plans could have backfired. It was just luck that she pulled it through. Remember she is the one who asked Jess to choose between her and Francis." Rivaldo criticized her like he always does. If it were someone else Avalina might get offended but Rivaldo was like a big brother to her. He always criticizes her but she knows that if she was in any danger then Rivaldo will be the first one who will come to her rescue. She was still oblivious to his true feelings for her.
"Brother Rivaldo but he did shoot Francis right. I know it was difficult for him but I had to make a move. If Francis was not dead today he might betray our family at some future point of time." Avalina said with a serious face. She also noticed the guilt on Butler Jess's face.
"Still Avi how can you give Jess such a simple choice. If it were me I would have given options between myself and someone like you." Stella said grinning.
"I wish that was the case then we would not have to hear your stupid suggestions," Benjamin said making everyone laugh.
"Avi next time inform all of us about such a plan. We were all worried."Anna said. Her eyes were still swollen due to crying.
"Yes, mother Anna. I will." then she turned serious and looked at everyone.
"Even though the Ricci is gone. The one who really wanted us both to fight was the Stone family. There will be more Ricci family and we might not be that lucky at that time. So we need to be prepared. We need to confront the Stone family as soon as possible." Avalina said.
Through her serious words, everyone understood how serious the matter was. Even though they teased her during their fun time. They all become serious once she starts to act serious. They knew how capable she was and silently all admired her. Stella was an expert at hacking. Benjamin at very good at business management. Rivaldo was the best fighter in Europe. Alex was an expert weapon designer. At the same time, Avalina was good at all of them only next to the best one.No one questioned her bossy attitude when she wants a mission to be done.
"Stella how is our expansion in country D going on," Avalina asked.
"Our underworld business is still expanding but it's not picking up with the desired pace. The country D people are very patriotic and it's hard to convince them. The mafia boss is ready to lose to Stone but is not ready to join hands with a foreigner. On the other hand, our legal side is going well. Our fashion brand sale is picking up. But it will take a long time to stand against the top 5 companies there" Stella explained.
Its been 3 years since Avalina sent Stella on the mission to expand Facci there. Although they expanded and started to have a footprint there. Its speed was rather disappointing.
"What about the woman I asked to take care of".
"Avalina, tell me frankly is she your mother. I know it must be the case right. I heard that she killed Old Stone's younger brother. Her daughter died in a fire. I remember the burn marks on your face. Even though it is almost faded still it is there..."
"Stella...!!!" Avalina yelled at her. Everyone in the room became silent. It was the first time they saw Avalina this angry. It was sure that Stella has struck her most sensitive part of memory.
Avalina soon calmed down. She then faced everyone.
"Yes, she is my mother".
There was a silence but no one asked further. They knew how disturbing her past was for her. Stella who noticed all this came straight to the point.
"I arranged a cleaning job in Facci's country D branch. She...She was released from jail only 6 months that too for killing someone. I...I...will try to arrange a better job."
"No need. I know her qualifications. She used to do those jobs in Stone's and she should be comfortable with it." Everyone could see her eyes turn red. It was sure that she is hiding a lot of emotions within her right now.
Seeing her like this made Rivaldo's heartbreak. He had some idea of what must have happened but he never questioned her. But today he decided to ask her.
"Avalina, you know right we are your friends. You can share those memories with us. It might help".Rivaldo said in low voice.
Avalina ignored him and again looked at Stella.
"I think it's time for me to go there."
All were taken aback. One country which Avalina always avoided and never wanted to visit was the country D.Eventhough Facci V has done missions there, even though she planned those missions she never participated physically in those missions.
"Are you sure Avi? Since you came here you never wanted to visit your birth country."Anna asked. She was concerned that she will remember her childhood traumas.
"Yes, mother Anna. There is no one who knows country D better than me. I still have something to do here. I will complete my important responsibility here and will go there."
"I will come with you, "Rivaldo said. He knew how much Avalina is traumatized by her past. If she visits country D then she will face her past. At that time he can't leave her to her subordinates.
Avalina knew she can't change his decision. Also, she was happy that Rivaldo decided to come with her. She needed someone very close to face her past.
They all ate their dinner and went back to their room.