Past timeline
In 1940 Chicago
The busy streets were full of noise from vendors, cars, and city life, but Lenore Van Ryn had one thing on her mind—the Chicago Outfit. At 20 years old, she stood in front of the big building that held one of the most feared criminal organizations in the country. Wearing a simple but professional suit, her blonde hair pulled back, Lenore's eyes were focused and determined as she stared at the entrance.
"They'll see me as just another woman with dreams beyond her means," Lenore muttered under her breath. "But I'll show them."
The wind blew against her face, almost as if testing her resolve, but she ignored it, steeling herself. For too long, people had looked down on her—dismissed her because she was a woman, poor, and from a background they deemed insignificant. But she had fire inside her, and today was the day that flame would begin to consume everything in its path.
With a deep breath, she approached the entrance of the Chicago Outfit headquarters. Her hands gripped the cold steel handle of the door. She hesitated for a second, but then forced herself to push it open, walking inside with her head held high.
As she strode through the dimly lit corridors, her heels clicking on the tiled floors, every eye in the room seemed to follow her. Some whispered, some chuckled, but none of that mattered. Lenore had made a vow to herself. She wasn't going to let anyone stop her—not the men in the room, not society, and certainly not Alphonse Capone.
She reached the door to the interview room, the door that separated her from her future. Without hesitation this time, she opened it.
There, sitting at a large oak desk, was Alphonse Capone. The infamous crime lord, now in his fifties, had aged well despite the violent life he had led. His thick build, sharp eyes, and ever-present cigar in his mouth gave him a commanding presence. The scent of cigar smoke filled the air, thick and heavy. Capone looked up from the papers on his desk, his eyes narrowing as they fixed on Lenore.
Lenore felt the weight of his gaze, but she didn't falter. Instead, she met his stare with one of her own. Confident. Fearless. Determined.
"What's this?" Capone's voice was gruff, yet calm. "A lady in my office, looking like she's about to take over the world."
Lenore didn't flinch. She took a step forward, clasping her hands behind her back to hide the slight tremble in them.
"My name's Lenore Van Ryn," she said, her voice steady. "And I'm here because I'm going to be part of your organization."
Capone raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair as he took a slow drag of his cigar. He exhaled a cloud of smoke, which curled in the air between them.
"Oh? And why do you think I need someone like you?" he asked, his tone more amused than curious.
Lenore straightened her posture, her eyes flashing with determination. "Because I'm not like the other people who've walked through that door. I'm smart, I'm resourceful, and I know how to get things done. I may not have money, I may not have connections, but I have something better—ambition. I will rise through your ranks, and I will make this organization stronger."
Capone chuckled, shaking his head. "I've heard that before. Ambition's cheap, sweetheart. Everyone's got it. What makes you different?"
Lenore took a step closer to his desk, her hands now visible, resting calmly at her sides. "I know how to play the long game. I can be patient, and I can be ruthless. I'll earn my way up from the bottom if I have to, but make no mistake—I'm going to the top. You won't regret taking me in."
Capone studied her for a long moment, the amusement fading from his face. He could see it now—the fire burning in her eyes, the hunger for power and success. She reminded him of someone younger. Of himself.
He set down the cigar and leaned forward slightly. "You talk a big game, Lenore. I'll give you that. But you'll have to prove yourself if you want to be more than just talk. I don't care if you're a woman—if you're good, you're good. But if you screw up…"
"I won't," Lenore interrupted, her voice sharp and certain. "I won't screw up."
A tense silence settled between them. Capone finally nodded, a small grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Alright.... You've got your chance. Don't waste it."
Lenore's heart raced, but she didn't show it. She simply nodded, turned on her heel, and left the office without another word. As the door closed behind her, she allowed herself a small smile.
"One day," she murmured to herself, "I'll run this place."