Reversal Of Fate: From A Pawn To A Mafia Billionaire

The Knife Behind The Smile

A soft rain fell over the city, washing the streets but not the blood that was about to be spilled.

Inside a dimly lit bar in the Bronx, one that operated under Russo control, Jason sat alone in a private booth, waiting.

The bartender passed him a glass of scotch without asking.

Jason took a sip and checked his watch.

She was late.

Valentina never ran late.

Seconds stretched.

Then—

The door opened.

But it wasnt Valentina.

It was Vin—Jasons cousin, his only surviving family ally.

He slid into the seat across from Jason, face unreadable.

Weve got a problem,Vin said.

Jasons jaw clenched. What kind?

Vin pulled out his burner phone and played an audio recording. Voices. Distorted. But one was unmistakable.

Valentinas.

He doesnt know. He still trusts me.

Ill give you what you want, but not yet. He cant suspect anything.

When the wedding happens, itll be too late.

Jason went still.

The glass cracked in his hand.

No,he said quietly. That cant be right.

Vin leaned in. Shes playing you, man. Shes Russo. You forgot that.

Jason shook his head, heart pounding. No. Shes not like them.

Listen to her voice. Shes selling you out to Giovanni. Just like you feared.

Jasons eyes burned. But he forced himself to breathe.

If this is true…he whispered, Ill handle it.

Meanwhile – Russo Estate

Valentina stood on the balcony of her bedroom, staring into the cold city night.

Her father hadnt spoken to her in days, not since Nicos arrest.

But she didnt care.

Shed already chosen her side.

Still, something felt off. A tightness in her chest she couldnt explain.

Her phone buzzed.

Unknown Number:You were warned.

Now he knows.

Valentinas blood ran cold.

She called Jason immediately.

No answer.

She tried again. Nothing.

At The Vault

Jason sat alone in the war room, lights off, the audio still playing on loop.

Hed listened to it twenty times already.

His gut twisted every time.

Then, Mila walked in.

I analyzed the file,she said. Its been edited.

Jason looked up sharply.

Mila nodded. Chopped and rearranged. Someone wanted you to believe shes a traitor.

Jason stood so fast the chair slammed back.

Where is she now?

Minutes Later – Midtown Rooftop

Valentina paced under the drizzle, staring at the skyline. She'd sent a location pin to Jason, hoping, praying—he'd come.

When she saw the black SUV pull up, her heart nearly stopped.

He stepped out, his face unreadable.

Jason…

He didnt speak. Just walked toward her.

Someones framing me,she said quickly. They edited the recording. I dont know who, but I swear I didnt betray you.

Jason stared at her for a long moment.

Then pulled her into a tight, shuddering embrace.

I know,he whispered. I almost believed it. I almost let them win.

Valentina buried her face into his chest. We cant let them divide us.

We wont.

But neither of them noticed the sniper scope aimed at them from across the street.

Elsewhere – Dark Apartment

Vin watched from behind a sniper rifle, expression twisted with guilt and jealousy.

He lowered the scope.

They always choose someone else,he muttered. Never me.

His phone buzzed.

UNKNOWN CONTACT: Proceed to phase two. The wedding must happen. Then eliminate them both.

Vin sighed and loaded the chamber.

Family never lasts in this business.

Back at the Vault

Jason and Valentina arrived drenched, still shaken.

Mila met them at the door. Weve got another problem.

Jason frowned. What now?

She turned her laptop around.

A headline burned across the screen:

Wedding of Valentina Russo and Billionaire Jason Moretti Confirmed for Saturday.

Jason blinked. We never announced that.

Valentina narrowed her eyes. Someone just fast-tracked us.

Jasons voice darkened. They want us to walk into a trap.

Valentina crossed her arms. Then lets make it one theyll never forget.