Chapter 6 - The Dinner Party
The massive dining room in the penthouse was suffocatingly tense.
Three of Gabriel’s highest-ranking capos sat tensely around the long mahogany table.
They were brutal, hardened men who looked incredibly uncomfortable in the pristine, sterile environment.
Gabriel sat at the head of the table, his arm securely in a sling, projecting an aura of absolute, unwavering authority.
Norah stood quietly in the corner, wearing a simple black dress Leo had provided, playing the role of the submissive, silent servant flawlessly.
Her heart was hammering so frantically against her ribs she was terrified the entire room could hear it.
She had completely dumped the lethal neurotoxin down the drain, replacing the liquid in the vial with plain tap water before adding it to the stew.
If Gabriel discovered her deception, he would likely kill her himself.
"I appreciate you all coming on such short notice," Gabriel began smoothly, his voice echoing in the large room.
"As you know, Marcus is alive and actively attempting a hostile takeover of our territory."
The capos exchanged nervous, highly suspicious glances.
"Word on the street is that you are weak, Boss," a heavy-set capo named Salvatore grunted aggressively.
"They say you haven't eaten a solid meal in a week because you are terrified of your own shadow."
Gabriel smiled, a cold, utterly terrifying expression that silenced the room instantly.
"Rumors are often drastically exaggerated, Salvatore."
He gestured gracefully to Norah.
"Serve the meal."
Norah carefully brought out a massive, steaming tureen of the fragrant stracotto and placed it securely in the center of the table.
She ladled generous portions into each of the men's expensive porcelain bowls, her hands shaking almost imperceptibly.
She served Gabriel last, pouring a large amount of the thick, dark gravy over his tender beef.
The rich aroma of roasted garlic, thyme, and cinnamon quickly filled the room, temporarily masking the scent of fear.
The capos hesitated, staring suspiciously at their bowls.
They were all fiercely loyal to Gabriel, but the recent, highly publicized poisonings had made everyone incredibly paranoid.
Gabriel picked up his spoon and took a large, deliberate bite of the stew.
He closed his eyes, savoring the incredibly comforting flavor, before swallowing heavily.
"Eat," Gabriel commanded softly.
"It is truly spectacular."
Slowly, hesitantly, the three capos began to eat.
Norah watched them intently, terrified that one of them might somehow taste the missing poison.
But they all ate in complete silence, clearly surprised by the humble, utterly delicious nature of the meal.
When the bowls were completely empty, Gabriel leaned back in his chair and wiped his mouth with a linen napkin.
"I added a special ingredient to the gravy tonight, gentlemen," Gabriel announced casually.
The three capos instantly froze, their eyes widening in sudden panic.
"It is a highly concentrated, slow-acting neurotoxin," Gabriel continued, lying smoothly.
"You all have exactly four hours before your respiratory systems shut down completely."
Salvatore jumped violently to his feet, knocking his heavy chair backward onto the marble floor.
"Are you completely insane, Gabriel?" Salvatore roared, clutching his own throat in pure terror.
Gabriel remained perfectly calm, pulling a small, loaded pistol from his jacket with his good hand.
"I have the only antidote secured in a safe in my office."
"Whoever tells me exactly how Marcus breached our security gets to live."
The room erupted into absolute, terrifying chaos.
Two of the capos immediately drew their weapons, aiming them frantically at Gabriel.
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But Salvatore didn't reach for a gun.
He clutched his stomach and violently collapsed onto the floor, foaming aggressively at the mouth.
