"None taken," Marco said.
"Marco is not being replaced," Luca said flatly. "He did what he had to do to stop Bastardi from double crossing me." He turned slowly toward Marco. "Book a flight for me to Vienna tomorrow," Luca continued. "It's time I told Father to either let me handle my shit the way I see fit or find someone else to run New York."
This was not about Marco. Not really. This was about authority. About a father who still reached across an ocean to tug invisible strings.
"Luciano…" Marco started.
"Do as I say, Marco."
"Of course." He turned and walked out.
Ricardo shifted slightly, running a hand through his dark hair.
"I don't mean to cause any trouble, Luciano," he began.
Luca waved a hand dismissively, already reaching for his whiskey again. "No trouble at all," he said. "Spend a few days with your Zia and return to Vienna."
"Of course… of course," Ricardo replied smoothly. He nodded once and left.
