"Look at these folders, they contain all our ongoing and upcoming transactions. Moretti is truly resentful towards you, Il Capo, for rejecting his bid to join Senza," Taddeo announced, turning his gaze to Elijah, who sat silently and motionlessly on the sofa.
They remained at Gustavo's house, as they still needed to clean up the mess they had made. Elijah should have left them by then, but he stayed, quietly seated, which left Taddeo and the others wondering.
"Is Il Capo alright? He hasn't moved a muscle for a while now," Taddeo commented as Lorenzo approached him to examine the folders Gustavo had accumulated.
"He's still brooding over your associate who had the audacity to punch him. I wouldn't be surprised if Il Capo orders you to execute that woman," Lorenzo remarked.
"I think Penelton was shocked because someone dared to punch his handsome face without hesitation or fear. That's certainly new to him," Vito chimed in, leaning against the wall.
"That woman is under your supervision, Deo. It's your damn responsibility," Casimiro stated plainly, making Taddeo turn to him.
"Why me? I wasn't the one who punched Il Capo, and all my subordinates are obedient, except for Silas," Taddeo said, scratching his head.
"Silas makes her own decisions. She's one of my associates; if she wants to do something, she'll do it even if I object. But she's reliable; all the information we get comes from her," Taddeo added, a hint of pride in his voice for Samara.
"Still, she had no damn right to punch the person she serves in the organization," Casimiro retorted seriously.
"I can't control her fist, but if Il Capo orders her punishment, there's nothing I can do," Taddeo said as they watched Elijah rise from his seat.
"Let's leave here," Elijah stated plainly.
"Il Capo, I will bring Silas to you tomorrow. Just tell us what punishment you wish to impose on her," Taddeo declared, causing Elijah to turn his gaze to him.
"Where can I find that woman?" Elijah asked, and they sensed he intended to personally mete out Samara's punishment.
"At the club we manage. She works there as a waitress while also gathering information from club patrons," Taddeo replied, and Elijah walked out of Gustavo's room without another word.
"I feel bad for Silas. She's one of my best associates," Taddeo lamented, believing Samara's life was about to take a turn for the worse.
"It's that woman's fault; she brought about her own demise," Casimiro said, prompting Vito to sigh.
"Let's clean up here," Vito instructed, and they proceeded to tidy up before leaving Gustavo's house.
THE NEXT DAY, the club staff cleaned the entire venue for the evening's opening, as many people were expected to come and drink. Each staff member was busy with their tasks, while Samara moodily wiped tables, a fact noticed by her colleague and close friend, Teresa.
"You seem out of sorts today, Sam, are you okay?" Teresa asked, noticing the band-aid on Samara's forehead.
"What happened to your forehead?" she pressed, and Samara sighed, turning to her friend.
"It's just a small scratch, far from the heart."
"Were you hurt during the raid on Gustavo's house? I told you that even if you can fight, you're still a woman," Teresa said.
"I could have killed that rude man, but he escaped because some nuisance showed up," Samara complained.
"Nuisance? Is that why you're in a bad mood today?"
"Why do some men think they're superior? It's irritating how quickly they belittle us women. Mr. Penelton should be grateful I only punched him; I should have kicked him too!" Samara fumed, and Teresa gasped, grabbing her shoulders, which startled her slightly.
"You punched Il Capo?!" Teresa blurted out, her voice carrying to their other colleagues.
"H-He's the reason Gustav—"
"—What were you thinking, punching Il Capo?! Do you know that what you did could cost you your life?!" Teresa cut her off, unable to hide her worry for her friend.
"It was his fault!"
"But you shouldn't have punched our boss! Do you know the rumors about how ruthless Mr. Penelton is? He might not let what you did slide, Samara! What if he punishes you and decides to kill you? How will you ever find out who killed your parents if you're dead too?!" Teresa exclaimed, as other colleagues approached them.
"You punched Il Capo?"
"Why did you do that, Samara?"
"Are you tired of living that you'd punch our boss? Did you lose a screw in your brain?"
Samara received a barrage of lectures and scolding from her colleagues, making her realize the gravity of her actions.
"I-I was just so annoyed, and my anger got the better of me, so I punched Mr. Penelton. Do you know Gustavo was planning to assault me, but then he arrived and even wanted to watch what would happen to me? And because of him, Gustavo escaped. My vision blurred, and I punched him. D-Do you think he'll kill me as punishment for what I did?" Samara explained, receiving a slap on her arm from Teresa.
"Now you ask that? You should pray that Il Capo overlooks your insolence."
"Sometimes, Samara, you need to control your tough-girl act. We know you're a fighter, but you also need to understand your position. You punched our leader and boss, and worse, Il Capo might not forgive you for what you did," Teresa's colleague added, leaving Samara speechless.
A moment later, they all turned as their female manager entered the bar. They all lined up as their manager's gaze swept across the room until it landed on Samara.
"What did you do, Samara, for Il Capo to personally come to the club for you?" their manager asked, slightly widening Samara's eyes.
"M-Mr. Penelton is here?"
"He just arrived and asked for you. He's in my office now. Did you do something bad?" their manager asked, and Teresa lightly slapped Samara's arm.
"T-The truth is, ma'am..."
"Don't answer my question. Come with me; Il Capo shouldn't be kept waiting," their manager said, walking ahead, leaving Samara no choice but to follow.
Samara quickly pulled out her phone and called Taddeo, who answered after a few rings.
"What did you eat, Silas, for you to be the first to call—"
"—I'm one of your reliable associates, right? I'm your asset under your supervision in Senza, so defend me from Mr. Penelton," Samara interrupted, complaining.
"What do you mean?"
"Weren't you with Mr. Penelton when he came to the club?" Samara asked as she walked down the hallway, following her manager.
"Il Capo went to the clu—damn it, Silas! Why did you punch Il Capo?!" Taddeo fumed, his footsteps audible to Samara.
"I just got carried away by my emotions last night, okay, but why weren't you with Mr. Penelton?"
"How would I know?! Il Capo didn't mention he was going there; he didn't bring any of us, not even Salvatore. I'll follow you there. Do your best to apologize and beg Il Capo."
"Why should I beg—"
"—Stupid! You need to beg if you want to live long! If Il Capo went there alone, maybe he intends to punish you himself, so swallow your pride, Silas!" Taddeo snapped before hanging up.
"Aish! Why did my anger get the best of me last night? I might die young without even knowing who killed my parents. You're stupid, Samara!" Samara internally scolded herself, contemplating Taddeo's suggestion, which she knew went against her very nature.