Months later, Matt sat in a dimly lit restaurant, the same one Dominic used to call his own. Across from him sat an old rival, now trembling with fear.
Matt stirred his espresso. "You know why you're here."
The man swallowed hard. "Please—"
Matt didn't blink. "Loyalty isn't given. It's earned."
He set down his cup, gave a nod—
BANG.
The gunshot barely echoed before his men dragged the body away.
Miriam stood nearby, watching. She met Matt's gaze. "Another problem solved."
Matt smirked, lifting his cup. "And many more to come."
She studied him for a long moment. Then she sighed, shaking her head. "You really have become him."
Matt took a slow sip of his coffee.
Then, without looking at her, he said—
"No, Miriam. I became something worse."