Chương 49: The End of March II

Thursday, March 18, 1971 7: 55 a. m. Apartment 4B — East Street, Manhattan Thursday morning arrived with clear skies over Manhattan. The rain that had covered Seattle the previous day was nowhere to be seen. James and Enzo finished breakfast before leaving Apartment 4B together. As usual... Enzo drove the Maranello Motors Cavallo V12 through the busy streets of Manhattan before stopping outside Public School 87. James picked up his satchel.

"See you this afternoon." Enzo smiled.

"Have a good day."

"You too, Grandpa." James stepped onto the sidewalk and disappeared through the school's front entrance. Enzo watched for another second. Only then did he pull away toward Brooklyn.

3: 42 p. m. Chairman's Office Thompson Manufacturing James arrived only a few minutes after school. Frank greeted him with his usual smile.

"Good afternoon, James."

"Afternoon, Frank." James headed upstairs without stopping. The familiar voices coming from Enzo's office told him both his grandfather and Anthony were already inside. He knocked twice.

"Come in." James entered. Anthony smiled.

"Finished with school?"

"For today." James answered. Enzo motioned toward the empty chair beside him.

"Sit down." James immediately noticed several folders spread across the conference table. One carried the familiar heading. Vendetta Investments Another... Contained London's banking documentation. Anthony had clearly spent the morning organizing paperwork.

Enzo leaned back in his chair.

"So..."

"You said yesterday that you wanted to discuss another investment operation." James nodded.

"I do." Anthony uncapped his fountain pen.

"I'm listening." James remained quiet for several seconds. Carefully organizing his thoughts. Then... He finally spoke.

"The Seattle investment is finished."

"The London operation is almost finished."

"That means Vendetta's capital will continue increasing." Both Enzo and Anthony nodded.

"So..." James continued,"We shouldn't stop." Anthony smiled faintly.

"I suspected you'd say that." James returned the smile.

"We've proven the system works."

"We simply need to keep using it carefully."

Enzo folded his arms.

"What are you proposing?" James looked toward both men.

"Another betting operation." Anthony didn't seem surprised.

"Las Vegas again?" James nodded.

"Yes."

"The same structure."

"No shortcuts."

"No unnecessary risks."

"Exactly the same procedures we used before." Anthony made several notes.

"Different employees." James nodded.

"Two this time." Enzo looked interested.

"Why two?" James answered immediately.

"Redundancy."

"If one encounters travel delays..."

"The other can still complete the operation." Anthony looked impressed.

"Reasonable." James continued.

"They'll travel together."

"They'll stay at the Silver Star Hotel."

"But..."

"They won't approach Stardawn Sportsbook together."

"They'll enter separately."

"Place their wagers separately."

"And leave separately." Enzo slowly smiled.

"You've thought this through." James nodded.

"I've had time."

Anthony looked down at his notebook.

"The same compensation?" James shook his head.

"No."

"This operation is larger."

"I think each employee should receive..." He paused briefly.

"... five thousand dollars." Anthony stopped writing.

"So..."

"Ten thousand total?" James nodded.

"They're assuming more responsibility."

"They deserve more compensation." Enzo immediately agreed.

"I have no objection." Anthony nodded.

"Neither do I."

James continued.

"As before..."

"The employees won't know who ultimately benefits."

"They only know they're participating in a confidential financial operation organized by Vendetta Investments." Anthony smiled.

"Maintaining separation."

"Exactly." James replied.

"No one outside this room should ever connect Vendetta..."

"... to the betting operations." Enzo looked thoughtfully toward the factory windows.

"So..."

"Who do we send?" The room became quiet. Anthony tapped his pen gently against the notebook.

"We should avoid using anyone who has already participated." Enzo agreed.

"Thomas has already completed one operation."

"He shouldn't immediately perform another." Anthony nodded.

"It would attract unnecessary attention." James smiled slightly.

"I was hoping you'd both reach that conclusion."

Enzo began mentally reviewing Thompson Manufacturing's workforce. More than six hundred employees. Most were immediately eliminated. Some were too young. Others had families that depended heavily on their daily presence. Several held key production responsibilities. The operation required people who were... Reliable. Calm. Capable of following instructions. And above all... Discreet. Enzo looked toward Anthony.

"I think we already have a few names." Anthony nodded slowly.

"I believe we do." The two old friends exchanged a knowing glance. James noticed it immediately. He smiled. Neither man had spoken a single name. Yet both already seemed to be thinking of the same employees. Exactly what James had hoped for. 》 Thursday, March 18, 1971 4: 08 p. m. Chairman's Office Thompson Manufacturing The office fell into a thoughtful silence. Enzo leaned back in his chair. Anthony slowly closed his notebook. Neither man rushed to answer.

Selecting employees for an operation like this was not something either of them intended to do lightly. After nearly a minute... Enzo finally spoke.

"We need people we trust." Anthony nodded.

"More importantly..."

"They need to be people who won't ask unnecessary questions." James quietly listened. He had deliberately avoided suggesting names. That decision belonged to Enzo. He was the chairman of Thompson Manufacturing.

Anthony broke the silence.

"I've narrowed it down to four." Enzo looked over.

"So have I." Anthony smiled.

"I imagine two of mine are also two of yours." Enzo laughed softly.

"I was thinking exactly the same thing." James watched the exchange with interest. Anthony finally opened one of the personnel folders.

"The first..." He slid a file across the table. Michael Donovan Age: 34 Position: Shipping Coordinator Joined Thompson Manufacturing: 1962 Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Anthony summarized without reading every line.

"Reliable."

"Married."

"One daughter."

"Excellent attendance."

"Never once had disciplinary action." Enzo nodded.

"He also handled several confidential military shipments during our contract years." Anthony smiled.

"I remembered."

Anthony reached for another folder.

"The second..." Robert Ellis Age: 39 Position: Warehouse Supervisor Joined Thompson Manufacturing: 1958"Calm under pressure."

"Rarely speaks unless necessary."

"Excellent reputation."

"Military veteran." Enzo nodded once again.

"I trust him."

"So do I."

James quietly observed. Neither employee belonged to senior management. Neither regularly dealt with outside partners. Neither attracted attention. Exactly the kind of people he had expected Enzo to choose.

Enzo finally looked toward James.

"What do you think?" James considered the question carefully.

"They're good choices." Anthony smiled.

"You don't sound surprised."

"I'm not." James answered honestly.

"If Grandpa had chosen flashy personalities..."

"I would've been surprised." Enzo laughed.

"I've learned over the years..."

"The quiet employees are usually the dependable ones." James nodded.

"They also tend to notice more."

Anthony began writing again.

"So..."

"Tomorrow morning."

"We'll invite both men separately."

"No meeting together." Enzo immediately agreed.

"They shouldn't even know another employee has been selected." Anthony continued.

"I'll prepare two separate confidentiality agreements."

"The same structure Thomas Reynolds signed." James interrupted gently.

"One small change." Both men looked toward him.

"The compensation." Anthony nodded.

"Five thousand dollars each." James shook his head.

"Not just that." Anthony waited.

"This time..."

"The agreement should also specify that their participation ends once the banking process is completed."

"No future obligations."

"No expectation of additional assignments." Enzo smiled.

"Good addition." Anthony immediately wrote it down.

James continued.

"The fewer loose ends..."

"... the better." Anthony looked up.

"You really think about every detail." James smiled faintly.

"I try to think about the questions someone might ask five years from now." The room became quiet. Anthony slowly leaned back.

"You know..."

"If someone investigated..."

"... they'd only find employees who legally received compensation for confidential consulting work." James nodded.

"Exactly."

"No hidden payments."

"No cash envelopes."

"No suspicious transfers."

"Everything documented." Enzo couldn't help smiling.

"It would withstand scrutiny." Anthony looked at James.

"That's becoming one of your habits." James tilted his head.

"What is?" Anthony smiled.

"Building systems that still make sense years later." James simply shrugged.

"I've seen what happens when people don't."

Enzo stood and walked toward the large window overlooking the factory floor. Hundreds of employees were finishing another productive day. Machines continued humming. Workers moved materials between departments. Project Horizon continued advancing exactly as planned. He folded his hands behind his back.

"Tomorrow..."

"We'll begin another operation." He turned toward James.

"And after that?" James smiled.

"After that..."

"We keep building."

"Thompson Manufacturing."

"Vendetta Investments."

"And now..."

"Evergreen Coffee & Tea." Anthony chuckled.

"Quite a list." James looked around the office.

"We're only getting started." For a brief moment... Neither Enzo nor Anthony answered. Because despite how ambitious those words sounded... Neither man believed James was exaggerating anymore. Over the past five months... He had earned the right to be taken seriously. And that realization alone... Was perhaps the biggest change of all. 》 Thursday, March 18, 1971 4: 36 p. m. Chairman's Office Thompson Manufacturing Enzo returned to his chair. He pressed the small intercom button resting on the corner of his desk.

"Leslie." A second later, her familiar voice answered.

"Yes, Mr. Lombardi?"

"Would you ask Michael Donovan to come to my office in about ten minutes?"

"Then..." He glanced briefly toward Anthony.

"... ask Robert Ellis to come about thirty minutes after Michael leaves."

"Separately."

"Yes, Mr. Lombardi."

"And Leslie..."

"Please don't mention they're both coming."

"Of course." The intercom clicked off. Anthony smiled.

"She understood immediately." Enzo nodded.

"She always does."

James quietly watched. Everything was unfolding exactly as it had with Thomas Reynolds. Methodical. Orderly. Professional. No unnecessary improvisation.

A few minutes later... There was a knock.

"Come in." The door opened. A man in his mid-thirties stepped inside. Average height. Brown hair. Blue work shirt neatly buttoned beneath a light gray factory jacket. He immediately removed his cap.

"You wanted to see me, Mr. Lombardi?" Enzo smiled warmly.

"Please, Michael."

"Come in." Michael Donovan closed the door behind him. His eyes briefly moved toward Anthony. Then, toward James. Seeing James inside the Chairman's office was no longer unusual. He simply assumed another business discussion was taking place.

"What can I do for you, sir?"

Enzo gestured toward the chair.

"Please, have a seat." Michael obeyed. He sat upright. Hands resting calmly on his knees. Anthony quietly observed him. Exactly as expected. Calm. Respectful. Patient.

Enzo folded his hands together.

"Michael..."

"Everything we'll discuss today is confidential." Michael nodded immediately.

"I understand." Anthony slid a document across the desk.

"This is a confidentiality agreement."

"It simply states that anything discussed inside this office remains here." Michael didn't hesitate. He carefully read each page. After several minutes... He signed. Anthony countersigned beneath him. Then, he placed the agreement inside his briefcase.

Only then did Enzo begin.

"You've worked for Thompson Manufacturing since nineteen sixty-two."

"Nine years."

"Yes, sir."

"You've handled military shipments."

"Yes, sir."

"You've never received a disciplinary report."

"No, sir."

"You've earned the company's trust." Michael looked genuinely humbled.

"Thank you, Mr. Lombardi."

Enzo smiled.

"A separate company..."

"... Vendetta Investments..."

"... requires temporary confidential assistance." Michael listened carefully.

"It would involve travel."

"California first."

"Then Las Vegas."

"The assignment would last approximately one week."

"You would travel with another Thompson employee."

"But each of you would receive separate instructions." Michael remained completely silent. Allowing Enzo to finish.

Anthony continued.

"If you accept..."

"You'll receive five thousand dollars upon successful completion of the assignment." Michael blinked. Five thousand dollars. It was... More money than he earned in several months. For just a moment... He wondered whether he had misunderstood.

"I'm sorry..."

"Did you say..."

"Five thousand?" Anthony nodded calmly.

"That's correct." Michael looked toward Enzo.

"This isn't a joke?" Enzo smiled.

"No."

"It isn't."

Michael sat quietly. His heart was beating noticeably faster. Five thousand dollars. His wife had wanted to replace their aging family car. Their daughter would begin school in a few years. They had spoken countless times about finally putting money aside for her future. Five thousand dollars could change many things. Still... He asked the question Enzo had hoped he would ask.

"What exactly would I be doing?" Anthony answered carefully.

"You'll receive detailed instructions before departure."

"Everything will be completely legal."

"Properly documented."

"And conducted under the authority of Vendetta Investments." Michael nodded slowly.

"So..."

"I won't be asked to do anything dishonest?" Enzo answered immediately.

"No."

"Never." Michael looked directly into Enzo's eyes. He had worked under the Chairman for nearly a decade. The man had never lied to him. Not once. After several quiet seconds... Michael smiled.

"Then..."

"I accept." Enzo extended his hand across the desk.

"Excellent." Michael shook it firmly.

"Thank you for your confidence, sir." Enzo smiled.

"Thank you for yours."

As Michael left the office... Anthony quietly made one final note in his folder. Employee One Confirmed. He closed the file. Then, I looked toward the clock.

"Robert should be here in another twenty minutes." James smiled faintly. The second half of the operation... It was about to begin. 》 Thursday, March 18, 1971 5: 07 p. m. Chairman's Office Thompson Manufacturing Almost half an hour passed before another knock echoed through the office.

"Come in." The door opened. A broad-shouldered man in his late thirties stepped inside. His dark work jacket carried a small Thompson Manufacturing badge above the breast pocket. He removed his cap as soon as he entered.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Lombardi."

"Mr. Russo." Then he noticed James sitting beside Enzo. He smiled politely.

"James."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Ellis." Robert Ellis quietly closed the door behind him.

"Please, sit down." Enzo said. Robert obeyed immediately. Unlike Michael... Robert had worked at Thompson Manufacturing even longer. Since 1958. More than twelve years. He rarely spoke unnecessarily. Most employees respected him. Some even feared disappointing him. He simply believed work should always be done properly.

Anthony placed another document on the table.

"The first document is a confidentiality agreement." Robert nodded. Without asking questions... He carefully read every page. Unlike many people... He truly read contracts. Anthony noticed. So did Enzo. Several minutes later... Robert signed. Anthony signed beneath him before placing the document inside his briefcase.

Enzo folded his hands.

"Robert."

"I'll get straight to the point."

"A company named Vendetta Investments requires assistance for a confidential business assignment."

"It will involve travel."

"California."

"Then Las Vegas."

"The assignment will last approximately one week." Robert listened without interrupting.

"If you agree..."

"You'll receive five thousand dollars upon successful completion." Robert remained expressionless. Not because he wasn't surprised. Because he had learned long ago not to react before understanding the entire situation. Finally... He spoke.

"What exactly would I be asked to do?" Anthony smiled inwardly. Exactly the same first question Thomas had asked. Exactly the same one Michael had asked. James noticed it, too. Reliable people always asked the same question first. Not...

"How much?" But...

"What am I expected to do?"

Anthony answered carefully.

"You'll receive detailed instructions before departure."

"The assignment is entirely legal."

"It will be documented."

"And all expenses related to travel, lodging, and meals will be paid by Vendetta Investments." Robert nodded once.

"So..."

"No personal financial risk."

"None." Anthony answered.

"And nothing illegal?" Enzo answered immediately.

"Absolutely not." Robert looked toward Enzo. They had known each other for over a decade. He respected the Chairman deeply. If Enzo personally said the assignment was legitimate... That was enough.

Robert leaned back slightly.

"I have one condition." Anthony looked interested.

"Go ahead."

"My wife deserves to know I'll be traveling."

"I won't tell her why."

"But I won't disappear for a week without explanation." Enzo smiled.

"I wouldn't expect you to." Anthony nodded.

"Perfectly reasonable." Robert smiled faintly.

"Then..."

"I accept." Enzo stood.

"So do we." The two men shook hands firmly.

Anthony immediately opened another folder.

"This contains your travel itinerary." Robert accepted it. Inside... Every detail had already been prepared. Friday, March 19 • Thompson Manufacturing sedan will take him and another employee separately to Manhattan Metropolitan Airport. • Flight aboard Atlantic Continental Airways to California. • Two nights in California. • March 25 departure to Las Vegas. • Accommodation reserved at the Silver Star Hotel. • Further instructions would be provided in California by Enzo before they continued to Nevada.

Robert quietly reviewed every page. Everything appeared organized. Professional. Exactly the sort of preparation he expected from Mr. Lombardi and Mr. Russo.

When Robert finally left the office... Anthony closed the door behind him. Then he looked toward Enzo.

"Two employees."

"Two signed agreements."

"Two confirmations." Enzo slowly nodded.

"The operation is officially underway." James smiled.

"It should work exactly like London." Anthony looked toward him.

"Except..."

"This time, the prize is considerably larger." James nodded.

"The opportunity is larger."

"So the operation has to be even cleaner." Anthony smiled.

"I've already begun preparing the paperwork."

"Separate banking instructions."

"Separate expense records."

"Separate compensation agreements."

"If anyone ever reviews Vendetta's records..."

"... everything will match perfectly." James nodded with approval.

"That's exactly what we want."

Enzo glanced toward the factory floor through the large office window. The evening whistle echoed across Thompson Manufacturing. Hundreds of employees began leaving for home. Another productive day had come to an end. Tomorrow morning... Two of them would unknowingly take part in another carefully planned operation. One that, if successful... Would strengthen Vendetta Investments even further. And James already knew... It wouldn't be the last. 》 Friday, March 19, 1971 7: 12 a. m.

Thompson Manufacturing Brooklyn, New York The morning shift had only just begun. Workers streamed through the main entrance carrying lunch pails and thermoses. The familiar sounds of machinery gradually filled the production floor. Inside the Chairman's office... Enzo, Anthony, and James were already waiting. On the desk rested two sealed manila envelopes. Each carried only a typed label. CONFIDENTIAL Neither envelope contained names on the outside. Only Anthony knew which belonged to which employee.

A few minutes later... There was a knock.

"Come in." Michael Donovan entered first. He wore a dark suit instead of his usual factory clothes. A small travel bag rested beside his leg.

"Good morning, Mr. Lombardi."

"Good morning, Michael." Enzo smiled.

"You look ready."

"I hope so, sir." Anthony handed him one of the envelopes.

"Don't open it until instructed." Michael accepted it.

"Understood."

Five minutes later... Robert Ellis arrived. Like Michael... He carried only a modest suitcase. He greeted everyone politely before sitting down. Anthony handed him the second envelope.

"The same instructions." Robert nodded.

"I won't open it."

Enzo stood.

"I'll keep today's briefing short."

"The flight departs from Manhattan Metropolitan Airport."

"Atlantic Continental Airways."

"You'll travel together."

"But from the moment you reach California..."

"... your individual instructions begin." Neither employee asked unnecessary questions. They simply listened.

Anthony continued.

"Every hotel reservation has already been paid."

"Transportation has been arranged."

"Meals are covered."

"If an unexpected expense appears..."

"Keep the receipt."

"We'll reimburse it." Michael nodded. Robert did the same.

James remained mostly silent. Watching. Learning. This operation felt smoother than the previous one. Thomas Reynolds' assignment had taught them valuable lessons. Anthony had refined the paperwork. Enzo had refined the instructions. Everything felt more polished.

Finally... Enzo looked at both men.

"I've trusted each of you with important responsibilities inside this company."

"I'm trusting you again." Michael answered first.

"You won't be disappointed." Robert simply nodded once.

"You have my word." Enzo smiled.

"I know."

8: 03 a. m. Outside... The familiar black Thompson Manufacturing corporate sedan waited at the entrance. The driver stepped out and opened the rear door. Michael placed his suitcase inside. Robert followed. Before closing the door... Both men looked back toward the building. Enzo stood at the entrance. Anthony beside him. James was slightly behind his grandfather. Enzo raised his hand.

"Safe travels." Michael smiled.

"Thank you, sir." Robert added,"We'll see you when we return." The sedan slowly pulled away from Thompson Manufacturing. It merged into the Brooklyn traffic... Beginning the first stage of another carefully planned operation.

James watched until the car disappeared from sight. Then he quietly spoke.

"I think they'll do well." Enzo slipped both hands into his coat pockets.

"So do I." Anthony looked toward the empty street.

"Our attention returns to London now." Enzo nodded.

"Thomas should already be meeting us at Empire National Bank." Anthony checked his watch.

"If we leave now..."

"We'll arrive right on schedule." James smiled.

"Then let's go." The three entered Enzo's Maranello Motors Cavallo V12. Within moments... The engine came to life. Leaving Brooklyn behind... They headed toward Manhattan. Toward Empire National Bank. Where the next phase of Vendetta Investments' growth was about to begin. 》 Friday, March 19, 1971 9: 18 a. m. Empire National Bank Manhattan, New York The polished brass doors of Empire National Bank swung open. Enzo Lombardi entered first. Anthony Russo walked beside him, carrying his leather briefcase.

A few steps behind... Thomas Reynolds adjusted his tie as he entered the grand banking hall. Unlike the previous time... Thomas was no longer nervous. He already knew the building. He knew the procedure. And most importantly... He knew exactly what his role was. Nothing more. Nothing less.

The marble floor reflected the morning sunlight pouring through the tall windows. Customers quietly moved between the teller counters. Businessmen waited near the commercial banking offices. Behind the front counter... Margaret immediately recognized Enzo. She smiled warmly.

"Good morning, Mr. Lombardi."

"Good morning, Margaret."

"It's nice to see you again."

"And you as well." Her eyes briefly moved toward Anthony.

"Good morning, Mr. Russo."

"Good morning." Finally... She looked toward Thomas. She simply assumed he was another Thompson Manufacturing employee.

"Good morning, sir." Thomas smiled politely.

"Good morning."

Margaret stepped out from behind the counter.

"Mr. Bennett is expecting you."

"If you'll follow me." Enzo nodded.

"Thank you."

A few moments later... The four entered the Commercial Banking Department. Richard Bennett stood as soon as they entered his office. His professional smile appeared immediately.

"Mr. Lombardi." He shook Enzo's hand.

"Mr. Russo." Anthony returned the greeting. Then Richard looked toward Thomas.

"And you must be Mr. Reynolds." Thomas nodded.

"Yes, sir." Richard extended his hand.

"A pleasure to meet you."

"You as well."

Once everyone was seated... Richard opened a neatly prepared file.

"I understand today's visit concerns a recently deposited cashier's check." Thomas answered.

"Yes." Richard nodded.

"I've reviewed the documentation." He reached for another folder.

"The cashier's check in the amount of two hundred fifty-three thousand dollars has successfully cleared." Thomas listened carefully.

"The funds are now fully available in your personal checking account." Thomas simply nodded. Exactly as Anthony had explained would happen.

Richard continued.

"I've also received transfer instructions prepared by Mr. Russo." Anthony opened his briefcase.

"I've brought the original authorization forms." Richard accepted them. He reviewed each page carefully. Everything appeared perfectly organized. Transfer authorization. Receiving account information. Corporate ownership verification. Identification. Signatures. Nothing was missing.

Richard finally looked toward Thomas.

"Mr. Reynolds..."

"As the owner of the account..."

"I'll require your authorization before the wire transfer can proceed." Thomas nodded.

"Of course." Richard turned the final document toward him.

"This authorizes the transfer of two hundred fifty thousand dollars from your personal checking account..."

"... to the corporate account of Vendetta Investments held here at Empire National Bank." Thomas carefully read every line. Anthony remained completely silent. He never rushed clients through legal documents. After nearly two minutes... Thomas picked up the fountain pen. He signed. Richard witnessed the signature. Anthony added his own signature as legal representative for Vendetta Investments.

Richard placed the completed documents neatly into the file.

"The transfer has now officially entered processing." He looked toward Enzo.

"Given the amount involved..."

"Our international and corporate verification department will complete its routine review." Anthony nodded.

"Expected." Richard smiled.

"Barring anything unforeseen..."

"The funds should arrive in the Vendetta Investments account within approximately two to three business days." Enzo nodded.

"Thank you."

Richard then turned toward Thomas once again.

"That leaves..." He checked another page.

"The remaining balance." Thomas already knew what that would be. Richard smiled.

"Three thousand dollars."

"The funds will remain in your checking account and will be immediately available after today's processing concludes." Thomas couldn't hide a small smile. Three thousand dollars. It was exactly what had been promised. No delays. No complications. Just as Mr. Lombardi had said.

Richard closed the folder.

"Gentlemen..."

"Unless there's anything further..."

"I believe everything has been completed." Anthony looked toward Enzo. Enzo gave a slight nod.

"No."

"Everything is in order." Richard stood.

"It has been a pleasure assisting you." The meeting concluded with another round of handshakes. As they stepped out into the marble hallway... Thomas finally allowed himself to breathe. The difficult part... Was over. Now... All that remained was waiting for the bank to complete the transfer. Meanwhile, thousands of miles away... Two Thompson Manufacturing employees were already flying west... Completely unaware that another chapter of Vendetta Investments' expansion was unfolding at the very same time.

》 Friday, March 19, 1971 9: 56 a. m. Outside Empire National Bank Manhattan The four men stepped out of the bank. Morning traffic had grown heavier. Yellow taxis rolled along the avenue. Delivery trucks stopped outside department stores. Office workers hurried toward nearby skyscrapers with newspapers tucked beneath their arms. For a moment... No one spoke. Thomas finally broke the silence. He looked toward Enzo.

"Mr. Lombardi..."

"I wanted to thank you." Enzo smiled.

"For what?" Thomas answered honestly.

"You trusted me."

"I know you could've chosen someone else." Enzo placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I chose you because I trusted you before this assignment."

"This operation simply confirmed I made the right decision." Thomas smiled modestly.

"I appreciate that." Anthony added with a grin,"And don't spend those three thousand dollars all in one weekend." Thomas laughed.

"My wife wouldn't let me." That made all three men laugh.

Enzo reached into the inside pocket of his coat. He handed Thomas a small envelope. Thomas looked confused.

"Sir?"

"Travel expense reimbursement."

"You paid for a few meals before you could submit receipts." Thomas hesitated.

"I already received compensation." Enzo shook his head.

"That was your payment."

"This belongs to the company." Thomas accepted the envelope.

"Thank you." Again... Everything had been done properly. Nothing hidden. Nothing informal. Exactly the way Thompson Manufacturing had always operated.

Thomas looked at his watch.

"I should get back." Enzo nodded.

"Enjoy the rest of the day."

"Spend some time with your family."

"You've earned it." Thomas smiled.

"I intend to." He shook hands with Enzo. Then Anthony. Finally... He looked toward James. James smiled politely.

"Have a nice weekend, Mr. Reynolds."

"You too, James." Thomas walked toward the subway entrance. Within moments... He disappeared into the morning crowd.

Anthony watched him go.

"I don't think he'll ever mention this operation to anyone." Enzo nodded.

"No."

"He understands discretion." Anthony smiled.

"So did Thomas."

"So do Michael and Robert." James quietly listened. He liked hearing Enzo and Anthony reach those conclusions on their own. It meant they were beginning to think beyond individual operations. They were building a system.

Enzo looked toward James.

"Anything on your mind?" James nodded slightly.

"One thing." Anthony looked interested.

"What is it?" James looked back at the imposing Empire National Bank building.

"Vendetta's growing." Both men waited.

"Not quickly."

"But steadily." Enzo nodded.

"That's the goal." James continued.

"I think it's time we start separating investments into categories." Anthony immediately understood. He adjusted his glasses.

"Explain." James counted on his fingers.

"Operating cash."

"Long-term investments."

"Private acquisitions."

"And strategic reserves." Anthony remained silent for several seconds. His legal mind immediately began organizing the idea. Separate accounting. Separate documentation. Separate decision-making. It made sense. It's a great deal of sense.

Enzo smiled.

"You've been thinking about this already?" James nodded.

"Vendetta won't always have one investment."

"Soon, it'll have several." Anthony smiled.

"And if we organize it now..."

"... we won't have to reorganize it later." James nodded.

"Exactly." Enzo looked toward Anthony.

"I think that deserves its own meeting." Anthony chuckled.

"I was about to suggest the same."

The three began walking toward the nearby parking area where Enzo had left his Maranello Motors Cavallo V12. As they walked... Anthony glanced toward James.

"You know..."

"When we first created Vendetta Investments..."

"I imagined it as a small investment company." James smiled.

"And now?" Anthony laughed softly.

"Now I'm beginning to think we should prepare for something much larger." Enzo unlocked the car. Before opening the driver's door... He looked at both of them.

"One step at a time." He smiled warmly.

"But..."

"I'll admit..."

"... it's becoming harder and harder to imagine where we'll be five years from now." James quietly looked toward the Manhattan skyline. I can. But he kept that thought to himself. Some things... We had better revealed one chapter at a time. 》 Friday, March 19, 1971 1: 18 p. m. Thompson Manufacturing Chairman's Office By early afternoon... The three had returned to Brooklyn. The factory was operating at full capacity. The rhythmic sound of industrial sewing machines echoed throughout the production floor.

Forklifts carried pallets between departments. Finished Project Horizon products continued leaving the loading docks bound for retailers across New York. Inside the Chairman's office... Lunch had been brought in from a nearby delicatessen. Simple sandwiches. Coffee. Fresh fruit. Nothing extravagant. The discussion, however... Was.

Anthony opened a clean yellow legal pad. Across the top, he wrote in neat block letters. Vendetta Investments Below it... He drew four columns. Enzo smiled.

"I see you've already started." Anthony nodded.

"James had a point." He looked toward James.

"If we're going to continue investing..."

"... the company needs structure." James nodded.

"It'll save us a lot of headaches later."

Anthony pointed to the first column.

"Operating Cash." James immediately agreed.

"This is money we don't touch unless necessary."

"Travel."

"Legal fees."

"Accounting."

"Routine operating expenses." Enzo nodded.

"Essentially..."

"... keeping Vendetta itself alive."

"Exactly." James replied. Anthony wrote several notes.

The second heading. Strategic Investments Anthony looked toward James.

"This would include Evergreen Coffee & Tea?" James smiled.

"Yes."

"And future companies where we buy ownership."

"But..." He paused.

"We don't buy just because a company is profitable."

"We buy because we believe the business can become extraordinary." Anthony wrote quietly. Long-term ownership. There is no pressure for quick returns.

The third heading. Financial Investments James continued.

"This includes Hamilton & Pierce."

"Stocks."

"Future securities."

"Any publicly traded investments." Anthony nodded.

"Separate from company acquisitions."

"Exactly."

Finally... The fourth heading. Strategic Reserve Enzo smiled.

"I already know what this one means." James laughed.

"You probably do."

"A reserve we never spend unless absolutely necessary." Anthony looked up.

"Emergency capital." James nodded.

"Or..." He smiled.

"The opportunity of a lifetime."

The room became quiet. Anthony slowly looked over the page. It wasn't complicated. In fact... It was surprisingly simple. Which often meant... It was a good system. Enzo looked toward Anthony.

"What do you think?" Anthony smiled.

"I think..."

"... we should adopt it immediately." James looked toward his grandfather.

"What about you?" Enzo folded his hands.

"I agree."

"From today onward..."

"Vendetta Investments will operate under those four categories." Anthony immediately wrote another note.

"I'll prepare official accounting procedures next week." James smiled.

"There'll be less confusion as we grow." Anthony laughed.

"When you say grow..."

"... you make it sound inevitable." James looked at him calmly.

"If we stay disciplined..."

"It is."

A gentle knock interrupted the meeting. Leslie stepped inside, carrying a folder.

"Sorry to interrupt." Enzo smiled.

"Come in." She handed him the folder.

"The production reports from this morning." Marcus asked me to bring them personally." Enzo opened it. A smile slowly appeared.

"What is it?" Anthony asked. Enzo handed him the report. Production remained ahead of schedule. Shipment targets continued being met. Retailers were already requesting additional inventory beyond their original orders. Anthony smiled.

"Marcus isn't going to let those assembly lines rest." Leslie laughed.

"He says if customers are asking..."

"... we should be making." James nodded.

"He's right."

Leslie looked around the office.

"I'll leave you gentlemen to your meeting." Before she could leave... James spoke.

"Mrs. Carter?" She turned.

"Yes?"

"I've been thinking about the advertising campaign." Leslie smiled immediately.

"So have I."

"I've gathered a few newspaper advertising rates."

"And Arthur Bennett stopped by this morning."

"He finished another round of product photographs." James smiled.

"Perfect." Enzo looked between them.

"I think..."

"... the two of you should begin putting together the next phase." Leslie nodded enthusiastically.

"I'd be happy to." James smiled.

"So would I." Anthony quietly watched the exchange. He couldn't help smiling. Without anyone formally announcing it... It had happened naturally. Leslie Carter... And James Lombardi... He had quietly become the driving force behind Project Horizon's advertising strategy. Another small piece of Thompson Manufacturing's future... Was already falling into place.