Hollywood Zenith

Piero wanted to scream out loud in protest.

He wanted to gloat how easily he took down Rothschild's precious son, but he knew they would make a fuss about it.

His father only was harsh with him instead of his enemies which always pissed him off.

It was concerning that Nine never reached out to him; he knew Nine was not someone who would run off and forget about his mission. He needed to get to the bottom of this.

Piero thought that he had escaped their questioning, but Antonio, who had been silent until now, asked a complicated question, not to him but to the head butler.

" Mylan, what about you? Do you have anything to report?" Mylon flinched as soon as he heard him, which made him even more suspicious in Antonio's eyes.

" You are responsible for looking after him, right? I believe you must have 'seen' something." Antonio was not sure about it, but now everything was making sense.

Piero's rebellious attitude, Nine's disconnect, Mylon's weary eyes, and Rothschild's tragedy. He wished what he was thinking was wrong, but that feeling in his stomach was screaming once again. Mylon was unresponsive; he was sweating profusely while thinking about what to do.

" Why don't you answer him? Mylon, look up and answer the question!" Francesco didn't know what was happening, but his subordinate was definitely up to something.

" Lord- that-" Piero was sick of it. These "weak-minded" people were getting on his nerve; he interrupted Mylon before he spilled the beans.

" He was sick for a few days. I told him I would cover for him; please don't punish him." Piero said as he smirked at Antonio. Antonio was alarmed, "fuck! Please don't let it be true."

" Piero, let me ask you clearly. Did you have anything to do with Rothschild's incident?" as soon as Piero heard his question, he began laughing maniacally.

" I don't care anymore. I wanted to do this peacefully, but I can't stand you two." He said nonchalantly. He directly threatened them in their face.

" You little shit! What did you do? Fuck!" Antonio cursed. He calculated it's been two days since they were done!

" Tell me you were not the one. Are you really my son?" Francesco was bewildered by seeing a sudden change in his son.

" O, my foolish father, I commend you for coming this far, but lately, aren't you groveling too much? Rothschild? Most powerful family? Genius Heir? I took care of all of them in one fell swoop. While you are still here debating how to move forward, I hunted him down.

Don't you think that I am more competent than you?

"What I have dreamed in an hour is worth more than what you have done in four."

Doesn't our forefather, Lorenzo de Medici, used to say that? You get where I am going with this, right, FATHER?"

Piero said with a euphoric face, smiling brightly. He had always dreamed about this moment, and now he would take the family to new heights.

"Are you telling me to hand over the throne? Have you gone mad? Will you overthrow your father?" Francesco smacked the table and looked at his son menacingly. It was safe to say he was not the ruler of this place for nothing; his aura was strong even in old age.

" Now, now. Don't be mad; it is just the rule of the jungle; you are already old and feeble. I am only asking nicely, don't make to do something you regret." Piero nodded toward the other person that came with him. Zero, the head of security, was the strongest person in the Medici family.

" Zero! Are you betraying the family?" Antonio was shocked to see him following Piero's command. What made him change sides? He still didn't know.

" Piero, that's enough. If you turn back now, I will overlook this." Francesco wanted to give him one more chance, but it was all in vain. Piero also knew there was no turning back now; he was sure he would be exiled.

" Shadows, protect the lord!" Antonio commanded. Three people appeared ready to face any threat; they were responsible for protecting the head of the family; with them here, everything would be alright. That's what Antonio thought, but instead of protecting them, they joined Piero's side.

" W-what? Why?"

" It is futile to struggle father, I have been preparing for a long time."

The cause of their betrayal was simple; Piero had all the information he needed to make them comply with his demands. He knew all their weaknesses; there is no loyalty among thieves!

Now, Piero waited for his father's decision. He could only show them mercy and end their pitiful lives if he resisted.

" I will never submit! You ungrateful piece of shit! I was foolish to not notice it before." Francesco was outraged. He knew what to do to survive, but his pride was in the way.

The same pride he made fun of made him cling to hope. He didn't want to give his life's work to someone like his son. Sooner or later, Piero would cause its destruction, or he might have already pushed it by messing up.

" Wrong choice. Zero, please take care of it. My legs are aching, I need to test out my new 'seat'"

Zero nodded and instantly appeared before Francesco; with one hand, he quickly lifted and threw him on the floor.

" Aargh"

Francesco landed at his son's feet, Antonio tried to run, but the other three stopped him.

" Uncle, it is bad manners to leave when I give you such a great show. Unlike my father, you are still useful." Piero shrugged; seeing the pitiful appearance of his father didn't faze him.

" I am sorry, father, you will not be able to witness the rise of the Medici family. I will take good care of the house I promise." he took out his cherished golden revolver from his back and finished the 'job.' Just for good measure, he made sure to empty all six bullets.

Antonio looked horrified at the his 'nephew'. He looked like someone possessed by the devil. How could he be so cruel that he killed his own father in cold blood? Was the same fate awaited him? He feared for the future of his family.

" "Requiescat in pace, père"