An invitation from the enemy
919 Words
The news spread through Los Angeles before noon.
Not because of the confrontation itself.
But because of the man who had stopped it.
"A Blackwood heir talked armed men into walking away."
"He didn't throw a punch."
"He didn't even raise his voice."
For a city that had grown accustomed to solving problems with bullets, the story sounded almost unbelievable.
Inside Blackwood Tower, Theo ignored every whispered conversation as he stepped out of the elevator.
"Good morning, Mr. Blackwood!"
Employees immediately stood.
Some bowed their heads.
Others smiled nervously.
Theo offered each of them a polite nod.
"Morning."
Alex hurried over with a tablet tucked beneath his arm.
"Congratulations on your first day, sir."
"Thank you, Alex."
"Your office is ready."
Theo followed him down a quiet hallway lined with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Los Angeles.
His office occupied the entire top floor.
Elegant.
Minimalist.
Exactly how he liked it.
Dark oak furniture.
A wall of books.
Fresh flowers on the desk.
No unnecessary decorations.
Theo smiled.
"This is nice."
Alex looked relieved.
"I wasn't sure if you'd prefer something grander."
"The simpler, the better."
Alex made a mental note.
That was another difference between Theo and the rest of the Blackwoods.
Most family members decorated their offices like royal palaces.
Theo preferred a place where people could think.
He hadn't even sat down before another knock sounded.
"Come in."
Alex opened the door again.
"There are several department heads waiting to introduce themselves."
Theo smiled.
"Send them in."
For the next two hours, Theo met managers from every division.
He listened more than he spoke.
Asked questions instead of giving orders.
By lunchtime, word had spread through the building.
"The new CEO actually listens."
"He remembers everyone's name."
"He's nothing like his father."
Theo didn't know whether that was a compliment.
Or a warning.
Across the city...
The Moretti Estate.
Unlike Blackwood Tower, the mansion resembled an old European palace hidden behind towering iron gates.
Inside, the atmosphere was silent.
Too silent.
Dozens of men stood perfectly still as Victoria Moretti entered the conference room.
She wore a tailored emerald-green pantsuit that perfectly matched her eyes.
Behind her walked Isabella in an oversized cream sweater and black trousers, carrying a mug of hot chocolate instead of coffee.
"Morning."
Several captains greeted them at once.
"Boss."
Victoria took her seat at the head of the table.
"Report."
A large screen lit up.
Photos appeared one after another.
Blackwood businesses.
Shipping routes.
Financial charts.
Finally...
Theo's face filled the screen.
Bella nearly choked on her drink.
"There he is."
Victoria ignored her sister's grin.
"Our informants?"
A man in a gray suit stood.
"As requested, we've investigated Theo Blackwood."
"What did you find?"
"He graduated top of his class in economics."
Bella whistled.
"Smart."
"He expanded Blackwood businesses in New York without using intimidation."
Victoria leaned forward.
"Continue."
"He donates anonymously to children's hospitals."
Bella blinked.
"...Seriously?"
"He personally funded scholarship programs."
Another page appeared.
"No criminal record."
"No known affairs."
"No nightclub appearances."
"No history of violence."
The room fell silent.
One captain frowned.
"That can't be right."
"We verified it three times."
Victoria folded her hands.
"So..."
"The son of Diego Blackwood has never killed anyone."
The investigator nodded.
"As far as we know..."
"No."
Everyone turned toward Victoria.
"He chose not to."
Bella smiled.
"That's even more interesting."
The investigator continued.
"One more thing."
"He refused security from the family today."
Victoria raised an eyebrow.
"He what?"
"He only travels with his driver."
Bella stared at the screen.
"Either he's incredibly brave..."
"...or incredibly stupid."
Victoria stood.
"I'll find out."
She picked up Theo's file.
"Arrange a meeting."
The room froze.
One captain cleared his throat.
"Boss..."
"With respect..."
"He's a Blackwood."
Victoria looked at him.
"So?"
"He could be setting a trap."
Victoria smiled.
"So could we."
Bella stood beside her sister.
"I've already got an idea."
Victoria sighed.
"I don't like that smile."
Bella grinned wider.
"Let's invite him to discuss business."
Victoria nodded slowly.
"A legitimate meeting."
Bella looked disappointed.
"I was going to suggest k********g him."
Every captain in the room looked horrified.
Victoria simply rolled her eyes.
"You watch too many movies."
Late that afternoon...
Theo had just finished reviewing quarterly reports when Alex knocked again.
"Sir."
"Yes?"
"You've received an invitation."
Theo looked up.
"From whom?"
Alex hesitated.
"The Moretti Group."
The office fell silent.
Theo slowly accepted the black envelope.
It was expensive.
Heavy.
The Moretti family crest was embossed in silver wax.
Inside was a single card.
Mr. Theo Blackwood,
We would like to discuss a business opportunity of mutual interest.
Tomorrow.
2:00 p.m.
Moretti Group Headquarters.
We hope you will accept.
— Victoria Moretti — Isabella Moretti
Theo read the letter twice.
Then looked at Alex.
"What do you know about them?"
Alex swallowed.
"Only what everyone knows."
"They're dangerous."
Theo smiled faintly.
"Dangerous people usually don't schedule appointments."
Alex looked unconvinced.
"Should I decline?"
Theo stood and walked toward the window overlooking the city.
Far in the distance, the Moretti Tower pierced the skyline.
Two rival families.
One city.
One invitation.
"No."
Theo slipped the invitation into his jacket pocket.
"Tell them..."
"...I'll be there."
That same evening, inside a dark office somewhere in Los Angeles, an unseen figure placed Theo's acceptance letter beside three photographs.
Theo.
Victoria.
Isabella.
The figure smiled as another chess piece—a white queen—was set on the board.
"Excellent," the voice whispered.
"They're about to make their first move.
- Writer
