Callista Genovese put on her hoop earrings. Her ponytail swished as she jogged down the stairs in her Nikes. She adjusted her Hermes mini bag and headed straight to the door when Caesar Genovese called for her.

"Where are you going?" he asked. His gaze narrowed at her outfit. "Is there another party?"

"No." Caly crossed her arms. She didn't like her father's patronizing tone. "I'm going to hang out with Mal. If there's nothing—"

"Caly, we need to talk." The older man inhaled deeply, hiding his hands in the pocket of his iron pressed trousers. His stony glower caused Callista to stand straight. "There's the second phase of my plan. You see... marriage is still the answer."

Caly's arms went limp to her sides. She opened her mouth but no words came out. Callista gritted her teeth and turned back. "I'm not interested."

"Callista, sit down!" His gruff voice thundered in the empty foyer.

Caly whirled to him rapidly that she almost stumbled. "No! Not again, Dad! Don't you dare use me!"

"Franco and Castor," he started. "I know you like them."

The girl's fingers quivered in despair. Her throat tightened as she kept her emotions at bay. "Dad, are you fucking serious?"

"My term is ending after two months."

Her heart clenched at his revelation. "What? But—"

"Mayor Johnson raised his concerns and proposed a new system. He told them if I couldn't take care of my own daughter, how can I watch over New York?"

"So, it's my fault!"

"Nobody is saying that." Caesar massaged his temples, lips curling into a rueful smile. "I knew it was going to end this way. When I gave up my men to become a governor, I knew."

"Then, why did you?" Callista's voice was softer this time. Seeing the tired lines on her father's face reminded her of her sin. Fatigue wrapped his body as a hand flattened his hair.

"What do you think?" Her father dared to smirk. Caly often forgot that her father was and would always be a mafia material. "I was cocky. I thought everyone would be satisfied with what they have. But no, they all desired to be on top. And yet, I don't want to admit defeat." He looked at her with a glint of challenge. "This is my last chance, Callista."

Caly scoffed, wetting her lips. "Oh? So you want to prove that your ideas are right?"

"Caly." His warning tone made the girl cackle in mock laughter.

"Dad! Can't you hear yourself? You want to sacrifice me!" she screamed. Her eyes watered but she brushed it as fast as it came. "What does it matter if you were wrong?"

"I'm preventing a catastrophe here, goddamn it!" he shouted, eyes blown wide. Caesar Genovese ran a hand over his weary face. He faced his daughter again. "If I step down, do you know how they will interpret it?"

Weak.

Caly let her tears fall. "You're being manipulative right now, Dad. But you know what hurts me the most?" she asked, raising her head to prevent more tears. She bit her lip, voice quaking. "I will still do it. Because you have a point and you are my father. I'll always choose your side."

She wiped her tears, folding her arms together. "So, fine. Let's play this game."

"Caly..." he whispered.

Callista shook her head, smiling bitterly despite the tears. "But I want you to remember this, Dad." She stomped forward, locking their identical eyes together. "If this path leads me to misery, I'll never forgive you."

Caly trudged back to her room. She buried her grief-stricken face on her bedsheets, muffling her cries of anguish.

Her phone beeped as an email came.

Callista didn't need to open it to know who the sender was.

The same man he had run away from. The same man who had killed her bodyguard. The same man who threatened her future and...

...her best friend.

The reason why she came back.

✘✘

The warm bubble bath and scent of roses held Callista enthralled. Eula, her maid, had to knock on the bathroom door repeatedly.

"Miss Caly, the guests are here." Her soft voice called.

She flicked her eyes open. "What a drag."

She stepped out of her bath and into the dress that Eula had prepared for her. A black sleeveless chiffon bodice and Celine's silver sequin skirt. She preferred to choose her outfits but she wasn't in the mood after what happened earlier. So Eula did everything for her.

Callista sat in front of her dresser as the maid brushed her messy tresses. She grabbed the newest shade of lipstick she had bought from RMS beauty.

"Wild with desire? How appropriate." She applied the product, shaping her perfect lips. Caly caught sight of her cross necklace in the mirror. She hoped it would give her the strength she needed.

The girl thanked Eula and went downstairs. She halted on her third step when the five men looked up at her arrival. Her dad nodded in approval while Nicholas Luciano smiled gently. On the other hand, his son scrutinized her from head to toe, arching an eyebrow as their eyes met.

Callista resumed walking as Francisco Castellano smirked with intrigue. Franco remained stoic by his side though his frigid eyes trailed her movements.

"Good evening, Miss Genovese. It's been a long time." The boss of the Lucianos greeted her.

"Likewise, sir and to you gentlemen." She beamed at the men before her. Caly felt like she was being undressed. Her nose was stuffy from the tense atmosphere the males exude. On top of that, her head buzzed in keeping up with their subtle gestures. She had been mistaken when she thought all the power plays were as effortless as it was in high school.

Caesar Genovese clapped his hands. "We're not here to chat so let's get down to business, gentlemen." He led them towards his study but not before he directed a commanding gaze at his daughter. "Caly, take care of your guests."

Callista forced a smile. "Of course, Dad." She watched their fathers disappeared around a corner. Her chest hammered when she veered to the two men in front of her. The last encounter he had with both of them was awkward at best. Shit. She was tempted to run.

"Is it okay if we're not there?" Castor inquired, shrugging off the choking mood.

Callista had never been more thankful for his brash attitude. "Of course. Dad and I already talked about the terms. They're probably gawking at their prizes right now."

"So, are we going to stand here all night?" Franco mumbled, eyebrows creasing in vexation.

Caly clicked her tongue at his cheeky tone. "No. We have something to do."

Callista led them to their enormous library. The walls were turned to wooden bookshelves that reached the painted ceiling. A comfortable beige sofa set and a pool table completed the room. "No matter what they talk about, it all comes down to one thing."

She twisted to face them. "You just need to win me over."

Castor grinned. "That's easy to understand." He threw a condescending glare towards the blond in the room. "As long as no one is a sore loser."

Franco rubbed his thumb over his chin, receiving Castor's insult with a smirk. "Yeah. We all know who that is."

Caly had to disguise her chuckle with a loud cough. She leaned against the pool table. "I'll only accept defeat for three things: love, friendship, or blackmail."

"Blackmail?" Cas echoed.

"What?" She raised her brow. "Anybody who can find dirt on me deserves a reward."

"And love?" Franco questioned. His back was turned as he inspected the spines of the lined books.

"Yeah. I have to say it." Caly schooled her expression into indifference. Love was a weapon. It was dangerous and terrible but it was also enticing and addictive. She included it in the deal because it was where the loopholes are.

"I want that," Castor declared.

"Same," Franco said.

They glowered at each other, emeralds and sapphires clashing hatefully. They were the same height and the same clear-cut features. Except that Castor had a more solid build while Franco was sturdy and lean. They were like big cats, sizing their prey.

Well, shit. Was nobody interested in blackmail?

"Stop it." Caly placed one flawless leg over the other, her skirt flowing in silk waves. "Since I can't divide myself, let's have a game who gets to have a date with me first."

"What game?" Castor asked, jerking his head to her.

She tapped the red cloth of the pool table. "Nine-ball."

"Sure." Castor stripped off his blue denim jacket, leaving him in a fitted white tee. He hid his leather necklace inside his shirt and grabbed a stick.

"I won't say no." Franco rolled the sleeves of his black sweater, revealing the pretty lines of his veins. He pulled out a thin black headband, keeping his golden locks off his gorgeous face.

"Your hair is longer. It's nice," Caly commented, noting that the hairstyle did suit him.

Franco only hummed in response.

What's his problem?

"All yours then," Callista sighed and padded over to the wooden chair near the table. She let them set up as Eula brought her a cup of English tea. After a few minutes, Castor stood next to her. "You lost the lag for break? Sounds impossible"

Cas tutted in indignation. "It just started."

Franco was already on the fifth ball and his shots were all clean. He bent on the foot of the table to take a shot and their eyes connected. "He'll win." Caly smiled that Franco had to clench his jaw.

Franco did win after sinking the ninth ball. It left Castor in a rotten mood as their fathers called them to leave. Caly seized her best friend's hand, gaining his attention. "Don't be a sore loser," she chuckled.

"I'm not." Cas snorted and pressed a soft kiss on her cheek. "See you. Take care, alright?"

"You too." Callista swiveled to Franco who straightened his sleeves. "When are we meeting?"

"Tomorrow," he answered in a clipped tone, marching to the exit. He disappeared and Caly was ready to collapse when Franco came back.

He moistened his lips, hiding his hands on his back pockets before scratching his hair. His blue eyes darted all over the room beside her face. "I... don't know your number."

"Ah." She was amused at Franco's discomfort. Caly held out her right palm where Franco put his phone. She typed her number but didn't return the gadget to him. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Franco snatched his phone without further ado and stomped to the door.

"Great." Callista slumped on the couch. She was damn exhausted.

✘✘

Castor Luciano threw his back against the car's headrest. He rubbed at his face in frustration. "Fuck."

"Did you lose?" His father asked beside him. Nicholas squinted his eyes as he typed on his phone with prudent fingers.

"Yeah. The bastard!" he continued spitting expletives that Nicholas had to flick his ear. "Really?"

"Calm down." The older man put his phone away. His jade irises focused on his son. They were identical in every way besides the thin beard that lined Nicholas' jaw. "I want you to win but never forget that there's even more important than winning."

"What?" He barked back.

"Callista, of course."

Castor breathed a rough sigh. Shame erupted in his body as he slammed his head on the window.

"Cazzo! Tell me if you want to break your skull. My car doesn't need to suffer." Nicholas remarked before concentrating on his phone. "Son, where do I find the smiley face again?"

✘✘

Franco Castellano contemplated on what Callista's contact name would be. The blinking cursor was insistent but he couldn't decide.

"What happened?" Francisco inquired next to him. He folded his arms, cerulean eyes sharp and calculating as he waited for Franco's answer. "Franco," he repeated.

"I won," he replied. "It was easy."

"Good. Keep on doing that." Francisco Castellano squeezed at his son's shoulder. His shaved blond head had streaks of white on it but it never showed on his youthful face. "Don't ever forget why we're doing this. We even used the Gallos to get Callista's attention. Don't waste it."

"Yes, sir," Franco responded and typed in the name that fully described Callista Genovese's role in his life.

'Disaster'

A beautiful one at that.

✘✘

end of act I

✘✘

Yey, i finally reached this point and i want to thank you all for the support. It certainly inspired me to continue writing. don't forget to vote and comment if you like this chapter!

Now that we're at this point, let's have our team names!!! Feel free to support your team.

#TEAMCASTOR

Castor Hadrian Luciano:
Rough and callous but very sweet and protective. Tends to spoil you without limit. Will tease the hell out of you until you're all hot and bothered.

#TEAMFRANCO

Franco Alexander Castellano:
Cold and stoic but surprisingly sentimental. Tends to remember all your special dates and anniversaries. Will spank you if you forget.

#TEAMCALLISTA

Callista Ariella Genovese:
Girls rule the world.
We don't need no men.
#femalepower