On the organizational charts, Securities wore Vincenzo’s face. Heavy Industries wore Ernesto’s.
Ernesto’s penthouse office was the definition of minimalism. There was no art on the walls, no family photos on the desk, and nothing suggesting he kept a single memory worth revisiting.
Ernesto did not look up when Vincenzo entered, his focus fixed on a tablet.
“You’re late,” Ernesto said mildly.
Vincenzo smiled. “Traffic.”
“There is no traffic between my summons and this room, Vincenzo. Only hesitation.” Ernesto set the tablet aside and finally looked up, his eyes cold, “The Gunther situation has concluded.”
Vincenzo paused mid-step. “Concluded? Why? I was still assessing the extent of his reach.”
“You were slow to react, and it was handled,” Ernesto replied. “He is no longer in a position to confuse anyone with his delusions. He is… quiet now.” He turned his attention back to the data. “The firm he worked with, Michael & Cole. What is our current exposure?”
Vincenzo exhaled slowly. “They didn’t instigate the leak, but they failed to contain it. Gunther was a loose cannon nobody there leashed. They’re already being tied to the conspiracy nonsense he was spewing.”
“Incompetence,” Ernesto said, his fingers tapping once against the glass surface of the desk.
“Or misplaced trust,” Vincenzo countered. “Either way, it makes El Viento look bad. It may be a good idea to distance ourselves from Michael & Cole.”
Ernesto studied him. “You’re recommending a replacement.”
“I’m recommending stability,” Vincenzo said smoothly. “A firm that treats discretion as a prerequisite, not a courtesy.”
Ernesto nodded once. “And this media initiative of yours. VIM.”
“It gives us leverage over minds and hearts,” Vincenzo explained. “Narrative control. Who knows how many ‘Gunthers’ are out there. If the public is going to believe in something, I want us to be the one who decides what that something is.”
Ernesto leaned back slightly. “Misdirected belief is not something I indulge.”
“Neither do I,” Vincenzo replied. “But ‘human resources’ do. VIM gives them a place to put that energy where it can’t turn into something we can’t control.”
The room went quiet again as Ernesto checked his tablet one last time. “You’ve also authorized an acquisition for the Securities branch. PawsCity Vibes.”
“Yes,” Vincenzo said. “It fits the current expansion profile. Small, local, and community-facing. It has a low volatility rating.”
“An animal clinic,” Ernesto said. “Unusual.”
“Harmless,” Vincenzo said. “And useful.”
“As long as it remains harmless,” Ernesto said, his gaze drifting to the skyline.
“It will.”
Ernesto stood up.
“Proceed with VIM,” Ernesto said. “Replace the firm. Keep the animal repair shop. I don’t want to hear about ‘Sparks’ or ‘Tartaria’ from the public again.”
“You won’t.”
“Good. Human resources with stories are cheaper than prisons, Vincenzo.” He turned away, his silhouette sharp against the glass. “Just make sure they stay stories.”