In the imposing main hall of the Moretti family's central base, the air was thick with power and determination. Salvatore Moretti, patriarch and absolute boss of the family that controlled 70% of the Lower East Side with 380 men organized under five caporegime, presided over the meeting alongside his son Giovanni, recently promoted to caporegime.
Before them stood a small delegation from the Neapolitan Camorra, led by Don Cataldo Sabino, who had come to negotiate a deal. The Camorra controlled only 30% of the territory and had about 100 men — clearly a minority compared to the Moretti's strength and reach.
Salvatore Moretti opened the conversation with a firm, unquestionable voice:
—Don Cataldo, it's clear that you only control a fraction of this neighborhood and can't compete with our strength or organization. That's why we're making you an offer that will benefit both parties and ensure peace: Giovanni, my son and new caporegime, will marry your youngest daughter, Elena Sabino, 17 years old. Through this union, the Camorra will be integrated under the command and protection of the Moretti family, keeping your 30% of the territory but subordinate to our authority.
Don Cataldo swallowed hard, well aware that refusing meant a war already lost.
—We accept, he finally replied. May this alliance strengthen both sides and maintain stability. But we expect our men to be respected.
Giovanni, confident and resolute, added:
—As long as the rules and territory are respected, you'll have nothing to fear.
The attendees raised their glasses to seal the pact of blood and power. Giovanni cast a glance at Elena Sabino, who accepted with resignation the alliance that would seal not only their personal fates but the balance of power in the Lower East Side.
With this union, the Moretti family consolidated their control even further, leaving no doubt about who truly owned the neighborhood.
News of the alliance between the Moretti family and the Neapolitan Camorra spread quickly through the Lower East Side. Giovanni Moretti's marriage to Elena Sabino not only consolidated power but made it clear who called the shots in the neighborhood.
Giuseppe Rinaldi, a veteran capo and close ally of the Moretti, privately celebrated the union, ensuring absolute loyalty:
—With this alliance, our family is stronger than ever. The Rinaldi will stand firm with the Moretti until the end.
Meanwhile, the Greco family, led by Donato Greco and his son Salvatore as caporegime, watched the union with suspicion. They knew that the combined Moretti-Camorra force could threaten their influence, and began reinforcing their own networks and soldiers to avoid losing ground.
In contrast, the Bravos of East Broadway — a mixed and more unpredictable gang — remained cautious. They didn't want to start an open war with the Moretti, but their loyalty was volatile. Some younger leaders considered it was time to seek new allies to face Moretti's rising power.
The disappearance and defeat of the gypsies had left a power vacuum many were eager to exploit. But no one dared challenge the Moretti family directly.
Meanwhile, within the Camorra itself, news of the wedding sparked mixed feelings: some saw the alliance as a growth opportunity, while others feared losing independence and power.
Giovanni embraced his new responsibilities with pride — but also with the weight of maintaining order and loyalty among his men. Preparations for his wedding to Elena Sabino began at the Moretti central base — an event that would serve as a symbol of power and unity.
Giovanni had to balance his personal life with the demands of being a caporegime, overseeing extortion operations, gambling dens, nightclubs, and the security of his territory. Additionally, he had to maintain the delicate alliance with the Camorra, ensuring no tensions would arise.
For the first time, Giovanni felt that the Moretti family was an unstoppable force — but he also knew that the real challenge was only just beginning.