Axel released Selina's cheek and strode down the hallway, leaving her staring after his retreating back.
Once he vanished, her dazed smile collapsed.
What kind of man is he?
Being called "stupid woman" and "worthless trash" had never stung like that. She shook her head, trying to rid herself of the words. Axel had broadened her understanding of cursing—and life.
Meanwhile, in the private room, Falcone finally lifted his glass after a long silence.
"Victor," he said, swirling the red wine. "Take more men and clean up Sabatino's territory."
Victor nodded. "Yes, Boss, but how do we explain Sabatino's death?"
Falcone tapped the table, considering. "The Dimitrov Family is already at war with him. Sabatino's death will stir them, so get ahead and crush them. Don't worry about rumors—eradicate the Dimitrovs, let Gotham speculate, and leave it at that."
Victor grinned. "With Sabatino gone, a swift strike wipes out an entire family. Even if Axel claims responsibility later, people will think it's our move. Speculation works in our favor."
Falcone gave a slight nod, more acknowledgment than praise. "It's about sending a message. Gotham's families have been eyeing me for too long. Maroni, Fish, others—they all crave a piece of power. Sabatino wasn't the sharpest, but he dared to fight. Losing him stings."
Victor furrowed his brow beneath his bald, eyebrow-less forehead. "What do you make of Axel?"
Falcone's eyes lingered on the door Axel had exited. "He's unlike anyone I've seen. I've faced the Talon, the seven-hundred-year-old demon heads of legend, yet Axel… he doesn't hide, doesn't pretend. Gotham's future just walked out that door."
"Indeed," Victor replied with a sneer. "When I see someone like Axel, I want to test if he's really unkillable."
"That is your style," Falcone chuckled.
He thought carefully, tapping his ring. "Also, Victor, investigate Axel thoroughly. His powers are one thing, but a man with nothing to lose… that's the real danger. Only love and hope can stop him."
Victor froze slightly.
"And have Sophia come to Gotham," Falcone added.
Victor's eyes widened. "Boss, are you sure?"
Falcone's brow furrowed. "Do you think I joke? This talent—immortality, uniqueness—is too valuable to ignore. Even the Queen of England would want it in her bloodline. Let Sophia stay in Gotham temporarily. We don't yet know if his power is innate or from an external object. If it's true uniqueness, the inheritance could be immense. If it's external, the dangers will be unimaginable."
Victor nodded, understanding the gravity.
With a final wave, Falcone sent Victor on his orders, leaving him alone with the small dishes recently served, now abandoned.
The future of Gotham was about to get chaotic, and Falcone, once the city's protagonist, was now an old man watching the next era unfold.
At the Iceberg Lounge, Axel swaggered out, grinning.
Oswald squinted. "Axel, my friend, Falcone is easier to talk to than I imagined, isn't he?"
Axel laughed, embracing him briefly before stepping back. "Too easy. He let me blow Sabatino away right in front of him. He even wants me as his son-in-law, haha!"
Oswald froze momentarily, astonished at Falcone's vision and Axel's sharpness.
Axel clapped him on the shoulder, ignoring the pause. "Marriage isn't my thing. Men who marry… they're weak. Good men don't marry. But we'll talk about that later. Let's get that drink you promised me—after dealing with Sabatino, I deserve a couple of drinks, don't I?"
He grinned, eyes glinting with mischief and deadly charm, ready for whatever Gotham would throw at him next.
___
Happy New Month