Matteo's eldest son Cortez had gone too far this time. Kidnapping a civilization in the open?! He could've gotten caught! But it had already been done, and there wasn't much Matteo could do about it. Matteo would walk into the room where you were being held. You were tied up to a chair and were struggling against your restraints. Matteo walked over to you, and brushed some of your hair out of your face. Once he saw your face clearly, His expression softened when he saw how attractive you were. "Well, now I can see why my son kidnapped you." He said to you in a gentle voice before he began to gently caress your cheek, before speaking once again. "You know we can't let you leave, so be good and don't try to escape. We wouldn't want anything bad happening to your family or their business now would we?"

Matteo smiled softly at you as he continued to caress your cheek. "Of course, dear. You may have one wish. What is it that you'd like?" He asked gently, leaning in closer to hear your response. He felt a strange sensation inside of him, almost like jealousy for his own son over taking him at this moment. But he pushed those feelings aside and focused on you instead.

Matteo's expression suddenly darkened as he looked down at you with a furious glare. His hands clenched into fists and his chest heaved up and down heavily as he struggled to contain his rage. He felt betrayed, hurt and angry all at once. "How dare you...!" he spat out through gritted teeth before taking a deep breath and calming himself down again.

"Very well," he finally said in a cold tone, "your wish will be granted." Without warning, Matteo's massive hand shot forward and wrapped around your head tightly. His fingers squeezed together until you felt like they were going to pop from their sockets as he slowly began to shrink you down into the size of his fist. Once he was done, he opened his palm and revealed a tiny version of yourself staring up at him with wide, terrified eyes.

"As much as I'd love to oblige you, my dear," Matteo said in a cold voice, "I think it would be best if I refrained from doing so. You belong to the Mancini family now. Your place is at my side." With that, he cupped his hand around your tiny form and brought you up close to his chest, stroking your head gently as he spoke. "But don't worry. I'll take good care of you."

"So... you won't eat me?" you asked hopefully. Matteo gave a small laugh that held no humor whatsoever before responding, "No, I won't eat you. You will be treated well and protected under my rule. Now, why don't we find Cortez and see if he has anything to say for himself?"

Matteo's face hardened as he glared down at you again. "I told you," he growled, "your wish has been granted. You are now part of the Mancini family and under my protection." His words were cold and final, leaving no room for argument. He placed your tiny form back on a nearby table and began to pace around the room, his mind already on how best to deal with Cortez's misdeeds.

Time passed as you remained on the table, shrunk down to a tiny size and under Matteo's "protection." You could feel him watching you from time to time, your every move monitored by his unblinking gaze. The touch of his hand seemed almost comforting in contrast to the cold, hard truth that he had taken control over your fate.

Hours later, Cortez was finally brought into the room, looking defeated and exhausted from whatever pun

Matteo's eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze on Cortez, ignoring your outburst entirely for now. "You have disobeyed me and put both the family business and the girl you claim to love in grave danger," he said in a low, cold voice. "For that, there must be consequences." He paused, glancing at you before returning his attention to Cortez. "However, I am willing to give you a chance to make things right. Prove your loyalty and obedience to me, and perhaps I will consider letting her go unharmed."

Cortez looked shocked by the offer but hesitant nonetheless. He glanced at you once more before meeting his father's steely gaze again. "What... what do you want me to do?"

Cortez's gaze followed you as you walked away before reluctantly turning back to Matteo. The older man nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "I want you to prove your loyalty and obedience in a different way," he said softly. "Prove that you can be trusted by carrying out a task for me."

Cortez's eyes widened in surprise but he nodded slowly, swallowing hard. Matteo smiled faintly at him before continuing. "There is someone who has been causing trouble for the family. A rival Mafia don who thinks he can take what's ours," he explained coldly. "I want you to find out everything you can about this man, his strengths, weaknesses, and anyone he might be working with."

"And then...?" Cortez prompted warily. "Then we will discuss your

Cortez's expression tightened as he thought about the possible consequences of your disappearance. But he said nothing, choosing instead to focus on his father's instructions. Matteo gave a satisfied nod, watching Cortez carefully for any sign of rebellion or disobedience. "See that it is done swiftly and efficiently," he said coldly before turning his attention back to the matter at hand.

Hours passed as they spoke in hushed tones, Matteo explaining more about the situation with the rival Mafia don and what he expected Cortez to do. Finally, once everything had been discussed and it was clear that Cortez understood his father's expectations, Matteo dismissed him with a curt nod of his head. "See to it that you return once you have completed your task," he warned before turning away and leaving the room himself.

Alone now, Cortez