Frate's betrayal has left Nero on the run with the Vanetti family in pursuit. To save the badly injured Tigre, Nero seeks the aid of Fango, who is currently holed up on the Island. In exchange for his help, Nero agrees to bring Don Orco to Fango alive. To that end, Avilio and Nero head for Orco's base of operations, Ottimo Orco.

The identity of the traitor who leaked information to Fango and tried to kill Nero has been revealed. With Corteo taken into custody, the Vanetti family has been thrown into an uproar. But Corteo stubbornly refuses to confess anything, a fact which will likely lead to his death. Though he won't admit to it, Avilio is unusually shaken by this. And then Cerotto pays him a visit.

Vincent's dream, the Vanetti playhouse, is now complete. Don Galassia and his nephew Strega, have been invited. In public, they are friendly with Nero, but they are the large family that controls Chicago. The playhouse's opening the next day is wreathed in tension. And at last, the day Avilio's been waiting for has arrived.

A violent gunfight erupts at the playhouse. Black smoke arises from explosions on the Island. The Vanetti family is on the brink of destruction, and Avilio has accomplished his revenge. Where does he go from here? And what will Nero do, having lost everything at Avilio's hands?