"But never think that it applies to my family."
I never understood the point of Michael saying that. To me, it's unclear if Geary's statement was about Michael's crime family or his personal family. In either case, Michael should have just ignored it. In fact, that entire scene was awkward for a Don; I don't think Michael had any good reason to tip his hand about the blackmail or fee nor was it necessary for Michael to expose Neri to Geary.
I doubt that Geary's slur had much to do with the Corleone
biological family. Geary was referring primarily to Mafia
business practices, i.e. perpetrating all manner of skullduggery, under the thinly-veiled pretense of respectability.
~ Q
I think that Geary was referring to both families....as well as Michael's Italian background.
Which again brings up the question of Michael's extracting revenge on Geary as being personal...strictly business....... or a combination of both?
Remember, when he killed Sollozo and McClusky, he did give McClusky that extra bullet
