Page 39

Antonio leaned back in his chair. “We need to start with the ones who have the most to gain from our downfall. Look into your networks, Massimo. Find out who’s been moving against you, and we’ll do the same. We share whatever we find.”
I nodded, the plan taking shape in my mind. “Agreed. We start by tightening our defenses and cutting off any potential leaks. Then we follow the money—whoever is orchestrating this is paying a lot of cash to keep us in the dark. That kind of money leaves a trail.”
Antonio’s lips curled into a thin smile, devoid of any warmth. “For now, we keep this between us. Our men need to know we’re on top of this, that we’re not being played. We can’t show any weakness.”
“Understood,” I said, rising from my chair. “We’ll regroup once we have more information. But make no mistake, Antonio—this alliance ends the moment we find out who’s behind this.”
“Of course,” he replied, standing as well. “And when that moment comes, we’ll settle our score.”
Mario and Sal stood as well, their gazes locked on mine, the tension still simmering beneath the surface.
Antonio held out his hand and I shook it.
This truce was temporary, born out of necessity rather than trust. But for now, it would have to be enough.
CHAPTER 15
Sofia
Ihad a serious case of cabin fever.
I’d read books. I’d binged Netflix. I’d even taken to helping Alonzo in the kitchen and learning how to make pastries and different kinds of cakes for dessert. He’d orchestrated a whole wine-tasting event for me that involved tasting all different vintages from the Tuscan region, which I really enjoyed.
The truth was I was bored.
The walls of Massimo’s estate, as grand and luxurious as they were, were starting to feel like a gilded cage. I’d been cooped up inside for days now, and the desire to step out into the world was becoming unbearable.
Dinner that evening was quiet. Massimo was distracted, lost in his thoughts as he absentmindedly moved his food around on his plate.
After a while, he set his fork down and spoke, almost as if thinking out loud. “I’ll be away in a few days. There’s a charity ball—a fundraiser, really—that I need to attend.”
His words piqued my interest immediately.
“A charity ball?” I asked, my hopes rising.
Massimo nodded, his gaze still distant. “It’s an important event, a chance to maintain certain connections and keep up appearances.”
I leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of me. “And you’re going?”
“Yes,” he replied, his tone matter of fact. “It’s something I can’t afford to miss.”
I set my fork down and looked him straight in the eye. “Take me with you.”
Massimo blinked, clearly taken aback. “Sofia, it’s not exactly the kind of place where?—”
“I know it’s dangerous,” I interrupted, my voice firm. “But I need to get out of here, Massimo. I’m going stir-crazy.”
He studied me for a long moment, weighing my request against the risks. I could see the gears turning in his mind, the conflict between wanting to protect me and knowing that he couldn’t keep me locked away forever.
“You do realize what you’re asking, don’t you?” he said, his tone serious. “This isn’t a party or a casual social event. It’s a calculated performance, where every word, every gesture no matter how small, is scrutinized by every major figure there.”
“I understand that,” I replied, not backing down.
Massimo’s expression softened slightly, a hint of admiration in his gaze. “You’re determined, I’ll give you that.”
“More like desperate,” I admitted with a small smile. “I need this, Massimo. Please.”
He let out a sigh, setting his fork down. “Alright. But there will be rules, Sofia. You stay by my side the entire evening. You don’t speak to anyone unless I introduce you. And if I say it’s time to leave, we leave. No questions.”