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The driver hesitated again, then finally nodded, stepping back and climbing back into the truck. As the truck drove away, I turned and gave a nod to Raffaele.
“It’s done,” I said softly. “Just like you wanted.”
He smiled, a slow, pleased smile that made my skin crawl. “You’ve done well, Sofia,” he said, his tone smooth, almost patronizing. “I knew I could count on you.”
I forced a smile, keeping my expression composed. “I told you I was serious.”
He nodded, glancing at the crates now loaded into his vehicles. “And you’ve proven that,” he replied. “Now, let’s talk about what you wanted to know.”
I leaned in slightly, pretending to be eager. “Who’s pulling the strings on your side?” I asked, my voice low, almost conspiratorial. “Who’s really running things?”
Raffaele chuckled softly. “You’re smart, Sofia. I like that. But you have to understand… these things aren’t always so clear-cut.”
I raised an eyebrow, playing my part perfectly. “I’m listening.”
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Ricci,” he murmured. “Senator Giovanni Ricci. He’s been working with me, using his position to shift the balance of power, to weaken the other families. He wants to clean up the city, and I’m his way in.”
I felt a surge of triumph but kept my expression neutral. “And what does he get in return?” I licked my lips, searching his gaze. It gave nothing away.
“Influence,” Raffaele replied. “Access to information, to resources. With my help, he can push his agenda, make sure his enemies are taken care of quietly. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
I nodded slowly, pretending to consider his words. “And what about the shipment? What’s the plan for it?”
He smiled, clearly pleased with himself. “That shipment is a message to Massimo. A message that he’s not untouchable, that his power is slipping. It’ll fund the next phase of our operation… and make sure that Massimo knows he’s out of time.”
I nodded, careful to keep my expression composed, my heart racing with adrenaline. He thought he had won, that everything had gone perfectly according to plan. He had no idea that every word he spoke was being recorded, that every move he made tonight was being watched.
“Good,” I replied softly. “I’m glad we understand each other.”
He nodded, looking satisfied. “You’ve done well, Sofia,” he repeated. “Very well.”
I gave him a small, tight smile. “Thank you, Raffaele. I hope this is the beginning of a… profitable partnership.”
His eyes gleamed with confidence. “Oh, it will be. Trust me.”
I nodded again, feeling a surge of triumph that I kept carefully hidden. He had fallen into the trap, given up exactly what we needed. I just had to get out of here without arousing his suspicion.
I glanced at the loaded vehicles, then back at Raffaele. “I should go,” I said casually. “I’ve done my part.”
He nodded, still smiling. “Of course. We’ll be in touch soon.”
I turned, walking toward the exit, my heart pounding in my chest. I could feel his eyes on me, watching, but I kept my pace steady, calm, as if I had nothing to hide. As soon as I was out of his sight, I quickened my steps, heading toward the side entrance where I knew Massimo would be waiting.
The door opened silently, and I slipped outside, my breath hitching as I saw Massimo standing in the shadows, his expression tense.
“It worked,” I whispered, feeling a rush of relief. “He gave up Ricci’s name… and confirmed everything.”
Massimo nodded, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Good,” he said quietly. “Then it’s time for the next step.”
I nodded, feeling a thrill of excitement. “I’ll call my journalist friend, Alessia,” I murmured. “She’ll know exactly how to spin this.”
I couldn’t believe everything had gone perfectly according to plan and I grinned. I reached for Massimo’s hand and squeezed it tight before I glanced back over my shoulder in Raffaele’s direction.
Alessia Romano was going to be the end of him.
I couldn’t help but think back to the first time I met the now prestigious journalist. She had been a senior when I was a terrified freshman in high school. Alessia had this magnetic presence—she was the kind of girl everyone noticed when she walked into a room, but not because she was loud or flashy. She had this quiet confidence, a fierce intelligence that drew people to her like moths to a flame.
I remember seeing her in the school courtyard, sitting alone with a book during lunch. She always had her head buried in some novel or a stack of notes, glasses perched on her nose, hair falling in wild waves around her face. She looked like she was in her own world, completely absorbed in whatever she was reading. I was too shy to approach her at first, but one day, by chance, we ended up stuck together in a study hall.