Chapter 104

Alessandro

The door to Tio Carlo’s holding room was heavy steel, reinforced and deliberately soundproof. Certain conversations didn’t need other ears, and this was one of them. This old man and I had a serious score to settle, just myself and him. Even if it meant both of us ending up dead together.

Matteo stood guard outside, his hand resting on his weapon, watching me with the careful attention of someone who knew exactly how this was going to end. He didn’t try to stop me when I reached for the handle. He didn’t move as I grabbed it, he only gave me a tight nod, even as he walked away. He knew this was a battle I wanted to fight alone. I had to.

He had instructions just in case he didn’t hear from me within a time frame. He knew his obligations: to protect the mansion, its secrets, and my woman, Isabella. While I set these plans in motion, I had her strongly etched on my mind. I wasn’t going to let this fight swallow me. I had promised her and myself. I