Chapter 77. One Thing at a Time

S's POV

I should’ve killed him the moment I saw the shift in his eyes.

But I didn’t.

Because Leonardo wasn’t just some guy from the streets.

He was my brother.

We met in hell. A juvenile block with iron bars, cold floors, and blood-slick corners.

He was the only one who didn’t flinch when they threw me into that cell at twelve.

Didn’t ask questions. Didn’t pry.

He just stood in front of me when the older inmates circled like wolves.

Watched my back.

I watched his.

That’s how it started.

We fought together. Bled together. Starved together.

He could’ve escaped with me the night I ran. But he didn’t.

Said, “You’re meant for bigger. Me? I’ll rot out my sentence and come find you later.”

And he did.

Three years after I built my empire from blood and grit and ash, he showed up.

Still wearing the same smirk.

I took him in.

Gave him a house, a car, three loyal guards.

Made