Book 2: Chapter 88

Antonio’s hand trembled slightly as he dialed Dominic Russo’s number on his drive home. The news of Ares’s survival had thrown him into a panic he was struggling to contain as he drove. If Ares regained consciousness, everything Antonio had meticulously planned could be undone. As the phone rang, he tried to calm his racing thoughts, knowing he needed to present a facade of control when speaking to Dominic.

The line clicked, and Dominic’s gruff voice answered. “Antonio,” he said, his tone already edged with impatience. “This better be important.”

Antonio swallowed hard, forcing his voice to remain steady. “Dominic, we have a serious problem. Ares… he’s alive. He’s in a coma, but they’re saying there’s a chance he might wake up.”

There was a long pause on the other end of the line, filled only with the crackle of static. Antonio held his breath, waiting for Dominic’s response. When it came, it was laced with anger.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Domini