Book 2: Chapter 97

Antonio tried to pull his hand free, tried to push himself up, but Enrico’s weight pinned him down, the pain in his chest and hand rendering him nearly immobile. He knew he was in a dire situation. He had to think fast if he wanted to survive. 

“Enrico,” Antonio gasped, his voice strained with pain and desperation. “Wait…...I...had nothing to do with...."

Antonio's voice trailed off as he gasped for breath, every word a struggle against the pain that radiated through his body. He felt Enrico's boot pressing down harder on his chest, making it difficult to breathe. The cold metal of Enrico's gun was still pressed against Antonio's forehead, the promise of death only a heartbeat away.

Enrico's eyes were cold, devoid of any mercy or hesitation. “You had enough time to explain yourself a month ago during the meeting,” Enrico hissed, his voice low and deadly. “But you chose to lie. You chose to play your little games. And now, here we are.”

He crouched down,