Chapter 12 - THE SHADOW AT THE GATES
The iron gates of the Moretti estate had stood impenetrable for decades, but the winter of 2029 brought uninvited visitors who cared little for reputations.
Clara Moretti stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of the second-floor library, her fingers tracing the edge of a leather-bound ledger. Below, in the sub-zero twilight, two sleek black sedans sat idling outside the security checkpoint. Leo was speaking with a man who wore an immaculate grey suit and carried himself with the rigid posture of a former military operative.
"Who is down there?" Matteo asked, walking quietly across the Persian rug to stand beside her. He rested a warm hand on her shoulder, his thumb tracing the fabric of her sleeve.
"Vance," Clara said, her voice dropping into a steady, calm register. "The Eastern Syndicate’s new logistics director. He’s been sniffing around our shipping routes in the harbor for three weeks."
Matteo’s gaze hardened as he looked down at the courtyard. "Vance is a mercenary with a desk job. He thinks money buys loyalty. He doesn't understand that loyalty here is bought with blood."
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"He's asking for an audience with you," Clara continued, turning to face her husband. "He claims he has information regarding the remaining members of Bianca’s network who escaped federal custody."
Matteo let out a cold, humorless chuckle. "He isn't offering information, Clara. He’s offering a truce because his supply lines are bleeding out. Tell Leo to let him in. But bring Bruno down with you. I want Vance to remember exactly whose territory he’s standing on."
