Chapter 5 - The Web of Deceit
Matteo moved with swift efficiency, stepping behind Donati and pulling a custom firearm from his shoulder holster, along with a encrypted satellite phone. Gio gestured for Matteo to search the briefcase Donati had brought into the room.
Inside were high-resolution photographs of Isadora, maps of the restaurant’s underground wine cellar, and financial ledgers detailing offshore transfers from an account registered under Marco Rossi’s holding company.
"Four million euros," Gio said, reading the ledger with an expression of chilling tranquility. "That is what my uncle paid you to sell out the memory of my father, isn't it?"
Donati spat on the hardwood floor, his professional demeanor evaporating into pure venom. "Your father was a fool, Giovanni! He wanted to turn this organization into a legitimate business enterprise. He was weak! Marco understands that power in Italy is built on blood and fear. You are following in your father's footsteps—wasting time with restaurants, wine, and diplomacy while the streets demand strength!"
"My father built an empire that lasted thirty years without tearing this coast apart," Gio replied coldly. "Marco has turned Naples into a warzone."
"Marco is coming for you tonight," Donati sneered, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "You think you caught me? Stealing her bag was just the catalyst. I knew she would react, I knew she would cause a scene, and I knew you would bring her up here. The boat activity in the harbor isn't a false alarm. Marco’s strike team is already at the dock."
Isadora’s eyes widened. "The wine cellar," she said suddenly, looking at Gio. "The old smugglers' tunnel beneath the kitchen connects directly to the harbor cove. If they come through there, they can bypass all the perimeter guards."
Gio stood up, his pistol remaining steadily focused on Donati. "Matteo, lock him in the vault downstairs. Luca, alert the outer guard, but tell them to hold their positions. We don't want Marco's men to know we expect them."
May you like
"What about me?" Isadora asked, her pulse quickening.
Gio looked at her, his dark eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight. "Four four years, you worked in my restaurant pretending to be an ordinary waitress. You know every nook, every hidden passage, and every shadow in La Corona better than my own men. Tonight, Isadora, you are not a waitress. You are my partner."
