No one answers.
Because none of us know.
And that’s the most dangerous part of all.
Dario pushes off the wall and begins pacing, his shoes striking the polished floor with sharp, impatient steps.
Matteo’s eyes return to me, and there’s real anger in their depths.
Nico folds his arms slowly.“We already know someone wants both families destabilized.”
Dario scoffs.“Destabilized?”His voice drops lower.“This was an attempted execution, not adestabilizationattempt.”
Matteo doesn’t argue.
His attention drifts briefly to the glass doors again.
To the room beyond them where his brother is fighting for his life.
We all know the truth.
This is war.
And neither side knows who fired the first shot.
Footsteps echo suddenly in the hallway.
The doors open again.
Bella sweeps into the room like a storm.
Her dark hair is pulled into a tight knot, her eyes already scanning the space with sharp efficiency.
Behind her, Alessia follows closely, along with Dante’s mother.
Gina’s posture composed, her expression calm in the way only a woman who has spent decades inside this life can manage.But when her gaze finds me, something softens in her eyes.
She’s been in my situation before.And she knows how horrible it is.
I appreciate her silent support.
Bella crosses the room without hesitation.
Her gaze flicks over my bruised arm, the small cuts along my wrist.Without asking politely, she steps between the men and takes both of my hands in hers.
“How badly are you hurt?”
I attempt a small smile.None of the men asked, and I’m not surprised.“I’m okay,” I manage.
Her eyes search my face for another second.“And emotionally?”
That’s another story.
Swallowing hard, I turn my head so she can’t see the tears in my eyes.
She squeezes my hands.“Valentina?”
Calling on every ounce of Russo strength, I look at her.“Doing the best I can.”
