All of this is wrong.
I look at Torrino, standing calm and composed at the edge of the circle.
How will he act when he learns the truth?
Marco lands a devastating uppercut that sends Mikhail crashing to the ground.
He doesn’t get up immediately, and my heart stops.
Tony moves forward, but Torrino’s men block him.
“Stay down,” Marco taunts. “Make this easy on yourself.”
Mikhail struggles to his feet, swaying. There’s blood in his mouth, and one eye is already swelling shut. He can’t win this. Not like this.
I make my decision.
“Stop!” My voice cuts through the warehouse. “Stop the fight!”
Everyone turns to look at me.
Mikhail’s eyes widen in alarm, but I’m already moving forward, the folder clutched in my hands.
“This fight is based on a lie,” I shout, my voice echoing off the metal walls. “Marco TorrinoandLorenzo Moretti murdered Giuliana Torrino together!”
36
MIKHAIL
The steel mill erupts into chaos the moment Sophia’s accusation echoes off the rusted walls.
I watch Torrino’s face drain of color as his men turn to stare at Marco, their expressions shifting from loyalty to suspicion in the span of a heartbeat.
“She lies!” Marco roars, but his voice cracks. Sweat beads on his forehead despite the cool air. “The girl is desperate to save her husband. She’ll say anything.”
“Is she?” I keep my stance loose, ready for violence but projecting calm. My ribs ache from the beating Marco’s already given me, but I can’t show weakness. Not now. “Because I’m betting Sophia has proof. She wouldn’t make that accusation without it.”
Sophia steps forward, and my heart lurches.
She shouldn’t be this close to the fighting circle, shouldn’t be putting herself in danger.
But she holds up a folder, her blue eyes blazing with determination that makes my chest tighten with pride and terror in equal measure.
“Giuliana was found dead, and the police ruled it a suicide,” Sophia says, her voice steady despite the tremor I can see in her hands. “But witnesses saw Marco and Lorenzo arguing with her the night she died. She was pregnant with her ex-lover’s child, and they killed her to avoid bringing shame to the family name.”
“Lies!” Marco lunges toward her, but I’m faster.
I intercept him, my fist connecting with his jaw hard enough to snap his head back.
He staggers, and I press my advantage, driving him toward the center of the circle.
“Is it lies, Marco?” Torrino’s voice cuts through the warehouse like a blade. The old don moves forward, his gray eyes fixed on his son with an intensity that makes even me uncomfortable. “Look at me and tell me you didn’t kill your sister…withher husband.”
Marco’s face twists with rage and something else.
Guilt.
Fear.
